Rachel Hibbs recently joined the Mtech Access Evidence Team as a Consultant in our Manchester office. In this interview, we learn about her career to date and what inspired her to join Mtech Access. She also shares some of her experiences since joining the team.
What led you to pursue a career in HEOR?
My undergraduate degree, Economics and Mathematics at the University of Liverpool, introduced me to Health Economics. The content of this module was so fascinating that I was inspired to pursue a career in this area.
This led me to work for the NHS as a Data Analyst at a Mental Health Trust. Then, after taking a career break to travel, I decided to develop my knowledge of HEOR by completing an MSc in Health Economics and Decision Modelling at the University of Sheffield. It was at this point that I moved into consultancy, where I have been for 8 years.
I worked as a Health Economist, whilst also having a focus on evidence projects. This involved building and reviewing health economic models, conducting systematic literature reviews, facilitating structured expert elicitation, sourcing country-specific data, and reviewing submissions for NICE, SMC, NCPE, and AWMSG. I was also an assessor for the SMC.
What motivated you to join Mtech Access?
After 8 years of working for a small consultancy, I felt it was time for a change. I was ready to explore the next step in my career and wanted to experience what it was like working for a larger company. However, I appreciated the values of the smaller, family-run company that I was used to. Luckily, I found this middle ground between the two at Mtech Access, where the ethos is very much about putting people first.
I was also conscious of wanting to join a company where there was emphasis on ‘quality over quantity’. I felt Mtech Access had this positive reputation.
Whilst I was sure that I wanted to join Mtech Access, I wasn’t quite sure where I’d best fit in, as my background covers health economics, evidence, and market access. Chris Costello (Talent Acquisition Manager, Mtech Access) helped me find the right role that would suit me.
What have you got involved with in your first few weeks with Mtech Access?
I’ve had lots of training across all aspects of the company. It has been great to be introduced to the different people and teams in Mtech Access. This has helped me gain an understanding of how the company fits together as a whole, and become familiar with all the different faces. It has been a useful process, and it was nice to do the onboarding with some other new starters, so we weren’t on our own during the process.
Before I’d even started at Mtech Access, I felt very welcomed. I attended both the whole company Christmas party and the Manchester office Christmas social. It was there that I met my team and lots of others, before joining in the new year.
Following the initial 2-week onboarding, and around ongoing training, I’ve also started to get stuck in with projects. I’ve been working on systematic literature review updates in oncology and blood disorders.
What has most surprised you about Mtech Access?
I have found it really reassuring to have all the training. It feels like there is a really supportive culture. The values on the website are all accurate. Everyone is really responsive, happy to help, and on the ball!
It’s a nice atmosphere, everyone seems happy and positive, and overall it’s exceeded my expectations.
If you could swap your expertise and role with a colleague from another team, who would you swap with?
A role in the Commercial/Marketing Team would be interesting. Their work is so varied and covers an array of different outputs and topics. They’re also able to collaborate with colleagues across all aspects of the business.
When you are not at work, what do you like to do?
My 2-year-old boy keeps me busy and well-entertained. I also enjoy anything active: netball, CrossFit/Metcon classes, cycling, swimming, and walks with our dog; as well as watching sports and socialising with friends and family.
As a family, we also love to travel. Last year we completed a ‘bucket list’ trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives with friends, which was a dream come true. This year, we’re going to Bali and Australia. We also enjoy exploring the UK and Europe. The dream would be to have a campervan, so we can go on more trips like this!
To learn more about our Evidence Synthesis and HEOR services, please email info@mtechaccess.co.uk.
If you are interested in joining our team at Mtech Access, please visit our careers page for details of our current vacancies.
