Message from AHVAP President-Elect

Collaboration in Action: Reflections from SGNA

In June, I had the privilege of being one of four representing our value analysis profession at SGNA. We were invited as special guests and to assist with a group activity where AHVAP’s Executive Director, Dr Hudson Garrett, was speaking to the audience about the importance of value analysis and interprofessional collaboration. The session was more than talking about our work—but championing it. This wasn’t just a speaking opportunity, it was recognition of the essential role VA professionals play in driving clinical, operational, and financial outcomes across healthcare.

Being invited signaled something important: our voice matters. Our role in evaluating products, supporting clinical teams, and balancing cost with quality is being recognized more broadly than ever. This moment affirmed that VA is not behind the scenes—we’re part of the strategic conversation shaping the future of healthcare.

Throughout the conference, one theme emerged clearly: collaboration is key. I attended a session discussing the various contributions and insights both novice and legacy nurses bring to the table. This is not dissimilar from various professions being able to learn from each other and understand the value each brings. It was evident that real progress happens when clinicians, leaders, industry partners, and VA professionals come together. We each bring a unique lens, but when we align around shared goals, we move faster—and smarter.

Conferences like this serve as powerful reminders: our work doesn’t happen in silos. Whether you're a hospital-based VA professional or an industry partner, now is the time to lean into collaboration. Invite each other in. Ask more questions. Share more data. Build stronger relationships.

Sincerely,

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