Message from AHVAP President-Elect

We All Start Somewhere: Embracing Growth in your Professional Journey

This past week, I was reminded of a key concept: no one is born an expert. You see, we often look at seasoned professionals and assume they’ve always had the knowledge and confidence they have today. But the truth is, every expert was once a beginner—asking questions, making mistakes, and learning along the way.

I was reflecting on this when I found myself helping my 16-year-old daughter write her very first resume. She was applying for an internship at the local hospital where she will get to explore the various aspects of healthcare delivery. She did not think her resume would allow her to stand out. However, while her first resume lacked any paying experience, she had lots of transferable skills from the volunteer work she did as a Girl Scout and as a current Fire Explorer. Some of the skills involved communication, critical thinking, and teamwork. These experiences and skills reinforced an important lesson: expertise isn’t about knowing everything up front; it’s about being willing to start, learn, and apply what you already know in new ways.

The truth is that expertise is not a prerequisite for contribution. It is a process—one that is fueled by curiosity, adaptability, and the ability to apply what we already know in new ways. The skills we develop in one area are not isolated; they are transferable. A nurse analyzing product utilization has already honed skills in critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making. A supply chain professional understands cost efficiency and logistics, both essential in clinical value analysis. A finance expert brings analytical prowess that can translate into evaluating total cost of ownership.

Finding Resources to Grow

While transferable skills provide a strong foundation, growth also requires intentional effort. The good news? There are resources all around us to help develop the expertise we need.

• Find a Mentor – Learning from someone who has walked the path before you can accelerate your growth. Seek out mentors who challenge you, share their insights, and help you navigate complexities.
• Attend Workshops & Conferences– Engaging with industry events and educational sessions keeps you informed on trends, best practices, and innovations that impact your work.
• Take Online or In-Person Courses– From negotiation and financial analysis to clinical product evaluation, expanding your knowledge through structured learning builds confidence and credibility.
• Join Professional Networks– Participating in value analysis groups, committees, or online forums provides exposure to diverse perspectives and real-world case studies.
• Stay Curious & Read Widely – Books, articles, and thought leadership pieces can offer fresh insights and practical strategies to refine your approach.

For a value analysis professional, success isn’t about knowing everything upfront, it’s about being willing to learn, apply past experiences in new contexts, and collaborate. The ability to recognize patterns, ask the right questions, and drive change isn’t limited to a single domain. We all bring something valuable to the table, even when we feel like we are just getting started.

So, as you step into new challenges—whether it’s leading a project, influencing stakeholders, or navigating a complex decision—remember that you don’t have to be an expert from day one. You just have to start.

Sincerely,

Anne Marie Orlando, MBA, RN, RCIS, CVAHP™, FACHDM, PNAP, FAHVAP
President-Elect, Board of Directors
AHVAP