In this latest edition of our Career Perspectives series, we had the pleasure of speaking with Angie Raad-Faherty, Director, EVA Health Economics. Angie shares her journey from a background in applied mathematics and biology to a career in health economics. In this interview, she shares emerging trends in health economics and RWA, expertise that will be essential for the future of drug development, the importance of mentorship, and much more.

Can you give us a little background on your career so far? What inspired you to pursue an education in applied mathematics and biology, and how did that lead to a career in health economics?

My career journey has really been shaped by a deep passion for both mathematics and biology. Even back in high school, I loved the logic and problem-solving side of math, but I was equally fascinated by biology, especially in understanding how diseases affect the human body.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I took a graduate course that focused on disease mathematical modeling. This experience was pivotal, as it introduced me to the concept of integrating mathematical techniques with biological applications. I realized that my skills in mathematics could be effectively applied to address complex health-related issues, leading me to the field of health economics. I feel really fortunate that my background in applied mathematics and biology allows me to look at health problems from both a quantitative and biological lens.

In your current role, you balance leadership, coaching, and hands-on research. How do you manage this mix, and is it important for your job satisfaction to stay involved in both areas?

In my current role, I’ve found a rhythm that really works for me — balancing leadership, coaching, and hands-on research. Clear communication and thoughtful delegation are key, but I also make it a point to stay close to the actual work. I think it’s really important to empower my team to take ownership of their projects, while also being available to guide and support them when needed. What I’ve realized is that staying involved in the hands-on side of things isn’t just good for the work, it’s important for me personally. It keeps me engaged, helps me stay up to date with what’s happening in the field, and allows me to contribute in a meaningful way. Plus, it helps create a collaborative atmosphere where people feel supported and encouraged to try new things. That balance between leading and doing is what makes my role fulfilling. It not only makes me a more effective leader, but also helps us deliver stronger results as a team.

What do you like best about your role, and about working at Cytel?

What I love about my role is the opportunity to make a real difference in patients’ lives. By supporting my clients, I’m able to contribute to bringing innovative, cutting-edge treatments to patients in need.

I also enjoy the unique challenges that come with each project — no two are ever the same. Every new project is a chance to learn something new, whether it’s about a different disease area or an emerging therapy.

And finally, one of the things I truly value about working at Cytel is the people. I get to engage with a variety of clients and work on diverse projects and indications, but just as importantly, I’m surrounded by incredibly smart, driven, and supportive colleagues. It makes the work both meaningful and enjoyable.

In your opinion, which skills are critical to a function as a research consultant at Cytel?

I believe both hard and soft skills are critical for a research consultant in the HEOR field in general and at Cytel. On the hard skills side, strong technical skills in HEOR methods, evidence synthesis, and understanding HTA requirements is essential — especially since expectations and requirements differ between HTA bodies.

Soft skills are just as important, like critical thinking, flexibility, and clear communication. In my experience working on HTA submissions for both countries, I learned it’s not just about building strong models but also explaining the results clearly to different audiences and adapting based on local needs.

Success really depends on balancing technical excellence with the ability to collaborate and adjust strategies based on specific client and agency expectations.

Given how quickly the field of health economics evolves, continuous learning is crucial. Are there any skills or areas of expertise you’re currently focusing on that you believe will be key to the future of drug development in 2025 and beyond?

Absolutely, continuous learning is not just beneficial, it’s essential in our field to stay ahead of the curve in areas that will define the next decade of drug development and market access. While technical skill development is ongoing, my focus is also on strategic foresight. Right now, I’m particularly focused on three key areas:

• First, the integration of real-world evidence into economic models. We’re seeing increasing acceptance from HTA bodies to go beyond clinical trial data. As such, building rigorous frameworks for incorporating real-world data, while maintaining methodological transparency is a top priority.
• Second, understanding how machine learning and artificial intelligence can be leveraged in health economics. There’s huge potential here, but it’s critical we align these innovations with HTA standards and ensure that models remain transparent, logically sound, and valid for reimbursement decisions.
• Finally, I’m very focused on global HTA alignment. As frameworks become more interconnected, strategically aligning value messages and evidence packages across jurisdictions will be key to driving efficiency and access.

Are there any emerging trends in health economics and RWA that excite you right now?

Absolutely, there are several exciting developments in health economics that I find particularly inspiring.

One major trend is the increasing use of real-world data earlier in the drug development process to inform trial design, support regulatory decision-making, and identify unmet needs or specific patient populations.

I’m also really encouraged by the growing emphasis on patient-centered outcomes and health equity. There’s a broader recognition that value goes beyond traditional metrics like QALYs or ICERs. Incorporating factors like caregiver burden, and access disparities is making economic evaluations more holistic and aligned with real-world impact. Another area that particularly interests me is the use of surrogate outcomes. Being able to translate clinical endpoints into meaningful modeling endpoints is crucial, especially when long-term outcomes are difficult to measure directly.

Lastly, the advancement of AI and machine learning is a trend I’m closely following. These technologies are opening doors to deeper insights and faster analyses of complex, unstructured data. While we still need to ensure transparency and methodological rigor, the potential to uncover patterns and generate predictive insights is incredibly exciting. Overall, it’s a dynamic time in our field, and these trends are not only transforming how we work but also reinforcing the importance of continuous learning and adaptability.

Could you share a project you’ve worked on that you’re particularly proud of, and why?

Every project I’ve worked on in health economics has felt important to me, because each one represents a chance to help patients access innovative therapies. But the project that stands out most is actually the very first HTA submission I worked on early in my career. It was for early prostate cancer therapy. We were able to build a strong case for both the clinical value and the cost-effectiveness of the therapy, and seeing it approved and knowing it would change lives was incredibly powerful. That experience stayed with me and really shaped my passion for HEOR, showing me how our work can directly contribute to patient access and better outcomes.

As someone completing a PhD in applied mathematics and with a leadership role in RWA — both areas where women are underrepresented — what advice would you give to young women or girls aspiring to enter STEM fields?

STEM is full of tough questions and complex challenges — but that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding and interesting. Diverse thinking drives better science, more inclusive solutions, and ultimately, stronger outcomes in healthcare. And that’s exactly what our field needs. Also, mentorship and community are important. Throughout my journey, having people around me who believed in my potential, even when I didn’t yet see it myself, made a huge difference. That kind of support helps build the confidence not just to grow, but to lead. STEM needs more women not just participating, but shaping its future, and I encourage every young woman to see herself as part of that transformation.

Have you had a female mentor during your education or career? How did that impact you? Would you be open to mentoring women yourself in the future?

Yes, I had the privilege of working with my supervisor, Dr. Jane Heffernan, during my graduate studies. Her guidance and support were instrumental in shaping my academic and professional development. She provided valuable insights and encouragement, which significantly impacted my confidence and skills in my field.

In the future, I would be open to mentoring women myself, as I believe in the importance of supporting the next generation of professionals and fostering an inclusive environment in academia and beyond.

As a remote employee, how do you maintain a healthy work-life balance? What strategies work for you, and do you feel supported by Cytel in this regard?

To maintain a healthy work-life balance while working from home, I believe two key factors are essential. First, establishing a consistent routine with clearly defined working hours and scheduled short breaks throughout the day is crucial. This structure helps me stay productive while also allowing time to recharge. Second, creating a designated workspace that is separate from my everyday home activities is vital. This physical distinction not only enhances my focus but also aids in mentally transitioning between my professional and personal life. I appreciate that Cytel supports this balance through its flexible working hours, which further enables me to manage my responsibilities effectively.

What are your main interests outside of work?

Outside of work, I really enjoy getting outside for walks and hikes with my dogs — it’s one of my favorite ways to unwind. I also love spending time in the kitchen, whether I’m baking something sweet or trying out a new dish from a different cuisine. It’s my way of relaxing and getting a little creative.

Finally, what’s one piece of career advice you wish you had received earlier?

A key piece of career advice that holds significant value is to prioritize networking and relationship-building within your industry. This includes not only connecting with colleagues beyond your immediate team but also engaging with clients. Cultivating a robust professional network can unlock new opportunities, provide essential support, and offer valuable insights that can greatly influence your career path. Additionally, actively engaging with mentors and peers fosters continuous learning and personal growth, making networking an essential component of career development that is often underestimated.

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