How does a physiotherapist in Australia end up in pharmaceutical consulting in York? Mary’s career didn’t follow a straight line but was driven by the realisation that providing great care wasn’t enough; she had to prove it was cost effective. In this blog, we sit down with Mary to discuss what led her to YHEC.
What is your name and role?
I’m Mary Jordan, a Project Director in the Pharmaceutical Consulting sector at YHEC.
Tell us about your qualifications and career path that brought you to YHEC
It hasn’t been a direct path! I trained as a physiotherapist then moved to Australia, where I started my own practice providing physiotherapy services to hospitals. While running my own company, it became clear that I needed to show that our services were both clinically effective and cost effective, so that physiotherapy interventions could continue to be provided and valued.
That realisation led me to a Masters in Health Economics at the University of Birmingham, where I studied alongside my role as Teaching Fellow in Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy. After graduating, I joined the University of Warwick as a health economist within Warwick External Assessment Group (EAG), where I worked for seven years supporting NICE with their technology appraisal programme, as well as some time working for Warwick Clinical Trials Unit. From there, I joined YHEC, and I’ve been here for over a year now.
What is the main focus of your work at YHEC?
A large proportion of my work is using the skills and insight gained from my time at the EAG on the ‘other side’ of the table. Whilst my main focus is modelling, I lead the development of health technology assessment (HTA) submissions for companies taking their products through NICE and other HTA bodies. This involves supporting clients at all stages of the submission process, advising on strategy and providing post-submission support, whilst working closely with colleagues across YHEC to ensure the highest quality submission.
YHEC is also an EAG for NICE, under their HealthTech Programme. This is one of the ways my work involves my passions for medical technologies and care pathways. When leading EAG projects I spend my time assessing different devices and how they may be used effectively within the NHS.
Because of my clinical experience – working in the Australian public and private health systems as well as the NHS – I know what impact new technologies can have. I love being able to measure and demonstrate their value, and I find it really interesting to work with clients to find effective ways to implement their technologies into existing pathways.
What clients do you typically work with? What’s a key challenge that you help YHEC’s clients overcome?
Our clients range from global pharma companies to medical startups! For smaller clients, I might be helping them to build evidence generation plans so they can present a robust case for assessment by NICE. For established companies, I might be working out the best way to model evidence for global markets: one of YHEC’s key strengths is our in-depth understanding of other healthcare systems. We often adapt models for Europe, the US and beyond.
How do you approach a new project to ensure that the advice you give is the most rigorous and reliable?
I like to ask a lot of questions at the start to ensure that I fully understand the client’s aims and experience so far, the project background, and the broader clinical picture. This allows me to assemble a bespoke team of experts, people with exceptional ideas and technical skills, and the specific expertise needed to deliver excellent results.
When a client works with you, how and where will they notice your impact on the success of the project?
In the details and the momentum. They’ll definitely notice my attention to detail – all those questions that I love to ask! – and they’ll benefit from my enthusiasm and engagement, and my commitment through every stage of the project.
What’s one project you’ve worked on recently that you’re particularly proud of, and why?
I love working on projects where YHEC and the client can safely challenge one another. That degree of collaboration always leads to better outcomes as it deepens understanding on both sides and ensures YHEC can produce work which truly meets the needs of the client and any relevant external organisations. There have been several projects lately where we have celebrated the onward success of clients with the outputs we created through such strong collaboration.
What’s one emerging trend that you are paying close attention to?
There are two areas – AI in imaging, and early cancer diagnostics. I’m interested in how they intersect. By leveraging AI to enhance the accuracy of X-rays and CT scans, for example in early lung cancer and nodule detection, we may be able to significantly improve early intervention. This technology also holds great potential to alleviate some of the burden on overstretched radiologists. Ultimately, I am interested in exploring how AI-supported imaging can create more cost-effective diagnostic pathways and improve patient outcomes.
Of course, this also shows the importance of health economics. Early intervention doesn’t just alter clinical outcomes but also has implications for health systems and clinical pathways, and health economics can help us to understand this.
What are you most excited about for the future of your work at YHEC?
The sheer wealth of knowledge here. It’s amazing to be able to tap into such a mine of experience and to build a bespoke team for every single project. The collective expertise is immensely valuable, and it shows in YHEC’s work.
What is the most rewarding part of your job or what do you enjoy most about working at YHEC?
The genuine dialogue with clients. Understanding the history of a company, their plans and their people, makes a project meaningful. When I have that context, I can add significantly more value to a project.
What’s your favourite thing to do outside work?
I’ve recently taken up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and it’s brilliant. I love it! It’s like human chess because you have to consider every move. I never thought I was a contact sport person, but it’s totally engaging, and I’ve discovered a new side of myself.
Tell us a surprising or fun fact about yourself!
I was an on-call firefighter for over two years. It was an incredible learning curve, and as a woman in a male-dominated space, I’ve learnt a lot! As well as the obvious benefit of being the only place where, as a woman, I didn’t have to queue for the toilet, it challenged me both physically and mentally in more ways than I could have imagined. I met so many great people and have forged friends for life in my fire crew.
Contact us
To learn more about our expertise in HTA and how we can support your needs, contact us or reach out to Mary on LinkedIn to discuss HTA submissions.
YHEC will also be attending ISPOR EU 2026, including Mary. Feel free to chat with any of the team at Booth 719 from 08 November.