Exploring Health Economics Internships: A Comprehensive Guide

The field of health economics offers a dynamic and impactful career path, attracting individuals passionate about applying economic principles to improve healthcare systems and public health outcomes. Internships play a crucial role in providing aspiring health economists with practical experience and a deeper understanding of the field. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of health economics internships, covering their importance, opportunities, and pathways to securing them.

The Significance of Health Economics

Health economics employs economic theory, data analysis, and modeling techniques to explore the complexities of healthcare systems. Health economists analyze intricate healthcare issues, striving to deliver evidence-based solutions that enhance the efficiency, effectiveness, and equity of healthcare systems. Their recommendations inform policy formulation, contributing to shaping policies, improving healthcare delivery, and informing decisions that impact public health and well-being in both public and private sectors. They tackle engaging and multifaceted research challenges. A competent and dynamic health workforce at the heart of each health system is essential to advance global health goals.

The Value of Internships in Health Economics

Internships provide invaluable practical experience that complements academic learning. They offer opportunities to:

Apply theoretical knowledge: Interns can apply the economic principles and analytical skills learned in the classroom to real-world healthcare challenges.
Develop practical skills: Internships allow individuals to develop essential skills in data analysis, modeling, research, and policy analysis.
Gain exposure to the field: Interns gain firsthand experience of the day-to-day activities of health economists, the types of projects they undertake, and the diverse range of career paths available.
Network with professionals: Internships provide opportunities to network with experienced health economists, researchers, and policymakers, building valuable connections for future career prospects.
Enhance career prospects: Completing an internship significantly strengthens a candidate's resume and increases their chances of securing a full-time position in health economics.

Pathways to Becoming a Health Economist

Becoming a health economist typically involves a combination of formal education and practical experience. Most commonly, it begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree in economics or a related field, such as public policy or statistics. There are various avenues to acquire these advanced qualifications, including enrolment in OHE’s Graduate School.

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.

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Types of Health Economics Internships

Health economics internships are available in a variety of settings, including:

Government agencies: Public health departments, healthcare regulatory bodies, and government research institutions often offer internships focused on policy analysis, program evaluation, and healthcare financing.
Research organizations: Research institutes and universities conduct health economics research and often have internship opportunities for students to assist with data collection, analysis, and manuscript preparation.
Healthcare consulting firms: Consulting firms provide health economics expertise to healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and government agencies. Internships in this setting involve working on projects related to market access, pricing, and health technology assessment.
Pharmaceutical companies: Pharmaceutical companies employ health economists to conduct cost-effectiveness analyses, develop pricing strategies, and support market access initiatives. Internships in this sector offer exposure to the industry perspective on health economics.
Non-profit organizations: Organizations like WHO are committed to building a diverse pool of future leaders in public health.

Securing a Health Economics Internship

The process of securing a health economics internship typically involves the following steps:

Identify internship opportunities: Search online job boards, company websites, and university career services for available internships.
Prepare a strong application: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills, experience, and academic background.
Network with professionals: Attend conferences, career fairs, and informational interviews to connect with health economists and learn about potential internship opportunities.
Prepare for interviews: Practice answering common interview questions and be prepared to discuss your research interests, analytical skills, and career goals.

Internship Opportunities at the World Health Organization (WHO)

WHO, as the leader in global public health issues, is committed to building a diverse pool of future leaders in public health. The WHO internship program offers opportunities for students to gain experience in various areas of public health, including health economics.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a WHO internship, applicants must be:

Enrolled in a graduate or postgraduate program (or have completed such a program within six months of applying) in a public health, medical, or social field related to the technical work of WHO, or in a management, administrative, communications, or external relations-related field.
Interns do not have the status of WHO staff members and shall not represent the Organization in any official capacity.
WHO interns are not eligible for appointment to any non-staff position within WHO for a period of three months following the end of their internship. Any employment with WHO shall be subject to established recruitment and selection procedures.

Important Considerations for WHO Internships

Interns do not have the status of WHO staff members and shall not represent the Organization in any official capacity.
WHO interns are not eligible for appointment to any non-staff position within WHO for a period of three months following the end of their internship. Any employment with WHO shall be subject to established recruitment and selection procedures.
Interns do not have the status of WHO staff members and shall not represent the Organization in any official capacity.
WHO interns are not eligible for appointment to any non-staff position within WHO for a period of three months following the end of their internship.
Any employment with WHO shall be subject to established recruitment and selection procedures.
Please note that internships at WHO are very competitive and only a small number of applicants will be selected every year. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

Additional Internship Programs

Besides WHO, other organizations offer relevant internship programs. The Resources for the Future Summer Internship Program provides paid summer internships for outstanding undergraduate students. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has an Undergraduate Scholarship Program for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research.

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Skills and Knowledge Gained During a Health Economics Internship

A health economics internship provides opportunities to gain and refine a range of skills and knowledge, including:

Data analysis: Analyzing healthcare data using statistical software packages (e.g., Stata, R) to identify trends, patterns, and relationships.
Economic modeling: Developing and applying economic models to simulate the impact of healthcare policies and interventions.
Literature review: Conducting comprehensive literature reviews to synthesize existing research and identify knowledge gaps.
Policy analysis: Evaluating the economic impact of healthcare policies and regulations.
Communication: Presenting research findings and policy recommendations in clear and concise written and oral formats.
Collaboration: Working effectively in teams with other researchers, economists, and healthcare professionals.
Understanding of healthcare systems: Gaining a deeper understanding of the structure, financing, and delivery of healthcare services.
Knowledge of health economics principles: Applying health economics principles to address real-world healthcare challenges.

Examples of Internship Projects

Health economics interns may be involved in a variety of projects, such as:

Conducting cost-effectiveness analyses of new medical technologies.
Evaluating the impact of health insurance reforms on access to care.
Analyzing the determinants of healthcare spending.
Developing models to predict the spread of infectious diseases.
Assessing the economic burden of chronic diseases.
Evaluating the impact of public health interventions on health outcomes.

The Broader Landscape of Health Economics Careers

Navigating the diverse landscape of a career in health economics involves understanding the various roles, pathways, and experiences of health economists. 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.

The Importance of Global Health

The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, met with the 2019 cadre of interns at WHO HQ, highlighting the importance of engaging young professionals in global health initiatives. A competent and dynamic health workforce is essential to advance global health goals, and internships play a critical role in developing this workforce.

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