"I am currently a Research Project Manager on the Design and Evaluation Team of COMPA, a business group within Merck-Medco's Department of Medical Affairs. COMPA helps Merck-Medco clients measure patient outcomes, identify opportunities for improved care and savings, and implement appropriate interventions to capture these improvements.

My primary responsibility is to develop, implement, and evaluate measurement plans for health management programs, specifically for hypertension/high cholesterol, hepatitis C and multiple sclerosis. During different stages of program development, I have the opportunity to work with Health Utilization Management Program Managers and other business groups to coordinate the outcomes measurement and analysis requirements. I am also responsible for coordinating health management program data requests, acquisition and transfer for the purposes of program evaluation and reporting. I work closely with Business Analysis to develop methodologies for measuring and presenting results pertaining to drug-claims data for both internal and external parties. The collaborative atmosphere promotes good communication and effective working relationships across all departments.

When I joined Merck-Medco after earning my Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in Chronic Disease Epidemiology, I became part of COMPA's ever-growing staff. We are now comprised of health service researchers representing a diversity of training as epidemiologists, health economists, bio-statisticians, physicians, and data analysts and are organized into expert teams focused on outcomes. Professional development and team publications are encouraged; a few months ago I attended courses in pharmacoeconomic modeling and quality of life assessment and measurement, the latter of which has already helped me with survey design and development.

I find the work environment to be fast-paced and challenging. It provides me with the opportunity to take responsibility for my programs while allowing me access to mentors and experts in the field of outcomes research. I continue to learn and gain insight into client/member needs in concert with Merck-Medco's far-reaching disease management capabilities."