Over the past decade, the role of the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began as a primarily scientific communication function has expanded into one of strategic influence, project leadership, and even account management in some contexts. In this article, I will explore this shift, the drivers behind it, and what it could mean for the future of field medical affairs.
If we look back in time, 10 years ago, the MSL role was largely defined by its ability to translate complex scientific data into digestible insights for healthcare professionals (HCPs). The value we provided was centered around our deep clinical and scientific knowledge, and our credibility stemmed from our academic training and ability to articulate evidence clearly and accurately.
However, over the past few years, the industry’s needs have evolved, and so has the role of the MSL. Today, MSLs are not only scientific experts but also strategic partners. They are expected to understand and interpret real-world evidence, contribute to product launch strategies, and collaborate cross-functionally across commercial, access, and regulatory teams. In some regions, MSLs are even taking on responsibilities that overlap with key account management, especially in therapeutic areas with complex access environments such as Rare disease and Oncology, among others.
Here are several key factors that, in my opinion, have accelerated this shift:
- Patient Centric Models: The rise of patient centricity has led to the need for deeper stakeholder engagement across the healthcare ecosystem. MSLs are increasingly asked to engage not only with physicians but with pharmacists, payers, and advocacy groups.
- Data Proliferation: With the explosion of data sources, including clinical trials, real-world evidence, and health economics, there is growing demand for professionals who can interpret and contextualize these findings. MSLs are uniquely positioned to do this.
- Launch Excellence: As pipelines grow more specialized and launch cycles accelerate, field medical teams are now at the table much earlier. MSLs often contribute to prelaunch insights gathering, competitive intelligence, and mapping of scientific influence networks.
- Cross-functional Integration: The silos that once separated Medical, Commercial, and Market Access are becoming increasingly porous. MSLs now operate within broader integrated teams, contributing not only scientific guidance but strategic input that informs business decisions.
- Customer focus: Roles like MSL have in their DNA the fact that they should tailor to customer needs. That means adapting the deliverables to meet their needs in the best way possible for their practice, research or patients. HCPs have been vocal in the past years about their preferences in having a hybrid approach with fewer points of contact from the Pharma companies.
The modern MSL is a hybrid professional equal parts scientific communicator, strategic advisor, and ecosystem navigator. We are now expected to:
- Lead scientific engagement planning based on stakeholder segmentation and tailored objectives
- Gather, analyze, and escalate medical insights that shape local and global strategy
- Collaborate in evidence generation planning, whether through IITs, registries, or RWE initiatives
- Contribute to access and reimbursement discussions by translating complex science into patient value stories
- Guide internal teams in navigating scientific opinion shifts, therapeutic area evolution, and competitive positioning
These responsibilities require new capabilities. Scientific depth is still essential, but MSLs must now also master soft skills such as strategic thinking, stakeholder mapping, influence without authority, and the ability to articulate value beyond efficacy. As the role evolves, so does its identity. In many organizations, the traditional title of “Medical Science Liaison” is being reconsidered. New titles like “Field Leader,” “Therapeutic Area Lead,” “Field Expert,” or even role-specific names like “CAR-T Liaison” are emerging. These shifts reflect a broader acknowledgment of the strategic contributions field medical professionals bring to the organization and their increasing alignment with disease area strategy, not just scientific exchange. If this evolution is to succeed, medical organizations must rethink how they recruit, onboard, and develop field medical talent. A few priorities come to mind:
- Broaden hiring profiles: While a PhD or PharmD remains foundational, candidates with cross-functional or business exposure, such as market access, HEOR, or consulting, are increasingly attractive. Breaking into your first MSL role might be a little harder now.
- Invest in upskilling: MSLs should be equipped with not only disease area knowledge but also training in business acumen, project management, and data interpretation
- Redefine success metrics: Traditional KPIs focused on calls and interactions are insufficient. Organizations must track the quality of insights, strategic contributions, and influence on cross-functional decision-making
- Nurture leadership: Today’s MSLs are tomorrow’s Medical Affairs leaders. A strategic mindset should be fostered early on
The future of Medical Affairs is one of greater impact and deeper integration. As generative AI, precision medicine, and patient-level data further shape the landscape, MSLs will be at the frontlines interpreting, advising, and co-creating solutions with stakeholders. I believe that we must continue to evolve as Medical Affairs professionals! We must stay curious, stay connected, and most importantly, stay grounded in our mission to bridge science and medicine in ways that benefit patients and systems alike.
This article is not a prediction; it is a call to action. If you are an MSL today, ask yourself: Am I only communicating science, or am I shaping strategy? The answer will define your role not just for this year but for the next decade.
About the author:
Rayana Luna, PhD, MSc
Rayana Luna is an experienced medical affairs professional with over a decade of regional, national, and international pharmaceutical experience. She has led high-performing MSL teams across large Global Organizations and is passionate about mentoring the next generation of field medical professionals. Her work priorities are focused on innovation, cross-functional collaboration, and elevating the role of medical affairs while driving strategic impact. In her current Capacity at Your MSL Coach, she offers Consulting services to professionals and companies in the areas of Medical Affairs career transition, Medical Excellence, and Omnichannel strategy execution.
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