AI is reshaping health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) – but where does it truly belong? In this MAP episode, Dr. Stefan Walzer talks with Haidong Feng, Associate Principal Scientist at Merck, about “human in the loop” versus “AI in the loop” and why the two complement rather than contradict each other.
Haidong explains why HEOR teams should reshape entire workflows – from evidence retrieval to modeling, validation and documentation – instead of replacing single tools like Excel or R, and why human experts remain essential in deciding where validation is needed. They also discuss how to earn the trust of HTA bodies in AI-supported models, which new skills modelers will need, how organizations can connect AI workflows across functions, and why the biggest barrier ahead is people, not technology.