Q&A with Tim Lai: Leveraging Real-World Data and Patient Preferences to Improve Depression Treatment

Tim Lai knows he needs to get out of his comfort zone to pursue the career he wants. His interest in patient-centered value assessment means learning how to confidently interact with patients despite his introverted nature.

With the help of his adviser, he is pushing himself and building his resume to do just that. While pursuing his PhD at the Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, Lai has also worked as a health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) intern at AbbVie and as a health equity research fellow at the Innovation and Value Initiative.

In addition, he received a 2025 PhRMA Foundation Predoctoral Fellowship in Value Assessment and Health Outcomes Research for his work using real-world data and patient preferences to help guide more effective treatment of depression.

Sometimes, patients don’t respond to the initial treatment, so they need to try another. Lai seeks to determine which follow-up treatment approaches work best by examining claims data and patient questionnaires. He will also survey patients to figure out which treatment approaches they prefer. Finally, he will develop a tool to help identify patients who are at higher risk of not responding to their first-line treatment.

Watch this video to learn more about Lai and his research.

Learn more about the PhRMA Foundation’s fellowship and grant opportunities. Check out more researcher stories on our blog.