Alyssa Parks, MHA

My work centers on ensuring that physicians, nurses, and clinical teams have exactly what they need, when they need it. In healthcare, supplies are never “just supplies.” They are patient outcomes, safety measures, and lifesaving tools. Over the past three years, I’ve led one of the most complex initiatives of my career: transitioning more than 8,000 medical and surgical items to a new distributor. That process required careful price negotiations, clinical approvals, cross-department coordination, and constant troubleshooting. All during the lingering supply chain disruptions of COVID-19. Even today, shipping delays and logistical backlogs continue to challenge community hospitals like ours, especially with smaller specialty orders; But challenge is where I thrive. Procurement is strategy, communication, and resilience, and I love every part of it. Education has always been central to my growth. I completed my master’s degree while working full-time, an experience that tested my discipline but strengthened my confidence. What I was learning academically mirrored the challenges I was navigating professionally, particularly in operations, leadership, and crisis management. I am also proud to be a member of the Association for Supply Chain Management, the American Hospital Association, and the National Honor Society, organizations that reflect my commitment to both professional excellence and lifelong learning. Most recently, I’ve expanded my expertise into hazardous materials management and emergency preparedness, a path I discovered almost unexpectedly. What began as curiosity evolved into a genuine passion. I am currently pursuing certification as a hazardous materials manager, further strengthening the safety infrastructure within our facility. I’ve learned that sometimes the most defining career moves begin with simply saying “yes” to an opportunity.

Mentorship has played a meaningful role in my professional growth. My current supervisor and a trusted college mentor recognized my strengths early on, helping me build the confidence to pursue leadership opportunities that once felt out of reach. I value their openness, particularly how they communicate, reflect on their personal and professional choices, and share those insights with honesty. Their guidance has provided me with clarity, direction, and a strong foundation as I continue to shape my career in healthcare leadership.

My advice to young women entering the healthcare industry is to remain open‑minded and fully embrace every experience. Believing that while someone may begin their career with a clear idea of the path they want to follow, they may discover through guidance, opportunity, or exploration, a role that aligns even more naturally with their strengths and goals. My own journey into my current position is an example of how unexpected opportunities can become deeply rewarding.

I also encourage young women to advocate for themselves, emphasize that you are your own strongest voice, and it’s important not to shy away from taking up space, speaking up, and ensuring your ideas are heard. I believe that confidence grows with practice and that every woman’s perspective holds value and deserves to be recognized.

One of the biggest challenges is navigating the ongoing complexity of healthcare supply chains, particularly within smaller, community‑based hospitals. Limited vendor options, fluctuating pricing, and nationwide supply shortages require teams to be more agile and strategic than ever. For hospitals on the East End, geographic isolation and seasonal population shifts add an additional layer of difficulty, making consistency, forecasting, and strong vendor relationships essential.

At the same time, these challenges bring significant opportunities. Innovation in procurement technology, data‑driven forecasting, and interdepartmental collaboration allows healthcare organizations to operate more efficiently and sustainably. There is tremendous potential in leveraging analytics, strengthening cross‑functional communication, and optimizing purchasing processes to improve both cost savings and patient care outcomes. The evolving landscape of healthcare operations offers professionals the chance to rethink old systems, implement creative solutions, and drive meaningful change. Especially in smaller hospitals where improvements have an immediate and visible impact on the community.

The values most important, both in work and in my personal life, center on service, community, and showing up where I am needed most. Beyond my responsibilities at the hospital, I remain deeply committed to supporting the East End community. By regularly volunteering at local events, including the Strawberry Festival and other North Fork traditions that bring neighbors together. Service extends far beyond the walls of Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital. It means being present, engaged, and contributing to the well‑being of the community she calls home. This mindset aligns closely with SBELIH’s mission to stay connected with residents through outreach, tabling events, and initiatives that give back to the people who place their trust in the hospital.