It started with health, and became something bigger

From a young age, Stephen knew he wanted to work in health. He studied health sciences and later completed a master’s degree in health management, planning and policy. But the most powerful lessons came from his own life. As a young adult, Stephen went through cancer treatment and saw the US health system up close. Those experiences shaped his career ambitions and the values he brings to his work. 

After university, Stephen worked in public health in several countries, including the United States, Uganda, Liberia, Myanmar, and later the UK. Each place showed him something new about how people interact with healthcare. “Everyone gets sick at some point” he says. “No country has a perfect health system. But I met so many people working hard to make things better. That inspired me.” 

When he moved to the UK, he found an opportunity with DataLoch – a secure data service developed in partnership between NHS Lothian and the University of Edinburgh that supports health and social care priorities. While there, Stephen helped to make routine health data more accessible for research which opened his eyes to how powerful data can be in improving care. The role also led him in a new direction: combining public health knowledge with technology and user-centred design.

“I’ve been lucky to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures and those experiences taught me to listen closely to different perspectives. In my role now, that helps me understand the meaning, intention, and nuance behind what’s being said – not just the words.”

Listening, learning, and bringing people together

Today, as a Business Analyst at Health Data Research UK (HDR UK), Stephen works with software developers, researchers, and many others to make sure the Health Data Research Gateway – an online platform providing researchers with a simplified journey to search, discover and request access to health and health-related data and associated sharable resources – meets the needs of its users. His job is to listen carefully to people, understand what they need from the software, and help turn those needs into clear plans the team can build from. 

One of the most important skills he uses is simple but powerful: listening. “I’ve been lucky to meet people from different backgrounds and cultures” he says. “Those experiences taught me to listen closely to different perspectives. In my role now, that helps me understand the meaning, intention, and nuance behind what’s being said – not just the words.” 

He believes that listening well is an essential part of building tools that genuinely help researchers and the public. It allows him to catch good ideas early, understand people’s emotions and expectations, and make sure those insights are not lost. 

Working across a complex health data landscape

One of the biggest challenges of his work is also what makes it meaningful: the range of people who rely on the Gateway. HDR UK works across all four nations of the UK, and the Gateway is used by thousands of researchers, analysts, and members of the public. 

“It means there are thousands of different viewpoints” Stephen explains. “My job is to help the team make the best decisions for the most people, and to keep improving over time.” 

Then there is the great satisfaction gained from seeing first-time users react to the Gateway. “When people discover that a resource like this exists, they’re often excited and relieved. Hearing that feedback makes me proud of what our team has built.” 

“I get to work with a wonderful team and everyone believes in what we’re building. We know we’re helping research happen securely and more swiftly, and that can lead to real change in the health of communities.”

Lessons learned along the way

Among the hardest moments in Stephen’s career were losing colleagues who held deep knowledge of systems or communities and who were deeply passionate about their work. Their absence was felt not only personally, but in the sudden gaps in expertise they left behind. Those experiences reinforced for him the importance of seeking to improve healthcare for everyone and sharing knowledge openly to ensure it doesn’t get lost. “I try to be someone others can come to for help” he says. “It makes the whole team stronger.” 

If he could speak to his younger self, Stephen would encourage asking for guidance earlier. “I wish I’d learned sooner how to reach out to experts and bring together their advice together with my own learning.” 

Advice for others interested in this field 

Stephen’s message for anyone considering a similar path is simple: stay curious, listen deeply, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. 

“You don’t need to start as a data expert” he says. “Exploring publicly available datasets, trying new tools, and talking to people who use or manage health data can all help build confidence. The skill of listening and translating what you hear is useful in any role, but especially in this one.” 

Looking ahead

In the long term, Stephen hopes his work supports a future where the UK has a “learning health system” – one that uses high-quality data to make faster, smarter, more personalised decisions for patients. 

“Health data, when used safely and responsibly, can help create fairer and better care for everyone. Being part of that journey feels meaningful every day.” 

Stephen Lavenberg is a Senior Business Analyst at HDR UK.