From Graduate Studies to Leading Innovation in Health Policy: Sarena Ho’s Journey in Value-Based Care | Johns Hopkins

Sarena Ho: A Champion for Value-Based Care and Dementia Care

Sarena Ho, MSPH ’22, has quickly made her mark in the complex world of health policy.As graduating from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg school of Public Health, she has risen to the position of Model Lead for the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center (CMMI). GUIDE aims to enhance the quality of life for individuals living with dementia, alleviate caregiver burdens, and promote community-based living.This ambitious initiative aligns perfectly with Ho’s passion for value-based care.

A passion For Data-Driven Solutions

ho’s interest in value-based care was ignited during her time at the Bloomberg School. Courses like “Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System” and “Health Economics” provided crucial insights into the intricate relationship between research, policy, and health outcomes. This academic foundation led to a field placement at Discern health, where she gained practical experience in quality and value-based care.

“Through these courses, I became captivated by the world of value-based care,” Ho said. Her 18-month internship at Discern Health deepened that passion.She immersed herself in quality measurement and learned how data-driven approaches could shape programs to improve health outcomes. This experience positioned her perfectly for a role at the Centers for medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a pivotal agency in healthcare innovation.

From Internship to Leadership

Ho’s commitment to public service led her to pursue a career in government.by working with CMS through client projects, she gained valuable firsthand experience with the agency’s impact on healthcare policy.

“Having interned at local and federal government levels, I knew early on that I wanted to pursue a government career,” she explains. “Working with CMS through client projects deepened my recognition for the impact of policy on healthcare innovation and solidified my commitment to this path.”

Leading the GUIDE Model

In April 2023, Ho joined CMMI as the Quality and Health Equity Lead on the GUIDE model. Just nine months later, her dedication earned her a well-deserved promotion to model Lead.

“As Model Lead, I am responsible for the GUIDE model’s overall success across all domains: quality, care delivery, data, payment, and more,” she said. “It’s a role that demands both a deep understanding of each workstream and the ability to see how they synergistically connect to create a model greater than the sum of its parts.”

Ho describes this role as both challenging and rewarding. “The GUIDE model’s complexity and interdependencies require constant adaptation, but seeing the tangible impact on individuals’ lives makes it incredibly fulfilling,”

Graduate Studies: A Foundation for Success

Ho credits her graduate studies at the Bloomberg School for equipping her with the necessary skills to navigate the complexities of health policy.

“The MSPH program provided a robust foundation for navigating the health policy landscape,” she said. “It honed my ability to leverage research and data to address complex public health problems and lead teams to produce their best work.”

Building a Future in Public Health

Looking forward, Ho aims to continue driving innovation in health policy. Her journey highlights the powerful impact of curiosity, dedication, and collaborative spirit in shaping a healthier future.

for aspiring public health professionals, Ho shares this valuable advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions—it’s an opportunity to expand your knowledge and foster dialog,” she said. “Effective dialogue and collaboration are fundamental tenets of public health. Whether in research, policy, or program implementation, the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders is essential to achieving impactful outcomes.”

What are some data-driven approaches excited you about the future of value-based care and dementia support?

Archyde News: Serana Ho – Championing Value-Based Care and Dementia Support

Interviewing the Passionate Visionary: Serana Ho

Sarena Ho: Driving Innovation in Dementia Care

From Academics to Action: A Passion Ignited

Archyde: Your journey in value-based care began at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of public Health.Can you share what sparked your interest in this realm?

sarena Ho: Absolutely.Courses like “Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System” and “Health Economics” really opened my eyes to the intricate relationship between research, policy, and health outcomes. My field placement at Discern Health reinforced that,and I’ve been hooked ever as.

From Intern toLeader: A Career in Government

Archyde: You’ve risen rapidly through the ranks at CMS. What drew you to a career in government, and how did your internships prepare you for this path?

Sarena Ho: My commitment to public service led me to pursue a government career.Interning at local and federal levels, especially working with CMS through client projects, gave me valuable experience in the impact of policy on healthcare innovation.

Guiding the GUIDE Model: A Complex Challenge

Archyde: As model Lead for the GUIDE model, what are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your role?

Sarena Ho: The complexity and interdependencies of the GUIDE model require constant adaptation. But seeing tangible impacts on individuals’ lives, especially those living with dementia and their caregivers, makes it incredibly fulfilling.

Graduate Studies: A Launchpad for Success

Archyde: How instrumental were your graduate studies at the Bloomberg school in preparing you for your current role?

Sarena Ho: The MSPH programme equipped me with the skills to navigate the health policy landscape. It honed my ability to leverage research and data to address complex public health problems and lead teams to their best work.

Forging Ahead: Inspiration for Aspiring Professionals

Archyde: What advice would you give to aspiring public health professionals looking to make a significant impact like you have?

sarena Ho: Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Effective dialogue and collaboration are fundamental in public health. Engaging with diverse stakeholders is essential to achieve impactful outcomes.

One Final Thought: A Look into the Future

archyde: Looking forward,what trends or innovations excite you most about the future of value-based care and dementia support?

sarena Ho: I’m incredibly excited about the potential of data-driven approaches to personalize care,improve health outcomes,and better support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.