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2023 OHE Annual Report to the Charity Commission
Early Career
Navigate the diverse landscape of a career in health economics. Explore articles delving into the roles, pathways, and experiences of health economists.
Gain insights into career options, learn from seasoned professionals, and discover opportunities for OHE funded further education.
What is a health economist and where do they work?
A health economist delves into decision-making processes related to health behaviours and healthcare, considering the constraints set by different decision-makers.
Individuals make choices regarding their lifestyle and health behaviours, whereas policy-makers determine resource allocation, and healthcare providers decide on levels of effort and treatment.
Employing economic theory, data analysis, and modelling techniques, health economists explore these complexities and offer recommendations that inform policy formulation. Their scope spans from optimising healthcare system design to evaluating novel health technologies and scrutinising determinants of lifestyle decisions.
Health economists are adaptable professionals who find employment opportunities in various sectors, including government offices, research institutions, private industries, economic firms, and life sciences consultancies.
Their roles involve tackling engaging and multifaceted research challenges. They analyse complex healthcare issues, aiming to provide evidence-based solutions that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of healthcare systems. Whether in public or private contexts, health economists contribute to shaping policies, improving healthcare delivery, and informing decisions that impact public health and well-being. Their work spans a wide spectrum, from examining health policy implications to evaluating healthcare interventions, ensuring their contributions play a pivotal role in advancing healthcare practices and policies.
Their scope spans from optimising healthcare system design to evaluating novel health technologies and scrutinising determinants of lifestyle decisions.
What are the different routes to becoming a health economist?
Becoming a health economist involves various pathways. Most commonly, it begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field, such as public policy or statistics. Afterward, pursuing advanced studies like a master’s or doctoral degree in health economics provides specialized education crucial for this profession.
Alternatively, individuals can start with a degree in a healthcare-related discipline, such as medicine or public health, followed by further education in health economics through post-graduate qualifications.
There are various avenues to acquire these advanced qualifications, including enrolment in OHE’s Graduate School. Through partnerships with City University
and LSE, we annually fund two MSc programs and one PhD program. In addition to earning a qualification from a prestigious institution, students in our Graduate School gain practical hands-on experience by working alongside OHE’s leading experts. We take pride in offering aspiring health economists opportunities to specialise and excel in this dynamic field.
Apart from formal education, gaining practical experience through internships or working as a research assistant proves invaluable in preparing for a career as a health economist. Acquiring skills in analytical thinking, written and verbal communication, and a solid grasp of mathematics and statistics is highly advantageous in this field.
