Lora Johnson | AHRMM

 

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Lora Johnson, CMRP, RN, BSN    

Director of Value Analysis, Grady Health System, Woodstock, GA    

Joined AHRMM in 2013

1. Please share your history of involvement with AHRMM committees/task forces/activities:

I have participated in the Education Committee from January 2014-December 2015. Several key accomplishments include teaching the CMRP exam prep course via webinar and at AHRMM15, serving as moderator for the Supplier Diversity: A Strategic Value Proposition webinar and the Value Analysis Best Practices: A Panel Discussion webinar, co-presenting on AHRMM’s first podcast focused on continuing education and CMRP achievement and lastly, assisting with the development of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) contact hours related questions for numerous webinars and presentations.

2. Tell us more about your specific job responsibilities in your company/hospital/organization:

As the Direct of Value Analysis for Grady Health System, my key role is to ensure all products purchased are in the intersection of cost, quality, and outcomes (CQO). While this may sound easy, Grady is undergoing a significant shift in culture to enhance physician (and clinical) engagement in the CQO process.

3. How many years have you been in your current role; how many years in supply chain?

I have been at Grady for just over a year now. My career prior to Grady included 27 years of service in the clinical arena ranging from staff nurse to Director of Surgical Services and five years in Supply Chain Management ranging from data analyst to Director of Supply Chain Operations.

4. What aspect of your job do you like best?

I love being able to utilize my clinical knowledge while learning new aspects of the system to align clinical support in an effort to promote the best outcomes for the system as a whole. My job is never boring!

5. What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

Obtaining key stakeholder attention is probably my current biggest challenge. Everyone is so busy and constantly being asked to do one more task. The Value Analysis initiatives often fall to the bottom. I see this as a constant effort to ensure the initiatives align with the system’s strategic goals thus hold a higher sense of urgency and promote alliance.

6. Who is your mentor/key influencer, and why?

Many mentors have influenced my life and career to this point but the one that remains constant throughout is Mahatma Gandhi. I try to live my life based on his quote, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

7. What AHRMM board/committee/task forces/activity/experience stands out/is most memorable for you?

Assisting with CMRP education has been very meaningful. I particularly enjoy having face-to-face time with so many wonderful enthusiastic members who want to pursue and advance in healthcare supply chain roles.

8. Why did you join AHRMM/what keeps you coming back?

I initially joined AHRMM for the resource it provides in all aspects of healthcare supply chain. Being an agent for change, I felt it important to look beyond the experience in the four walls of the institution where I worked, to discover best practices, and identify opportunities to move beyond “this is the way we have always done it”. AHRMM has been and continues to be that resource.

9. Name one AHRMM tool you “cannot do without”:

Learning Center

10. What are key AHRMM resources you use to leverage your supply chain processes?

11. What is the best part of being involved in your professional association?

Networking is a true asset for this group. The problems and challenges in healthcare today are neither unique to one place nor isolated to only one local. By sharing knowledge of successful actions and methods to overcome our challenges, we all move to a more sustainable healthcare system for our country.

12. What is something most of your peers don’t know about you?

I have a dream to one day write a book while I watch the waves roll in from my second story home office window.

13. In my free time I like to:

Cycle, hike, cook, and read.

14. Personal Motto or Favorite Quote:

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”