Interview with José Carlos Ortega Regalado
Statistician, Health Division | OECD
Since completing his master’s in Toulouse five years ago, José has been working at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Here, he discusses how economists are helping the world to tackle the great health challenges of the 21st century, his passion for public policy and international collaboration, and the joys of sharing a pastis on the banks of the River Garonne.
What inspired you to become a health economist at the OECD? What skills did you need to get your foot on the ladder?
During my undergraduate at Pompeu Fabra University in Barcelona, I was introduced to health economics by some of my favorite professors. I was surprised to learn how much economists had to say about health and healthcare, and as I delved deeper, I became increasingly fascinated. I was particularly drawn by the emphasis on empirical work, and I realized that this applied field provided a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact.
My master's program at TSE in Public Policy and Development was incredibly valuable preparation for the OECD, equipping me with the technical and quantitative skills that I use on a daily basis as a statistician. It also gave me a deep understanding of the complexities of public policy design and implementation, which has been crucial in navigating the challenges of such a dynamic and complex organization. TSE has been instrumental in my success, giving me the tools and policy knowledge to hit the ground running, but there is no substitute for real-world experience. Working at the OECD has challenged me in ways I could never have anticipated, and I've had to learn and adapt quickly to keep up.
As a young professional, I remain deeply committed to using my expertise to address pressing issues for our societies, particularly those related to aging and long-term care (LTC). By combining rigorous research with a collaborative approach, we can improve our understanding of the world and make a real difference in people’s lives.
How has the field of health economics evolved in recent years?
The field has expanded to include topics such as the effectiveness of different healthcare interventions, the impact of social determinants on health outcomes, and the need for resilient health systems. Covid-19 has accelerated this evolution, highlighting the need for health systems to be prepared to withstand shocks and to respond to sudden changes in demand while having important barriers from the supply side (e.g. labor force and drug shortages). Health economists have played a crucial role in assessing the costs and benefits of Covid-19 interventions, including those aimed at building resilience.
Health economists continue to help shape the evolution towards accessible, adequate, fair, and sustainable healthcare systems. This involves shifting the focus of healthcare financing and delivery from a disease-centered approach to one that prioritizes the needs and preferences of patients. The pandemic underscored the importance of people-centered systems, as patients faced new challenges in accessing care and managing chronic conditions.
How can an economist like you help the OECD to meet its goals?
The mission of the OECD is to improve economic and social well-being in its 38 member countries and beyond by promoting sustainable economic growth, targeting employment, education, health, and environmental protection, among other policy areas. The OECD serves as a platform for countries and experts to exchange knowledge and best practices. It also provides comparable data, research, and analysis to help governments make informed policy decisions. Ultimately, the goal is to promote better policies for better lives.
As a statistician, I play a crucial role in contributing to the organization's mission. My work is centered around conducting research and analyzing data, which requires me to spend a lot of time coding and manipulating data. I'm also in regular contact with government officials to gather information and further our understanding of specific issues, and I have constant interactions with academics to stay on top of the latest developments. My expertise in areas such as aging and long-term care puts me in a good position to perform relevant analyses and assist in disseminating the OECD's work.
What is it like to work at the OECD?
The OECD is a truly exciting place to work on such a broad range of topics – from health, environment, and education to circular economy and artificial intelligence. Working closely with government officials, academia, and the private sector, the organization offers an unparalleled opportunity to be at the heart of discussions that shape public policy.
Working in the health division is particularly rewarding because I get to collaborate with professionals from diverse fields, including doctors, pharmacists, sociologists, and others. This enriches my understanding of health and healthcare problems. Beyond the intellectual stimulation, I particularly enjoy the opportunity to develop many rewarding professional and personal relationships with people from all over the world. Everyone is friendly, and it's easy to strike up a conversation over coffee or lunch. I particularly enjoy interacting with young people who are passionate about policy in different areas.
Can you tell us about a recent project you are working on?
My work encompasses two main streams. The first focuses on aging and long-term care, where my team and I collaborate with the European Commission and the University of Southern California to study the effectiveness of public social protection systems in shielding older people from catastrophic out-of-pocket spending for long-term care. In 2022, we published some of our findings in a paper in eClinicalMedicine from The Lancet family.
My second stream of work relates to national monitoring of health systems. As part of Europe's Beating Cancer Plan, my team collaborated with the European Commission to produce the European Cancer Profiles, targeting the challenges of cancer in 27 EU member states, Norway, and Iceland. For each country, we provide a synthesis of its national cancer burden, the main risk factors, early detection programs, and the performance of cancer care systems. I served as the main data manager of the 29 publications and the author of the cancer profile of Spain.
How did your TSE years shape the way you see the world?
My time at TSE was instrumental in shaping me into the economist that I am today. As a student, I found it incredibly exciting to be surrounded by researchers at the forefront of knowledge. Interacting with professors and attending seminars helped me to see economics as a social science that has the power to make a real impact on people's lives when done with rigor and honesty.
One of the things I appreciated most about TSE was the opportunity to collaborate and develop invaluable friendships with promising economics students from all over the world. Some of my happiest memories involve enjoying the great weather while having a pastis with my friends at Place Saint Pierre. Many of my friends have completed PhDs and are doing groundbreaking research, and many others are now working in prestigious public institutions and the private sector.
The values that underpin TSE have played a big role in shaping the school's alumni. The new motto of the school – economics for the common good – is something that many of us keep constantly in mind. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of such a dynamic and impactful community, and the lessons I learned at TSE will stay with me throughout my career.
Interview published in TSE Reflect, March 2023