Case studies: Research fellow in health economics: Patrick

Patrick is a research fellow in a health economic research centre after completing a MSc in Health Economics at York University.

I didn't find my calling until quite late in life, I suppose. I took a Bachelor of Business Studies degree at the University of Limerick in 2004 and found that I really enjoyed the economics part of the subject. So I specialised in economics and finance and graduated in 2004.

I was always fascinated by experts - be they on TV, radio or in the newspapers - who would evaluate and appraise economic outlook and comment on what's driving economic activity. I was absorbed by their work and wanted to know what techniques to employ to analyse or read data so as to be able to make accurate economic forecasts. So, after Limerick, I went to the National University of Ireland Galway and completed a Masters in Economics and Finance (Policy Planning and Evaluation) - and it was there that I studied a module in health economics. That really got me. Following my MSc, I went on placement with the Department of Health in Ireland; then I completed an MSc in Health Economics at York University and now work as a member of the Health Policy Team at a leading economics research unit.

Health economics is all about the efficient allocation of scarce health resources. For example, I'm currently involved in a project measuring NHS productivity, financed by the Department of Health. I'm looking at a number of different data including labour figures, salaries, hours worked, goods and services, administration, etc, etc. You need a good quantitative brain to be an economist and you need to know how to manipulate formulas. You also need to be good at statistical quantitative analysis and know how to use specific computer programs.

My university education was vital to my career - particularly the Masters in Health Economics from York, which I took in 2007/08. That's very well respected - both in the UK and worldwide. With the recession biting, it's been an interesting time to be an economist. Everyone on my year in the Masters in Health Economics course got a job. And, from what I hear, even with the recession in full swing, everyone last year got something too - be it a job in industry or starting a PhD. We seem to work in a sector that doesn't get affected by economic downturns.

In the near future, there will be cuts in health and education and a lot of government departments will be looking to see how we can use scarcer resources more efficiently. So, ironically, I think economists will be in higher demand than ever, if anything. A lot of people might not be happy analysing numbers all day; others may not be happy with the money - and if you want to be outdoors, this isn't the career for you. But there are advantages. It's a relaxed environment and the hours are pretty flexible. Plus, it's nice to be able to produce interesting results from different samples and then present them at conferences. It's fascinating to see all your work come together.