Marc Scher: Calling on all HFMA members to keep moving forward

In a year when my theme is Sempre Avanti (Always Forward), I now find myself looking back. It’s humbling for me to reflect on the ways I’ve personally been embraced by members and leaders at HFMA events across the country. It’s especially meaningful to know that the inspiration for this theme — the bravery and innovation of the nation’s first mountaineering unit, which gave the United States a strategic edge during World War II — resonated with so many of you.

I remain convinced that making an impact in a dynamic, ever-changing and ever-challenging field like healthcare finance requires us to always be moving in the direction of solutions. And I want to express my recognition and appreciation for a year of collective progress.

There’s so much innovation taking place throughout the healthcare industry, and healthcare finance is no exception. We heard during last year’s HFMA Annual Conference that innovative organizations embrace risk in the quest to be better. Across the country, I’ve witnessed members embrace this mindset, exploring ways to strengthen innovation while protecting the financial sustainability of their organizations and emphasizing the need for improved access to care, equity and efficiency.

During a time when our industry and our Association are at an inflection point — when the strategies and tools that worked in overcoming yesterday’s challenges are no longer sufficient for meeting today’s pressures or tomorrow’s threats — our members are changing the paradigm to ensure future success.

In confronting some of the most difficult issues in our industry, like the need to improve payer-provider relations, we’ve consistently demonstrated a desire to do what’s right, together, in service to our communities.

We’ve explored the introduction of new technologies, like AI, through the lens of value, understanding that achieving ROI from AI depends on identifying the right use cases, establishing governance for AI innovation and building on successes and lessons learned — including from our peers.

And we’ve seen leaders create energy and momentum around doing the right things and the hard things to advance the mission of healthcare organizations on behalf of the communities they serve and the industry.

I’m looking back in gratitude for all that I’ve experienced as HFMA Chair, for the people I’ve met and the connections that I’ve made at national, regional and chapter events. As we prepare for a new HFMA Chair, I’m also looking forward, excited to be part of all that is to come and work alongside you in deepening our collective impact.

These are exciting times, and there is so much yet to be done. We need to make sure we’re moving always forward, knowing that there is tremendous opportunity in simply being willing to take risks for the greater good.

We continue to face the greatest challenges of our careers on many fronts. But with an always-forward mindset, I know that we are up for the challenge.

Sempre Avanti!