Transforming Healthcare Worldwide: ISPOR’s Vision of HEOR Excellence for All

Eberechukwu Onukwugha, PhD, ISPOR President

As I step into the role of ISPOR President, I am honored to share my vision for our organization’s future. My journey with ISPOR, which began in 2005, has been shaped by a truly global perspective, having lived and studied in the United States, Nigeria, and France. This international background has profoundly influenced my outlook on health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) and its potential to transform healthcare worldwide.

My personal history has taught me the importance of understanding the complex layers of identity and culture in healthcare decisions. For instance, the languages I speak—English, French, and Igbo—each connect me to different communities and perspectives. This diversity of experience informs my belief that we need to generate HEOR evidence that truly serves patients in all their complexity.

Furthermore, as we look toward the future, we must consider the demographic shifts projected for 2030 and beyond. For example, by the beginning of the next decade, individuals 65 and older will make up more than 20% of the populations of Europe, Russia, China, and the United States, while global population growth will be concentrated in parts of Africa and Southeast Asia. These trends underscore the need for innovative, globally minded approaches in our field.

"I am excited to introduce my vision for ISPOR's next chapter: "HEOR Excellence for All." This vision is not just a slogan, but a commitment to leveraging our expertise to improve healthcare worldwide."

 

Synthesizing these insights from my personal journey and our changing world, I am excited to introduce my vision for ISPOR's next chapter: "HEOR Excellence for All." This vision is not just a slogan, but a commitment to leveraging our collective expertise to improve healthcare worldwide. To fulfill this vision, we must focus on 3 key areas:

Catalyzing Innovation in HEOR

ISPOR has always been at the forefront of our discipline, and I believe we must continue to drive innovation. We need to push boundaries, explore new methodologies, and embrace emerging technologies to enhance our research and its impact. As the key driver of innovation in our field, ISPOR must lead the way in developing cutting-edge approaches to HEOR.

Advocating for Partnerships That Drive Innovation

I firmly believe that we can have a greater impact through strategic partnerships. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders—from patient groups to policymakers, from healthcare providers to technology innovators—we can bring HEOR solutions to the many challenges facing healthcare today and in the future. These partnerships will be crucial in expanding the reach and influence of our work.

Supporting Training for HEOR Professionals

Education and training are vital to ensure that our profession is well-prepared to make a lasting difference in healthcare. We must invest in developing the next generation of HEOR professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle tomorrow’s healthcare challenges. This focus on professional development will be key to maintaining ISPOR’s position as a leader in the field.

As we move forward, I am dedicated to making real progress in these 3 key areas. I will champion innovation that is truly meaningful—innovation that transforms our systems and transforms us. I will advocate for partnerships that reimagine the collection and management of real-world data, including what data we gather and who is represented. Finally, I will work to provide cutting-edge training for our worldwide HEOR family, particularly for students, junior investigators, and post-doctoral fellows. These commitments align with our goal of being prepared for the demographic shifts projected for 2030 and beyond.

I invite all ISPOR members and leaders to reach out, share your voices, and play an active role in realizing our collective vision of a world where healthcare is accessible, effective, efficient, and affordable for all. Together, we can shape the future of HEOR, ensuring that we are prepared to meet the healthcare challenges of tomorrow. By focusing on innovation, partnerships, and professional development, we can achieve HEOR Excellence for All. I look forward to working with you all as we embark on this exciting journey to make a lasting impact on global healthcare.