Career Opportunities for Health Economists in Government and Public Service

Career opportunities abound for health economists outside the academy. This panel will discuss the variety of jobs available for health economists in public service, and tips on navigating the non-academic job market. Collectively, the panel’s experience in Washington includes service as health economists in the federal government, in state government, for government contractors, and at non-profit think tanks. Besides the day-to-day activities of the job, full-time policy careers can differ from the academic track in terms of flexibility to define research agendas, work-life balance, and pathways to career advancement. The panelists also will answer questions about how to transition to a job in government or policy, including how to tailor applications and job talks for non-academic positions, how to pitch your research as policy-relevant, and what skills are necessary for success in Washington. In addition to talking about long-term career options, the panelists will also discuss short-term opportunities in public service for PhD students and mid-career researchers through fellowships, internships, and contracts. The session will include ample time for questions from the audience. Our panel will include: Steve Cohen, vice president for statistical and data sciences, RTI; formerly at the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; Emily Gee, health economist, Center for American Progress; formerly at the Council of Economic Advisers and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Ellen Montz, chief economist, Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services Medicaid; formerly at the Century Foundation, the White House Domestic Policy Council, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the U.S. Senate Finance Committee; Namrata Uberoi, research health economist, RTI and assistant professor, Georgetown University; formerly at the Congressional Research Service and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Victoria Udalova, research economist, U.S. Census Bureau; formerly Department of Workforce Development at the state of Wisconsin; and Aditi Sen, assistant professor, Johns Hopkins University; formerly at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Council of Economic Advisers