Two decades of dedication: Celebrating 20 years at GKA.

As Huw celebrates two decades at GKA, it’s the perfect moment to sit down with him, reflect on his highlights, explore industry shifts, and delve into the interviews that have left a lasting personal impact.?

To start things off, could you share your most memorable moment during your 20-year journey with GKA??

One standout moment has to be when I worked on a project about opportunities for a novel electrocardiogram (ECG) device. Little did I know that this project would have a profound impact on my personal life. As we delved into the Heart Failure (HF) treatment landscape, we discussed common signs and symptoms that patients typically present with, such as breathlessness and a persistent cough. It was through this conversation that I could see several of these symptoms in my dad, most of which he attributed to aging. We encouraged him to see his GP, who uncovered elevated N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP). While his GP wasn’t looking to initiate any form of treatment, I knew his levels were high as a result of my knowledge from this project. As a result, I recommended a private consultation with a Cardiologist specialising in HF. Within a week, my dad had a pacemaker fitted and was one of the first patients in the UK to access a new and life-changing treatment for people living with HF. This project had a real impact on my family and the future of my dad’s health, and for that I will always be grateful.?

That’s an incredible story of how your work had a direct impact on your family. Are there any other projects that have stood out for you over the years??

Absolutely. I’ve had the privilege of working on hundreds of projects, but a few have left a lasting impression. Over the years I have moderated on lots of anticoagulation studies and worked on numerous projects during the competitive introduction of Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs) which have now become known as Direct Oral Anticoagulants (DOACs). This evolution in medicine has been a game-changer in preventing blood clots and is now seen as the gold standard treatment option. I also recall a memorable moment during a pill design study involving a colour-blind doctor – it was a unique challenge to overcome! On a different note, a pain study holds a special place for me, not just for its successful delivery but because it became the longest project in GKA history, lasting over 2 years!?

GKA has been operating for over 30 years, and you have been part of the organisation for a significant amount of that time. You therefore must have witnessed some significant changes over the years. How have you seen the company evolve? ?

The evolution has been astounding. When I joined GKA we were a paper-based business, with computers primarily for emails only at the start. Today we are a virtually paperless organisation and IT drives all our processes. Over the years I have also had the privilege to work with numerous colleagues, many of whom continue to be valuable members of the organisation today.?

The world of medical market research has seen significant changes. How have these changes impacted your role over the years??

The changes have been tremendous. In the early days, we relied heavily on phone recruitment and fax machines to communicate with GP surgeries. Our recruiters shared computer stations and rolodex databases were the norm. Qualitative research was predominant, and back in those days we often engaged a network of freelancers across the UK, delivering fieldwork in multiple locations. Over the years, there’s been a shift towards central locations focused on a single city per market and we’ve also seen a significant rise in quantitative research. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated remote interviewing, driving innovation and adaptability that was required to keep our industry moving the face of lockdown restrictions. Many of these changes have remain with us post-pandemic. ?

It's fascinating to see how far the healthcare sector and fieldwork has come. For my last question, what makes you proud to work at GKA??

What makes me proud is the genuine commitment to excellence that GKA embodies. It’s the relationships built over the years with colleagues, clients, suppliers and research respondents alike that has truly shaped my career. These connections have enriched my professional life and continue to drive my passion for what I do.?

What an incredible journey! It’s so important to recognise the 20 years of dedication and meaningful impact that you have made to medical market research over the years, Huw. Thank you, and here’s to your continuing journey with GKA. ?