Developing a career in the pharmaceutical industry

Atiya was born in Watford, Hertfordshire. She completed a pharmacy degree (with first class honours) and a PhD at King’s College London, before going on to study with the University of Sheffield via distance learning. “I chose this course to help me fully understand the processes behind health technology assessments, pricing and reimbursement in pharmaceuticals, which was particularly pertinent to my role at the time.”

Atiya is now Head of Medical Affairs at Santen UK, a specialist pharmaceutical company in the ophthalmic field. “The course helped me enormously in my career, understanding the requirements for real-world evidence, post-marketing authorisation of a drug, as well as designing clinical trials with relevant end points for reimbursement during the development aspect. I have enjoyed success since my graduation, and having the MSc as an additional qualification has supported my success in attaining the roles I have applied for. I have a thorough understanding of market access and pricing and reimbursement, and health technology assessment processes across Europe (and beyond), which only complement the medical function.”

“In the future, I intend to stay in the medical function in the pharmaceutical industry and can also manage real-world evidence personnel due to the crossover of the health outcomes perspective and the clinical perspective post-marketing authorisation.”

“I would encourage anyone wishing to understand the practical concepts and application of health technology assessment, pricing and reimbursement in pharmaceuticals to complete the MSc at Sheffield.”