Helena Grant recently joined Mtech Access as an Analyst in our Market Access team. In this interview, we learn about her career to date and what inspired her to join Mtech Access. Helena also shares details of some of the research she has worked on since joining the team.
What led you to pursue a career in market access?
I studied Medical Sciences at the University of Leeds. I really enjoyed my degree; particularly researching a wide range of disease areas, reading about trials of innovative treatments, and writing reports.
However, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to do after finishing university. So I followed my interest in clinical trials and psychiatry, and worked in an NHS mental health trust for a year supporting patients to enrol in research studies.
Then, I wanted to try a role that was more creative. So I moved to a healthcare communications agency where I worked on projects across marketing, public relations, and market access and research. I particularly loved the research-based and market access projects I worked on with pharmaceutical clients. So, it seemed like a natural choice to specialise and further my career in this area.
What motivated you to join Mtech Access?
When looking to begin my career in market access, I researched a wide range of companies. It was important for me to find a company where I felt I could grow, develop, and reach my full potential.
I thought that Mtech Access had a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. Whereas, some of the other companies I looked at that were a bit more corporate.
When I first applied, I had a nice call with Chris Costello (Talent Acquisition Manager), which gave a great first impression. Everyone I met during the interview process was lovely, which further put my mind at ease and helped me to make my decision.
After trying a few different roles since graduating, the move into market access at Mtech Access felt very right!
What have you got involved with in your first few weeks with Mtech Access?
It has been a busy and enjoyable first few weeks. I have been updating our ‘Market access and reimbursement in key european markets’ guide for the 2023 edition. This has been a great way to learn more about the most important market access developments in Europe that may be affecting our clients.
I’m also working on a client project looking at launch pricing strategies in the UK, Italy, Germany, France, and Spain. We have been conducting interviews with regional affiliates and payers and I’ve enjoyed sitting in on the interviews with the affiliates and understanding more about their markets.
During my induction it was great to be able to meet someone from every team at Mtech Access and get to know people at high levels of the company. This made me realise how approachable everyone at Mtech Access is. I also visited the Bicester office for a team lunch.
A standout highlight of my first few weeks was definitely the latest London office social. We did a BBQ on a boat in Canary Wharf; it was very windy and a bit stressful at first but we had a great time, and I discovered I have a talent for boat-steering!
What has most surprised you about Mtech Access?
Everyone I’ve met is so knowledgeable and happy to share their insights. It’s also been surprising how quickly I’ve settled in. I’ve not at all been treated like ‘the new person’. I’ve felt like a valued member of the team from my first day.
If you could swap your expertise and role with a colleague from another team, who would you swap with?
Probably someone in the digital team or health economics team. I would love to know what it’s like to have their technical knowledge and skills with data and coding.
Katie Rose (Consultant – Market Access) showed me how one of our budget impact models began as an Excel sheet and has been transformed into a fully functional digital tool. It was fascinating to see how it was created and it looked extremely sophisticated.
When you are not at work, what do you like to do?
In my free time I love running around all the many lovely parks in East London. I have recently taken up painting and have enjoyed this as a way to relax in the evenings. I also love reading, cooking, yoga, and spending time with friends and family.
To learn more about how our market access team can support your work, 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.
