I started my career as a medical liaison. It was a wonderful opportunity to shape how companies and physicians further scientific understanding of difficult medical problems, focus on key research questions, and address unmet patient needs. I am proud that I have been able to focus the companies I've been part of on the hidden value in existing or prospective assets—a creative approach to planning for the future. At each juncture, I have been open to the full range of possibilities, and have taken the time to think about which of several paths made the most sense given my personal mission to have a tangible, positive impact on patients, my community, and the health of society at large.

Ultimately, we need to do a better job of delineating the value that our industry provides in addressing medical problems. Health economics and outcomes research is one way we can accomplish this. It allows us to better quantify the benefits of our solutions to patient outcomes, health-related quality of life, and individuals involved in patient care. It also enables us to think more holistically about the impact of a particular intervention or preventive measure on overall healthcare costs. At Solvay, I have focused on this and other ways we can prepare for the healthcare environment of tomorrow.