Polygon Health Analytics is excited to announce the successful graduation of the first cohort of its Launchpad Program, a 3-to-6-month train-to-hire initiative designed to prepare emerging talents for roles in real-world data (RWD), real-world evidence (RWE), and health economics and outcomes research (HEOR). This milestone reflects Polygon’s commitment to cultivating a skilled workforce that can meet the growing demand for expertise in these pivotal fields.
The inaugural cohort, hosted in the summer of 2024, brought together three groups of trainees, each working on unique research projects tailored to industry-relevant topics. These projects included:
– An Investigation of FDA’s Adoption of Real-World Evidence (RWE) in New Drug Approvals: 2019-2023
– Development of an Advanced and User-Centric Clinical Trial Database on Vaccines
– Development of a Cookbook of Real-world Datasets in the U.S.
The cohort featured participants from diverse educational and professional backgrounds, from recent undergraduates to PhD holders with years of experience looking to transition into RWD/RWE and HEOR roles. Among the graduates, Atul Poddar (MS in Technology Management, UIUC) who received a retention offer, remarked, ” The Launchpad Program offered invaluable industry exposure, giving me hands-on experience with real-world data and the chance to collaborate across disciplines. It provided unique insights into how data-driven intelligence can advance the vaccine industry within the healthcare space.” Additionally, Siqi Yang, the youngest trainee, shared her positive experience before returning to graduate studies in Public Health at Boston University, “The Launchpad Program is tremendously helpful, as it has provided me with guidance and resources to navigate my career path in healthcare. By working with real-world data, I’ve developed essential skills and gained insights that will enable me to make a meaningful impact in the field. I am incredibly thankful to Dr. Yao and my teammates for their support and mentorship. Working alongside colleagues from diverse educational backgrounds made this an invaluable opportunity—not only for developing my skills but also for learning and growing together as a team. This enriching experience strengthened my technical and professional skills and deepened my understanding of collaborative problem-solving in healthcare.”
Ongoing Recruitment for Future Cohorts
Polygon Health Analytics will continue recruiting on a rolling basis for the Launchpad Program, with its largest intake planned for summer 2025. This program offers recent graduates and experienced professionals alike a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the RWD/RWE and HEOR landscape. Participants benefit from exclusive mentorship from seasoned industry experts and work on impactful projects that provide a strong foundation in professional practices and communication skills essential for career advancement.
For those interested in joining the Launchpad Program and pursuing a rewarding career in RWD, RWE, and HEOR, please email job@polygonhealthanalytics.com with the subject line “Launchpad Program Application.” Polygon Health Analytics is dedicated to carefully reviewing each application and responding within two weeks.
