Pathways: Market Access & HEOR

Demonstrating Value That Matters

Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) and Market Access are specialized functions that play a critical role in the healthcare ecosystem. These disciplines focus on generating and communicating evidence to demonstrate the value of healthcare technologies (like pharmaceuticals or medical devices) to stakeholders such as payers, healthcare professionals, and ultimately patients.

HEOR involves evaluating clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes, while Market Access focuses on ensuring that eligible patients receive rapid and continuous access to effective therapies at an acceptable cost that reflects their added value.

Your daily work

Professionals in this field operate at the intersection of science, economics, and healthcare delivery. Your work might include developing health economic models, conducting systematic literature reviews, or creating value narratives.

This multifaceted role requires understanding both clinical and economic perspectives while communicating complex information.

The Collaborative Process

HEOR/Market Access professionals work in highly collaborative teams. You'll partner with health economists who build models, researchers who analyze real-world evidence, and market access strategists.

You'll also work with medical writers and account managers to develop comprehensive strategies for demonstrating value.

Key Activities

Deliverables include Global Value Dossiers, Health Technology Assessment submissions, and various value communication materials like slide decks and objection handlers.

Each project requires a unique blend of scientific knowledge, economic understanding, and strategic thinking.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Successful professionals typically have strong scientific backgrounds (often a PhD or Masters in life sciences/economics) and excel in:

Understanding healthcare systems and reimbursement
Analytical skills to interpret complex data
Communication abilities for technical concepts
Project management of multiple workstreams
Strategic thinking for access barriers
Collaborating across cross-functional teams

A Typical Timeline of Progression

Analyst / Associate Consultant

Entry Level (0–2 Years)

Focus on research and technical execution. You will support the development of economic models, conduct literature reviews, and help draft value dossiers under the guidance of senior team members.

Consultant / Manager

2–5 Years

You begin to lead specific workstreams or smaller projects. You manage day-to-day client interactions, guide junior analysts, and take ownership of the quality of deliverables like HTA submissions and value stories.

Senior Consultant / Senior Manager

5–8 Years

Strategic leadership. You manage complex accounts and large-scale global projects. You provide high-level strategic advice to clients on market access hurdles and mentor the wider team.

Principal / Director

8+ Years

Business leadership. You oversee the strategic direction of the practice area, lead business development, and ensure the commercial success of the department. You are a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders.

Is this your path?

HEOR/Market Access might be the right career if you are interested in the commercial aspects of healthcare delivery and enjoy solving complex problems that combine science and economics. It combines intellectual stimulation with real-world impact on patient access.