Matthew Helbling, Pharm.D., Video Interview | 2025 MHE Emerging Leaders in Healthcare

Matthew Helbling, Pharm.D., director of clinical effectiveness and operations at Prime Therapeutics LLC, is one of this year’s Managed Healthcare Executive Emerging Leaders in Healthcare.

MHE editors asked each leader to answer three questions in a video interview: Describe a turning point in your career; if you could change one thing about U.S. healthcare, what would it be; and what is a personal goal you’re working toward outside of your professional life?

Helbling said a defining moment early in his career came when he was working in retail pharmacy and offered the chance to pilot a medication therapy management (MTM) program.

"I was fairly unfamiliar with the process and what it would all entail but took on that pilot and was able to start doing comprehensive medication reviews with my current patients," he said, adding that he was able to spend more time building relationships with patients at a deeper level—becoming part of their care team.

That experience led him to seek out a role at Prime Therapeutics as an MTM pharmacist, which has since grown into leadership opportunities focused on strategy and large-scale impact.

When it comes to improving U.S. healthcare, Helbling says the biggest barrier is patient understanding.

"The healthcare system as a whole is difficult to navigate," he said. "I think that we find that patients and members that we speak to just don't have a lot of information or education around the benefits available to them and the community resources that are available to them."

He believes the system needs to do more to flag useful information, improve follow-up for new members, and clearly explain how to access support.

Outside of work, Helbling is looking forward to enjoying the short but beautiful summer season in Minnesota.

"In the summer, I will be learning how to wake surf," he shared. “So that will be an exciting and hopefully not too challenging venture for me this year.”