Cindy Jimmerson
President, Lean Healthcare West

Applying Principles from Toyota to Healthcare: Surprises in Our Systems

Ms. Cindy Jimmerson has a 30-year background in trauma and emergency program development and small business administration. She has spent the last 20 years assisting hospitals and communities in the development of trauma and transport systems, co-authoring three texts on trauma care in this country and in Europe, and lecturing extensively in the U.S. and abroad. Cindy is currently the co-investigator with Dr. Durward Sobek, an industrial engineer, on a National Science Foundation study which is examining how to apply Toyota Production System principles to healthcare. The grant activities are focused on application in direct patient care areas, pharmacy, finance, and support services. Cindy also offers education and implementation of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and lean principles through her company, Lean Healthcare West.

Cindy will discuss the challenges she has encountered using TPS concepts in the healthcare industry. She will also share her success stories and the discoveries she made in this complex business.