The start of the year has brought new energy to MedEngine, and we’re excited to welcome new expertise to our teams. Mahsa Heidari, based in Stockholm, joins us as Business Area Lead, Sweden and Senior Scientific Consultant, bringing extensive experience in Medical Affairs and Market Access.
Mahsa is a trusted, warm, and people-focused professional. “Those who know me would probably add that I am empathetic, resilient, set high standards and consistently act with integrity.” She values collaboration, clarity, and accountability, and strives to create environments where expertise, structure, and curiosity can thrive—even in complex and fast-moving settings.
Mahsa brings more than 15 years of experience in the life sciences sector, spanning local, regional, and global roles. Before joining MedEngine, she held senior medical and leadership positions at Swedish Orphan Biovitrum (Sobi), AstraZeneca, and Novartis, working across therapy areas including oncology, immunology, haematology, rare diseases, and specialty care.
“ My interest was sparked by the ability of science and medicine to create tangible impact for patients and society.”
While completing her Master of Science in Pharmacy at Uppsala University and conducting her thesis work at Uppsala University Hospital, Mahsa became fascinated by the ability of science and medicine to create tangible impact for patients and society. Over time, this evolved into a strong motivation to work closer to strategic decision-making, where scientific insight can directly influence access to innovative treatments and shape healthcare outcomes.
Alongside her scientific background, Mahsa has complemented her expertise with studies in business economics, sustainable business models, leadership, and digital technologies, including artificial intelligence. Her professional experience spans strategic advisory work, people leadership, compliance and regulatory accountability, and cross-functional strategy execution.
“ One of the most rewarding areas I have worked in is managed access programmes. Being able to enable treatment for a patient with a high unmet medical need when no other options are available is both meaningful and humbling.”
Working at the intersection of science, healthcare systems, and patient access has remained a consistent source of motivation for Mahsa. “One of the most rewarding areas I have worked in is managed access programmes. Being able to enable treatment for a patient with a high unmet medical need when no other options are available is both meaningful and humbling,” she shares. “This work requires close and trust-based collaboration with health authorities, treating physicians, and internal stakeholders, often in situations where urgency, regulations, sensitivity, and scientific rigour must be carefully balanced.”
Mahsa was drawn to MedEngine by its strong scientific foundation, Nordic real-world evidence expertise, and the opportunity to contribute to the company’s continued growth as part of VCLS. “The combination of scientific excellence, strategic advisory capability, and forward-looking direction is highly inspiring,” she reflects.
“ In my role, I’m particularly motivated by the opportunity to help develop a business area that creates long-term value for clients while contributing to MedEngine’s continued development as a trusted strategic partner in life sciences.”
Outside of work, Mahsa enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is married and has two teenage children. Living just across from a nature reserve makes it easy for Mahsa to recharge outdoors. Staying active is important for her, and martial arts and swimming are part of her regular routine to maintain energy and balance.
Lifelong learning and adaptability are values Mahsa upholds in her professional life and beyond–she earned her black belt in karate this past December. She also volunteers as a karate instructor, which she finds particularly rewarding. “Inspiring others to focus on health, resilience, and continuous personal growth is very meaningful to me.”
We look forward to the expertise and energy she brings to our team, guided by the same discipline and curiosity that earned her a black belt. Wonderful to have you on board, Mahsa. A warm welcome!
MedEngine Warmly Welcomes Mahsa Heidari, MedEngine News, People, Personnel
