Understanding the Needs and Aspirations of Emerging HEOR Talent: Results From the ISPOR New Professional and Student Survey
Author(s)
Riku Ota, MBA, MSPH1, Irem Karaömerlioglu, PhD2, Yan Zhi Tan, BSc, MSc3, Taiwo Adesoba, PhD4, Laura Elisabeth Gressler, MS, PhD5, Ka Keat Lim, MSc, RPh, PhD6, Robert Selby, MBA7, Nancy Chen, MD7.
1Global Payer Evidence Lead, Novo Nordisk A/S, Soborg, Denmark, 2Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, Ankara, Turkey, 3Lumanity, Utrecht, Netherlands, 4Novo Nordisk, Little Rock, AR, USA, 5University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA, 6Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom, 7ISPOR, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA.
1Global Payer Evidence Lead, Novo Nordisk A/S, Soborg, Denmark, 2Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency, Ankara, Turkey, 3Lumanity, Utrecht, Netherlands, 4Novo Nordisk, Little Rock, AR, USA, 5University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA, 6Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom, 7ISPOR, Lawrenceville, NJ, USA.
OBJECTIVES: The next generation of professionals in Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of healthcare decision-making. However, the perspectives, development needs, and career aspirations of emerging professionals in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) remain underexplored. This study aimed to understand the demographic characteristics, motivations, skill gaps, and future interests of students and new professionals (<3 years post-graduation) within the ISPOR network.
METHODS: An online survey was distributed to ISPOR student members and new professionals from March to May 2025. The questionnaire covered demographic background, educational and career paths, motivations for joining ISPOR, skill development needs, expectations for mentorship, and satisfaction with ISPOR engagement. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses.
RESULTS: Of 74 respondents, 54 (73%) were students and 20 (27%) were new professionals. Respondents represented diverse nationalities across five continents, with India, the USA, and Nigeria being the most common. The majority held degrees in health economics (29%), pharmacy (24%), or public health (15%). Most respondents joined ISPOR for professional development (93%) and to take advantage of networking opportunities (89%). The top desired skills were data analytics (57%), research writing (38%), and presentation and communication (26%). While 89% agreed that mentorship supports career development, only 45% had access to a mentor. Future HEOR interests included AI applications, real-world evidence (RWE), health equity, and drug pricing. ISPOR webinars and networking sessions were rated highly, though satisfaction varied: 34% were promoters, 47% passives, and 19% detractors.
CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights the goals and unmet needs of early-career HEOR professionals. Addressing identified gaps in mentorship and skill development through targeted ISPOR initiatives could better support the growth of early-career professionals and enhance their overall satisfaction. These findings will inform future programming aimed at strengthening engagement and inclusivity within the ISPOR community.
METHODS: An online survey was distributed to ISPOR student members and new professionals from March to May 2025. The questionnaire covered demographic background, educational and career paths, motivations for joining ISPOR, skill development needs, expectations for mentorship, and satisfaction with ISPOR engagement. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses.
RESULTS: Of 74 respondents, 54 (73%) were students and 20 (27%) were new professionals. Respondents represented diverse nationalities across five continents, with India, the USA, and Nigeria being the most common. The majority held degrees in health economics (29%), pharmacy (24%), or public health (15%). Most respondents joined ISPOR for professional development (93%) and to take advantage of networking opportunities (89%). The top desired skills were data analytics (57%), research writing (38%), and presentation and communication (26%). While 89% agreed that mentorship supports career development, only 45% had access to a mentor. Future HEOR interests included AI applications, real-world evidence (RWE), health equity, and drug pricing. ISPOR webinars and networking sessions were rated highly, though satisfaction varied: 34% were promoters, 47% passives, and 19% detractors.
CONCLUSIONS: This survey highlights the goals and unmet needs of early-career HEOR professionals. Addressing identified gaps in mentorship and skill development through targeted ISPOR initiatives could better support the growth of early-career professionals and enhance their overall satisfaction. These findings will inform future programming aimed at strengthening engagement and inclusivity within the ISPOR community.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2025-11, ISPOR Europe 2025, Glasgow, Scotland
Value in Health, Volume 28, Issue S2
Code
OP25
Topic
Organizational Practices
Topic Subcategory
Academic & Educational, Ethical, Industry
Disease
No Additional Disease & Conditions/Specialized Treatment Areas