James Russell Member Spotlight

James Russell, RN-BC, MBA, CVAHP, is the Director of Clinical Resource Management at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. The value analysis aspect of his role 100% focused on cancer care for the 700 impatient beds and over 1.5 million outpatient visits per year. As a research hospital, there could be about 1,600 studies ongoing at the same time. 50% of the 22,000 employees are conducting research. The challenge is getting continuity of the same products for continuity of the studies amidst product disruptions. He is involved in a pharmacotherapeutics committee with three times more spend in drugs than in products. He is very proud to work alongside two other value analysis leaders. Monthly Value Analysis meetings cover the perioperative service, and patient care nursing.

What does CVAHP certification mean to you?

One of the benefits of being certified is it helped me get the position I'm in. When my facility decided to create a Director, Clinical Resource Management, they specifically wanted someone certified for the role. Certification, thanks to our friends in nursing, has become the gold standard for knowledge and up to date expertise. Additionally, I think being certified shows a dedication to the field of Value Analysis and a commitment to expanding one's knowledge in the future. I'm proud to be certified and take every chance I get to explain to others what it means.

How do you spend your free time?

My wife, also a nurse, and I spend our time with our two rescue dogs and are passionate about dog rescue. I also love woodworking. I make small furniture and cutting/charcuterie boards.