Message from AHVAP Executive Director

"How Much Do You Really See Yourself as Worth?"

Dear AHVAP Members and Partners,

As professionals in the field of healthcare value analysis, we are often tasked with evaluating the worth of products, services, and technologies. But how often do we turn that same lens inward, examining how much we truly value our own professional development and career growth?

In many ways, how much we invest in ourselves—whether through learning, networking, or professional recognition—directly correlates to the value we bring to the table as leaders in healthcare. So, the question is: how much do you see yourself as worth? And more importantly, how are you investing in that worth?

As members of AHVAP, we have a unique opportunity to elevate our expertise, expand our influence, and enhance our personal and professional trajectories. However, this does not happen by accident. It requires conscious, purposeful action. We must recognize that we are the stewards of our own careers, responsible for our growth and the impact we make in healthcare.

The Power of Professional Investment
Investing in yourself is more than just attending an event or signing up for a course. It’s about committing to continuous improvement, honing your skills, and positioning yourself as a leader in healthcare value analysis. Here are a few key ways that AHVAP members can invest in themselves, each with its own value that compounds over time.

1. Paying for Your Professional Association Membership
First and foremost, paying for your AHVAP membership is a clear signal of how much you believe in your own worth. Think of this membership as an investment in your career. Your annual dues provide you with access to a wealth of resources: networking opportunities, educational webinars, valuable industry reports, and access to a supportive community of peers. But beyond these tangible benefits, membership in a professional association like AHVAP demonstrates a commitment to staying at the forefront of healthcare value analysis and advancing your expertise.

When you renew your membership, it’s not just an expense—it’s a reflection of your personal investment in your professional journey. You are saying, “I am committed to being the best version of myself in this field, and I believe in the value that this community offers.”

2. Attending the Annual Conference: Sharpening Your Saw
One of the most powerful ways to invest in your professional growth is by attending AHVAP’s Annual Conference. The experience of attending is so much more than just acquiring new knowledge—though that alone is worth it. The conference offers a unique opportunity to sharpen your skills and broaden your perspective by engaging with thought leaders, industry experts, and fellow professionals.

The conference is designed to provide cutting-edge insights, best practices, and the latest innovations in healthcare value analysis. It’s a time to step away from your day-to-day responsibilities and immerse yourself in high-level learning and networking. Think of it as sharpening your saw, to use the analogy popularized by Stephen Covey in his book The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. By continuously sharpening our skills, we stay relevant and effective in a rapidly changing healthcare landscape.

Moreover, the relationships you build and the knowledge you gain at the conference can last far beyond the event itself. Many AHVAP members have found new career opportunities, mentorship connections, and innovative solutions to longstanding challenges by simply engaging at the conference. This kind of professional investment pays dividends long after the event ends.

3. Seeking Board Certification: The Ultimate Credential of Excellence
Another investment worth considering is seeking board certification in healthcare value analysis-earning your CVAHP designation. Board certification is an opportunity to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field of value analysis at the highest level. It is not just a certificate—it is a mark of excellence, a signal to employers, peers, and the broader healthcare community that you have mastered the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards required to excel in this field.

The process of becoming board-certified requires a commitment of time and effort, but the rewards are substantial. It boosts your credibility, enhances your professional reputation, and can open doors to new opportunities. Certification signifies to others—and to yourself—that you are willing to go above and beyond to advance your career. In a competitive healthcare landscape, that level of commitment can make a world of difference.

4. Continuing Education and Skill Development
In addition to the formal certifications and conferences, don’t underestimate the power of ongoing education. Healthcare value analysis professionals must be lifelong learners, constantly adapting to new technologies, regulatory changes, and evolving patient care standards. Whether through online courses, workshops, or industry publications, committing to learning is a key aspect of investing in your career.

One of the greatest benefits of professional development is that it allows you to expand your expertise into new areas. For example, you may choose to explore areas such as healthcare economics, data analytics, or the latest innovations in medical devices. As you expand your skill set, you increase your value within your organization and enhance your ability to contribute meaningfully to healthcare decision-making.

Investing in Yourself Leads to Lasting Impact
At the end of the day, how much you see yourself as worth directly influences the impact you will have within your organization, community, and the broader healthcare industry. If you invest in yourself—whether through association membership, education, certifications, or networking—you are positioning yourself for success. But more importantly, you are ensuring that your work in healthcare value analysis continues to shape and improve the industry for years to come.

As we move forward in 2025, I encourage you to think about where you are investing your time, resources, and energy. Are you committing to your own growth? Are you sharpening your saw and positioning yourself for long-term success? The decisions you make today will have a lasting impact on your career and the patients you serve.

Remember, your professional destiny is in your hands. You own it, and you have the power to shape it. Let’s continue to invest in ourselves and our profession, and together, we will continue to elevate the field of healthcare value analysis to new heights.

Regards,

J. Hudson Garrett Jr., Ph.D., MSN, MPH, MBA, FNP-BC, IP-BC, PLNC, VA-BC, LTC-CIP, CIC, AL-CIP, CPPS, CAE, CAIP, CPHQ, CVAHPTM, ICE-CCP, CPXP, CMRP, CDIPC, FAOM, FACDONA, FAAPM, FAPIC, FNAP, FACHE, FSHEA, FIDSA, FAHVAP
Executive Director and Executive Vice President
Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals (AVHAP)
Chief Credentialing Officer
AHVAP Certification Center
Certified Association Executive