Alumni Spotlight: Sarena Ho, Leading Transformation for Value-Based Care

Navigating the often labyrinthian world of health policy, Sarena Ho, MSPH ’22, has carved a path defined by curiosity, collaboration, and commitment to improving public health outcomes. Ho has been combining analytical prowess with leadership acumen since graduating from the Bloomberg School in May 2022. Today, she serves as the Model Lead for the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Innovation Center (CMMI), championing better care for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Ho’s fascination with value-based care took root during her time at BSPH, where courses like Introduction to the U.S. Healthcare System and Health Economics offered a window into the complex interplay of research, policy, and health outcomes. “Through these courses, I became captivated by the world of value-based care,” she said. This academic intrigue led her to a field placement at Discern Health, specializing in quality and value-based care.

Over 18 months, Ho immersed herself in quality measurement, learning how data-driven approaches could shape value-based programs to improve health outcomes. This hands-on experience brought her into frequent contact with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), a critical touchpoint in her career trajectory.

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

Stepping Into Leadership at CMMI 

In April 2023, Ho joined CMMI as the Quality and Health Equity Lead on the GUIDE model, a groundbreaking initiative designed to improve the quality of life for dementia patients, reduce caregiver burden, and support community-based living. Established in 2010 under the Affordable Care Act, CMMI pilots alternative payment and care delivery models to enhance care quality while reducing costs.

Just nine months after joining CMMI, Ho’s exceptional contributions earned her a 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 described her role as both the most challenging and the most rewarding of her career to date. “The GUIDE model’s complexity and interdependencies require constant adaptation, but seeing the tangible impact on individuals’ lives makes it incredibly fulfilling,” she added.

Graduate Studies as a Launchpad for Success 

Reflecting on her time at the School, Ho highlighted how her graduate education equipped her with the tools to tackle the intricate challenges 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.”

Courses in statistical methods and financial management were particularly impactful. “The Statistical Methods for Public Health series deepened my quantitative skills, allowing me to apply statistical inference and modeling to real-world problems,” Ho explained. Similarly, the Fundamentals in Budgeting and Financial Management course provided her with practical tools to enhance operational efficiency and inform strategic decisions—skills she now applies to managing the financial aspects of the GUIDE model.

Moments of Pride and Lessons Learned 

Becoming the Model Lead of GUIDE stands out as a career highlight for Ho. “Leading a team of amazing staff and overseeing such a transformative initiative has been an incredible honor,” she said. Her journey has taught her the importance of intellectual curiosity and effective collaboration. “The smartest people I know are those who never fail to ask questions and learn from others."

She also emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of health policy. “Change necessitates engagement across sectors and disciplines. Leveraging partnerships is key to forming innovative solutions to public health problems,” Ho advises. 

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Public Health Professionals 

Ho’s advice for current graduate students is simple yet powerful: Embrace curiosity and collaboration. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions—it’s an opportunity to expand your knowledge and foster dialogue,” she said. She also underscores the importance of communication and teamwork in driving meaningful change. 

“Effective communication and collaboration are fundamental tenets of public health,” she said. “Whether in research, policy, or program implementation, the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders is essential to achieving impactful outcomes.” 

With a career defined by impactful contributions to value-based care, Sarena Ho plans to continue driving innovation in health policy. Her journey—from academic foundations at the School to leading transformative initiatives at CMMI—offers a powerful testament to the potential of curiosity, expertise, and dedication in shaping the future of public health.