Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) require comprehensive and broad onboarding training to fully prepare for their roles, yet they typically only receive training that is narrowly focused on disease state, therapeutic areas, and products they support. Crucially, this limited approach to onboarding neglects essential skills such as Key Opinion Leader (KOL) engagement, territory management, strategic thinking, and other skills that are pivotal to their success in the field. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the MSL Society, 72% of MSLs globally, revealed that their initial training only consisted of self-study of journal reprints. This method fails to cover the breadth of skills and knowledge necessary, limiting MSLs’ ability to navigate the complexities of their positions effectively.
Recognizing this significant gap, the MSL Society created a comprehensive 3-Part onboarding training program specifically designed for the nuanced requirements of newly hired MSLs. The program begins with Part 1: 5 days of Live Training. Each day is facilitated by an experienced MSL leader, providing a unique and immersive educational experience. Part 2: 40 Hours of self-paced learning. The program provides access to a thorough 16-course curriculum, the Medical Affairs Foundation Training Program, establishing a solid educational foundation. The program concludes with Part 3: Ongoing Support. The program continues by offering ongoing Professional Development opportunities, including a 1-year Professional Level membership to the MSL Society and waived fees for the prestigious MSL certification (MSL-BC).
Following its debut session April 22-26, 2022, the program has been iteratively refined and delivered multiple times, each enhancing the onboarding experience. To assess the long-term efficacy and transformative potential of this comprehensive training, we asked several past participants one year after their completion for their candid feedback. Their perspective provides valuable insights into the program’s profound impact, highlighting the critical role of structured onboarding in unlocking the full potential of MSL professionals.
Can you describe specific elements of the training that enhanced your preparedness for engaging with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and how did these elements equip you for effective interactions?
The in-person training was extremely valuable. We were able to learn how to critically evaluate a research paper, territory planning, Congress planning, preparing for KOL meetings, and learning how to gather and deliver insights.
Dawn Delo O’ Reilly, PhD, MMS, PA-C
Senior MSL Lung/GI-Carolinas
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
Can you identify any specific tools or methodologies provided during the training that have become indispensable in your daily work?
There were a lot of tools that they provided but I think the most helpful was the workshop on insight gathering. We learned how to prepare for meetings, collect, and navigate medical insights and strategically deliver them back to our leadership.
Dawn Delo O’ Reilly, PhD, MMS, PA-C
Senior MSL Lung/GI-Carolinas
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
Could you describe how the collaborative and networking opportunities within the training program have benefited you professionally?
I really enjoyed meeting other MSLs from other companies. It allowed us to network and learn some tips and tricks that they have learned that have worked for them. It also gives us an opportunity to keep in touch should we ever need them.
Dawn Delo O’ Reilly, PhD, MMS, PA-C
Senior MSL Lung/GI-Carolinas
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
I had been at my prior company for less than one year, so I took the course as a new MSL (having spent the past 20+ years in clinical practice). This course fulfilled MSL training, mentoring and orientation, which is something I had not encountered in my previous role. I even gained a mentor (and medical affairs expert), who was a speaker at the training!
Michelle Zubrycki, RN, ACNP
MSL
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Reflecting on the entire training experience, what aspects did you find most beneficial and enjoyable, and how have they influenced your performance and approach as an MSL?
Every day of the training experience brought valuable skills and tips to apply to everyday use as an MSL. I think the most valuable training that has influenced my performance and approach as an MSL is the insight gathering workshop. It takes a lot of skill and practice to plan a KOL meeting, execute it successfully and then be able to gather, summarize and deliver strategic insights back to the company and the workshop educated us on all of this and allowed us an opportunity to practice with each other.
Dawn Delo O’ Reilly, PhD, MMS, PA-C
Senior MSL Lung/GI-Carolinas
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.
What feedback have you received from colleagues or KOLs that you attribute to skills or knowledge gained from the onboarding training?
During the training, Samuel uses the acronym K.I.S.S., and says “don’t be weird.” I have found that I get more “aha” moments or verbalized clarity from KOLs and colleagues when I am keeping things simple and having a genuine conversation versus speaking in a scripted, rigid, sterile manner. Having spoken with many providers as a clinician before industry, I was able to combine that experience with the expectations of communication in the industry and make an impact.
Jackie Edwards, DMSc, BSN, PA-C
MSL
Biodesix
Could you share an example where the training directly influenced your ability to overcome a challenge or capitalize on an opportunity?
Learning that KOL strategy should be aligned with a medical strategy and the company’s overall goals was a helpful tip to apply when we had to develop a strategy in my role. The KOL designation was used very liberally and there weren’t any qualifying metrics. Being specific helped us create a much more manageable list, which creates greater impact and is much more simple.
Jackie Edwards, DMSc, BSN, PA-C
MSL
Biodesix
How would you compare the competency and confidence you feel in your role now to before you attended the training?
When I attended the MSL Society Onboarding training, I had changed careers from direct patient care and only been an MSL for 3 weeks. I was taking in a lot of information about the therapeutic area I was in and adjusting to the role. After the onboarding training, I felt equipped to navigate as an MSL from the tools and tips provided on communication, quickly dissecting information and planning.
Jackie Edwards, DMSc, BSN, PA-C
MSL
Biodesix
In which ways did the training exceed industry standards, and how has this set you apart in your role as an MSL?
The MSL Onboarding training emphasizes collaboration and thinking outside of the box to accomplish your MSL goals. The training strategically places you outside your comfort zone with planned seating and creating small group exercises for skills practice. While practicing as an MSL, you have to be adaptable and collaboration is a key skill. The MSL Onboarding gives new MSLs a small dose of the reality of the intensity with the intensity of its program. Being prepared, organized, and adaptable are skills that will set you apart as a new MSL.
Jackie Edwards, DMSc, BSN, PA-C
MSL
Biodesix
What message would you give to someone considering this training about its value and potential impact on their MSL career?
DO IT. I was fortunate enough to be able to do this training during the first 6 months of my first MSL role and I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity. It doesn’t matter what the therapeutic area is that you are an MSL in, you learn the foundation to being an MSL and how to succeed. The training environment is friendly and welcoming, really allowing everyone, no matter what your learning style is, to participate and benefit from the training. Once I completed the training, I really felt like I had learned the core competencies needed to succeed as an MSL and a solid foundation to work from and build my knowledge.
Kimberly Koetter, DNP, RN, APRN
MSL
Servier
I recommend the 5-day training to any MSL. The skills and knowledge that I gained were immeasurable. You will learn something…whether you are a novice, (like me), or a veteran MSL. Additionally, this is an investment for MSL team training!
Michelle Zubrycki, RN, ACNP
MSL
Aurinia Pharmaceuticals Inc.
About the author:
Samuel Dyer, MD, PhD
Dr. Samuel Dyer is the CEO of the Medical Science Liaison Society and has over 25 years of international MSL experience. During his career, he has managed MSL teams and operations in over sixty countries across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. He has facilitated the successful launch of pharmaceutical and medical device products for both Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies and small biotechnology companies.
Dr. Dyer has coached, interviewed, and reviewed the CVs of countless aspiring MSLs. His insights and guidance have resulted in hundreds of aspiring MSLs successfully breaking into their first roles.
While leading the MSL Society, he has conducted MSL training programs for over 75 pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies in more than 15 countries. Dr. Dyer has also written extensively on the Medical Science Liaison profession, including numerous published articles, benchmark studies, and reports. He has been the keynote speaker and moderated numerous international conferences on various MSL–related topics, including creating teams, management, MSL training, proper utilization of MSLs, global trends, and the KPIs and metrics used to measure MSL performance. Dr. Dyer has also served as a resource and consultant on several MSL–related projects for several organizations, including McKinsey & Company and Bain & Company.
Dr. Dyer has an MD from Washington University (Health & Science) School of Medicine, a PhD in Health Sciences from Touro University, a Master’s degree in Tropical Biology (where he studied in the Amazon) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of the State of New York. Dr. Dyer also completed a certificate program for Executive Leadership and Strategy in Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology at the Harvard Business School.
Dr. Dyer is the author of the multi-award-winning and Amazon #1 Best Seller, The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide: How to Break into Your First Role (https://amzn.to/4aoYcZp). The book is the first and only step-by-step guide on how to break into the MSL profession and it has received multiple prestigious awards, including:
- 2024 Winner of the American Legacy Book Awards in the Business: Careers category.
- 2024 “Gold Award” Winner – Literary Titan Book Awards in the Career category.
- 2023 “Best Book” Winner – Pinnacle Book Achievement Award in the Career Development category.
He is also the author of the Medical Science Liaison Job Application Tracking & Interview Self-Evaluation Journal (https://amzn.to/49n6MGR).
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