Market Access Professional: Which One Are You?
Market access isn’t what it used to be. Not too long ago, it was seen as the last step—something that happened after approval. Today? It’s at the center of how therapies reach patients, shape healthcare systems, and deliver value.
And the people driving that change? Market access professionals like you.
But here’s the fun part: there isn’t just one kind of market access professional. Depending on your skills, passions, and daily focus, you might find yourself fitting into a certain “type.”
So… which one sounds most like you?
1. The Strategist
You’re the one always asking: “What’s next?”
You zoom out to see how pricing, evidence, and reimbursement fit together across markets. You like being at the table early—because you know access decisions made today will make or break success years down the road.
Strengths: big-picture thinking, connecting dots, long-term vision.
Watch out for: getting so focused on the future that you miss today’s fires.
2. The Evidence Builder
You love data. Endpoints, models, cost-effectiveness ratios—this is your comfort zone. You know that without strong HEOR evidence, payer conversations don’t go far. For you, numbers tell the story of value.
Strengths: analytical mindset, building trust through evidence.
Watch out for: forgetting that behind every dataset is a real patient story.
3. The Negotiator
You shine when it’s time to engage payers. Whether it’s value dossiers, contracts, or risk-sharing agreements, you know how to make the case for access. For you, success looks like a therapy landing on formulary and in patients’ hands.
Strengths: relationship-building, persuasion, deal-making.
Watch out for: chasing short-term wins that may complicate the bigger picture.
4. The Patient Advocate
For you, access is personal. You think about what happens once coverage is approved—can patients actually use the therapy? You design support programs, tackle affordability, and keep the patient voice at the center.
Strengths: empathy, patient-first mindset, creating support solutions.
Watch out for: the tension between patient needs and payer realities.
5. The Policy Shaper
You’re tuned into the rules of the game. You follow HTA decisions, keep tabs on legislative shifts, and anticipate what’s coming around the corner. You help your team prepare for tomorrow’s policy environment—before it arrives.
Strengths: foresight, advocacy, policy awareness.
Watch out for: the slow pace of policy change testing your patience.
Why This Matters
Market access today is a team sport. No single role can do it all—strategy, evidence, payer engagement, patient advocacy, and policy awareness all need to come together.
The best professionals know their strengths, but they also stretch into other areas when needed.
So, ask yourself:
👉 Which type are you right now?
👉 And which type do you want to grow into next?
💡 Try this: share this blog with your colleagues and see what “type” they identify with. You may be surprised at the hidden strengths on your team.
