Fellowship in Market Access Strategies

By combining this rigorous academic foundation with a hands-on internship in industry or consultancy settings (i.e., Market Access or HEOR departments), the fellowship offers a comprehensive academic–industry pathway that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application.

The didactic component is embedded within the existing M.S. in Pharmaceutical Development and Management and M.B.A. in Healthcare Management – Pharmaceutical Industry Track, with courses designed to prepare candidates for an 8 months internship at prestigious pharmaceutical or consulting companies.

Designed as a competitive opportunity for a limited number of highly qualified candidates. The fellowship aims to develop the HEOR and Market Access expertise needed to assume leadership positions in the pharmaceutical sector.

This initiative is expected to foster impactful research collaborations, and contribute meaningfully to evidence-based policy development.

Contact Person:

Dr. Soumana Nasser, PharmD, MSc.

Clinical Associate Professor

Lebanese American University, School of Pharmacy

Email: soumana.nasser@lau.edu.lb

Phone: + 961-9-547254, ext. 2225

Educational Outcomes

• Industry Knowledge & Application: Develop expertise in pharmaceutical industry operations, including market access, product management and strategic frameworks.
• Strategic Decision-Making: Utilize business strategies, financial tools, and market analytics to drive product success and marketing efforts in the pharmaceutical sector.
• Leadership & Communication: Cultivate leadership, teamwork, and professional communication skills to effectively lead projects and collaborate within cross-functional teams.
• Professional Preparedness & Industry Integration: Gain practical experience and mentorship to seamlessly transition into pharmaceutical industry roles, particularly in market access strategies.

Admission

To be considered for admission to the fellowship program, applicants must have a baccalaureate degree in pharmacy, with preference given to those who hold a graduate degree. Applicants are required to submit the following documents:

• A bachelor degree in pharmacy (B.S.) from an accredited university and school of pharmacy.
• A graduate degree, Doctor in Pharmacy (is preferred) OR a Master degree in the field of pharmaceutical industry (healthcare management, pharmaceutical development, Health economics, health policies, public health, etc). If the candidate is expected to graduate from a graduate program, proof of degree completion is required before enrollment.
• GPA of 3.0/4.0 in the undergraduate and graduate studies
• Personal statement outlining reasons for pursuing the fellowship certificate and career goals.
• Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• At least one letter of recommendation

The applicant will be invited for an interview by both the school and its partner companies. Internship placement will then be determined through a matching process.

Admission to the fellowship program and successful matching with an internship are required prior to enrollment.

Target number of fellows to enroll on the first year is 2 fellows.

Applicants may access the application through this link: LAU Admission Office - Pharmacy Access Fellowship

Program Structure

The fellow is required to complete three online courses prior to the internship of 8 months duration within a pharmaceutical company or consultancy firm that has an MOU with the LAU School of Pharmacy (SOP).

Upon successful completion of the didactic coursework, fellows will proceed to the hands-on internship, focusing on areas such as Market Access or Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR).

Throughout the program, the fellow will engage in a focused project to gain practical experience, with the expectation to present and publish research findings in peer-reviewed venues.

I- Didactic coursework:

The three online courses are offered through the MBA in Healthcare Management program at LAU. The online comprises 9 credits, including two core courses and one elective selected from two suggested options.

• These three courses may also count toward the MBA in Healthcare Management program as the required electives constituting a pharmaceutical track.

Core Courses (6 Credits)

1. HCM 875O Market Access and Technology Assessment 
2. HCM 876O Heath Economics and Policy 

Elective Courses (3 Credits)

1. HCM 874O Pharmaceutical Marketing and Sales Management
2. HCM 877O Healthcare Accounting

Admitted candidates who hold a Master degree in related field, or are currently enrolled in the M.S. in ‘Pharmaceutical Management and Development’ at the LAU School of Pharmacy are required to complete two courses that can be counted as equivalent to the above online courses:

1. PHA734 Advanced Pharmacoeconomics is equivalent to HCM 876O
2. PHA755 /MGT83 Management Theory is equivalent to HCM874O

II- Internship:

Upon successful completion of the didactic coursework, the fellow will transition to a structured, hands-on internship within a pharmaceutical company or consultancy firm partnered through a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lebanese American University School of Pharmacy.

During this experiential phase, the fellow will be embedded for 8 months in specialized departments such as Market Access and Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR).

This internship is designed to translate theoretical knowledge into applied competencies, enabling fellows to engage directly with cross-functional industry teams, contribute to strategic deliverables, and develop practical expertise in market access and health economics within real-world healthcare systems.

Partnership

Simon Kucher is a global consultancy with more than 2,200 employees in 30+ countries. Our sole focus is on unlocking better growth that drives measurable revenue and profit for our clients. As a trusted commercial advisor, we combine deep consulting expertise, growth specialization, and technology to scale impact. We optimize every lever of commercial strategy – product, pricing, innovation, marketing, sales, and digital – based on deep insights into what customers value and are willing to pay for. With over 40 years of experience in monetization, we are regarded as the world’s leading commercial growth and pricing specialist.

When you join Simon-Kucher, you become part of a unique entrepreneurial team. We foster an environment where people can be themselves and do their best work. Alongside delivering real impact for our clients, we maintain a vibrant office culture and value collaboration, growth, and lasting connections.

CCHO is a premier healthcare consultancy advancing evidence-based decision-making across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With expertise in health economics and outcomes research (HEOR), real-world evidence (RWE), pharmaceutical market access, and health policy advisory, CCHO delivers integrated, data-driven solutions tailored to the region’s evolving healthcare landscape, providing end-to-end support across clinical, commercial, consulting, and training services.

As the Middle East’s first dedicated Market Access company, CCHO combines deep regional insight with global best practices. Through its proprietary business model, supported by nationally recognized researchers, CCHO partners with governments, industry, academia, and professional societies to address critical healthcare challenges and strengthen patient-centric healthcare systems across MENA.