The Health Economists and Academic Leaders Network (HEAL Network) was delighted to support and participate in the 14th Annual Conference of the American Society of Health Economists (ASHEcon), held this June in Nashville, Tennessee. Our presence at this event, including Steve Parente’s leadership as the outgoing ASHEcon President, highlights The HEAL Network’s commitment to shaping the future of health policy and supporting the scientific community dedicated to promoting excellence in health economics research in the United States. Below, we reflect on our contributions, key moments, and the impactful connections made during this gathering.
Engaging with Cutting-Edge Research
With over 700 attendees, the ASHEcon 2025 Conference provided an unparalleled platform for the HEAL Network to engage with the latest methodological developments and empirical findings in health economics. We participated in a variety of sessions and engaged with innovative research that addressed challenges in healthcare policy, cost-effectiveness, and equitable access to care. Spotlight sessions included translating research for policymakers to discussions on health equity. The presenters’ contributions featured the practical implications of health economics in driving evidence-based solutions.
Topics ranged from value-based payment models to the economic impacts of social determinants of health, aligning with the conference’s focus on enhancing individual and societal health. These sessions not only showcased the expertise of ASHEcon’s members but also reinforced Steve Parente, HEAL’s Founding Director, as a thought leader in the field.
Mentorship and Collaboration
A highlight of our participation was the HEAL Network’s active involvement in the ASHEcon Mentoring Program, held on June 22, 2025. This program offered a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with early-career researchers and students, fostering the next generation of health economists. Seasoned academics and think tank leaders provided guidance on navigating academic careers, publishing research, and translating findings into policy impact. Our participation in these mentorship sessions was a testament to our mission of nurturing talent and building a supportive community within health economics.
In addition to mentorship, the HEAL Network facilitated meaningful networking opportunities during the conference. We were able to connect with researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, forging collaborations that promise to advance our collective understanding of health economics.
Looking Ahead
We left Nashville energized by the opportunity to share our research, mentor emerging scholars, and collaborate with peers from across the globe. As we reflect on this experience, we are more committed than ever to advancing health economics research that informs policy and improves lives.
We extend our gratitude to ASHEcon for hosting this event and to our members for their outstanding contributions. Stay tuned for updates on our ongoing research and future engagements by visiting our website, thehealnetwork.org. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries in health economics to help drive meaningful change in the healthcare sector.