Hayley Shoel recently joined Mtech Access as a Senior Medical Writer. In this interview, we learn about her career to date and what inspired her to join Mtech Access. She shares her experiences since joining the team and some of the early work supporting client projects and thought leadership initiatives.
What led you to pursue a career in market access?
I come from a science background, having studied Biochemistry at the University of Oxford. My course was a 4-year combined undergraduate Master’s, with a year in the lab. I quickly found that lab work wasn’t for me, but I still wanted a job based in science, just outside of the lab.
I found a job working for a boutique consultancy, where the bulk of the work involved primary and secondary (desk-based) research. Our research informed market assessments and product evaluations for assets that were in the early stages of development.
From there, I moved to a broader market access consultancy, working on a wide variety of projects across the product lifecycle. I particularly enjoyed the medical writing and value communication side of things, which led me to where I am now!
As a Medical Writer, what do you most enjoy working on?
I would say that manuscripts are probably my favourite. I love the challenge of writing a condensed piece that fully communicates the study and implications for the therapy area or healthcare system.
Most of my experience is in writing manuscripts, global value dossiers (GVDs), and value propositions. I’m excited to get involved in more health technology assessment (HTA) submissions at Mtech Access, as there’s such a wealth of knowledge and experience in the team.
What motivated you to join Mtech Access?
I was keen to specialise in medical writing and progress in a technical role, rather than taking on a broader project management consulting role as my career advanced. Mtech Access have a specialist Medical Writing Team, with a more technical career pathway. This means that I can stay involved in the writing and data.
Through the interview process, it was clear that Mtech Access had a really friendly atmosphere within the team. They also offer flexible working and great benefits. It was a no-brainer really!
What have you been involved with in your first few weeks at Mtech Access?
There have obviously been a handful of induction sessions to introduce me to the company and ways of working. I’ve had a mix of meetings with different members of the team, along with some hands-on tasks to immerse myself in Mtech Access’ house writing style.
I was able to get involved in some project work early on too. I’m currently working on a manuscript and conference poster. These report the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted by the Mtech Access Evidence Team.
In the next few weeks, we’ll also be kicking off a project working on a formulary pack and value proposition for a client’s diabetes treatment.
Outside of the project work, I’ve been involved in a marketing piece looking at Mtech Access’ view on ISPOR’s top 10 HEOR trends for 2024/25. It has been interesting to work on something a little different, and to read the perspectives of some of our experts in the team.
I’m home-based most of the time (it’s great to have that flexibility!), but my closest office is Manchester. I’ve managed to make a few trips in to see the team there. We’ve had a team lunch and there’s also another social planned soon. Everyone has been super welcoming!
What has surprised you most about Mtech Access?
Thankfully there haven’t been any huge surprises, as they were very transparent throughout the interview process! The culture communicated on the company website is very ‘people first’, and indicates a company aiming for an ‘egoless’ organisation. I’ve been pleasantly surprised at how much this is actually reflected in reality. Everyone is so open to helping with any queries and sharing knowledge.
If you could swap your expertise and role with a colleague from another team, who would you swap with?
I’m really spoilt for choice on this one, as there are so many different areas of expertise in the company. I think I’d have to choose the Health Economics Team. They work with such complicated technical models, and the work they do is very impressive.
I’d also swap with the NHS Insight & Interaction Team. A lot of my previous experience has been with Global and US-based clients, so I’d love to have their knowledge on the UK market.
When you are not at work, what do you like to do?
I have a 1-year-old daughter and a 4-year-old toy labradoodle, both of whom keep me very busy outside of work! Hobby-wise (when I have the time) I love anything creative – painting, calligraphy, photography, and also baking.
Would you like to learn more about our Medical Writing expertise and how this is utilised across global value dossiers, reimbursement and health technology assessment dossiers, and local communication materials? If so, please email info@mtechaccess.co.uk.
Are you interested in joining our team at Mtech Access? Visit our careers page for details of our current vacancies.
