BY: * Luã Santiago Barros
The U.S. healthcare system is facing an undeniable shift. With increasing demand, complex regulations, and a growing reliance on technology, hospitals and healthcare institutions need more than just doctors and nurses, they need systems that work. Behind every smooth admission process, well-stocked surgical unit, and timely patient transfer, there is a logistics and systems professional making it all happen. And that’s exactly where I come in.
I’m a logistics specialist and hospital systems manager originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Over the last decade, I’ve had the privilege of working on the frontlines of one of Latin America’s most dynamic public hospital networks. My journey began at the Hospital Federal Servidores do Estado in 2015, where I served as an administrative assistant for over seven years. What started as a support role quickly evolved into a mission: to help hospitals operate smarter, faster, and more efficiently.
In 2017, I was asked to lead the implementation of SEI (Sistema Eletrônico de Informações), a transformative electronic system that would modernize our hospital’s administrative operations. This project changed the way I viewed my work. I immersed myself in the technology, mastered its features, and trained my colleagues to adopt it with confidence. It wasn’t easy, introducing new systems rarely is, but I saw firsthand how strategic technology integration could reduce delays, eliminate paper waste, and create a smoother workflow for everyone from receptionists to department heads.
“This is the kind of impact that logistics and systems professionals can, and should, have in healthcare. And it’s exactly what many U.S. institutions are now looking for.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for medical and health services managers is expected to grow by 28% between 2021 and 2031, a reflection of how essential operational leadership has become. But hiring for these roles isn’t just about filling seats. It’s about bringing in people who understand both the technology and the human dynamics of a hospital environment. People who can make systems work for the professionals who use them.
In Brazil, working in a high-pressure, resource-constrained environment taught me to prioritize efficiency without sacrificing empathy. From managing inventory to distributing medical supplies, I learned to identify bottlenecks and resolve them before they became problems. I understood that even the smallest delay in logistics could have ripple effects on patient care. That’s a mindset I carry with me into every role.
But technology and logistics alone aren’t enough. Communication is just as critical. When we implemented SEI, my priority wasn’t just adoption, it was understanding.
I designed training sessions with clarity and patience, making sure every team member, regardless of their background, felt empowered to use the new tools. A hospital only runs well when everyone knows how to navigate its systems, and feels supported doing so.
I truly believe that the future of hospital operations relies on the ability to integrate smart logistics with compassionate leadership. My international experience gives me a unique lens, one that’s rooted in resilience, adaptability, and a deep commitment to continuous improvement.
Hospitals are more than medical centers. They are living, breathing ecosystems that depend on the strength of their internal processes as much as their clinical expertise. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, it’s time to recognize the professionals who make that invisible engine run.
* Luã Santiago Barros is a Specialist in Logistics Management and Hospital Systems with extensive experience in integrating and managing hospital systems in Brazil. He is passionate about optimizing healthcare operations through advanced technology and efficient logistics.