What Makes an MSL Truly Exceptional? Lessons From the Best MSLs Around the Globe

Lessons from the Best MSLs Around the Globe

As a member of the judging panel for the Medical Science Liaison Society (MSLS) Awards, I had the opportunity to thoroughly review and evaluate the submissions from candidates aspiring to be recognized among the best MSLs worldwide. Based on this experience, the present document analyzes a series of testimonies and perspectives from three groups of professionals: MSL rookies, representing the early stages of development in the role; experienced MSLs, offering a consolidated vision grounded in years of practice; and MSL Heads, responsible for leading and guiding teams within the field of Medical Affairs.

The questions, elaborated by the Medical Science Liaison Society, were designed to explore three key dimensions: their five-year career projection, their most impactful contribution in the performance of their MSL role, and the ways in which they have supported the growth of the MSL or Medical Affairs community both within and beyond their organizations.

The following sections present a detailed analysis of the findings, aiming to identify common patterns, differences across experience levels, and key insights relevant to the ongoing evolution of the MSL function at a global scale.

Career Paths and Five-Year Vision

The professionals interviewed agree that the MSL career is characterized by a continuous pursuit of patient impact, scientific expertise, and leadership development.

The most common aspirations include:

• Progression toward leadership roles: Many MSLs aspire to become managers, medical directors, or global leaders, aiming to influence medical strategy and build high-performing teams.
• Specialization and international expansion: There is a clear interest in gaining experience in emerging therapeutic areas and participating in international projects that connect local needs with global resources.
• Innovation and digital transformation: Technological advancements, particularly the integration of AI and digital platforms, are viewed as opportunities to enhance scientific communication and improve data management efficiency.

Most Impactful Contributions as MSLs

The contributions of the award candidates center around three main areas:

1. Education and Access to Innovative Therapies
   • Development of educational materials: A notable example includes creating guides and brochures to support disease management, helping both patients and healthcare professionals better understand treatments and improve adherence.
   • Launch of new medicines: Several MSLs have led to the introduction of pioneering therapies for hard-to-treat conditions, ensuring global access and proper training of medical teams.
2. Mentorship and Strengthening of the MSL Community
   • Internal and external mentorship: MSLs have promoted mentorship programs for new professionals, both within their organizations and in external forums, contributing to the professionalization and growth of the role.
   • Creation of networks and interest groups: The establishment of communities and specialty groups has fostered knowledge exchange and collaborative professional development.
3. Innovation and Leadership in Strategic Projects
   • Implementation of digital platforms: The creation of interactive tools and platforms for medical education has improved communication among hospitals and professionals, as well as the organization of scientific meetings.
   • Participation in clinical studies and evidence generation: MSLs have led research initiatives and clinical trials, contributing to the generation of relevant data for clinical and regulatory decision-making.

Impact on the Medical and Pharmaceutical Community

The analysis reveals that MSLs act as true agents of change, capable of:

• Bridging educational gaps: Through continuous education and the simplification of scientific information, MSLs empower healthcare professionals and patients to make informed decisions.
• Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration: Interaction with pharmacovigilance, market access, and professional associations enhances the quality and reach of medical initiatives.
• Advancing equity and access: Several accounts highlight initiatives aimed at improving access to clinical trials and therapies for underrepresented populations and resource-limited countries.

Future Challenges and Opportunities

The main challenges identified include:

• Adaptation to digitalization: The integration of AI and digital tools demands constant upskilling and a proactive attitude toward change.
• Talent management and mentorship: The growth of MSL teams and the development of new leaders are essential to sustain excellence and innovation in the field.
• Measuring impact: Implementing KPIs and protocols to assess the impact of MSL activities is critical to demonstrating their strategic value.

Comparative Analysis: Distinctive Patterns and Commonalities

The comparative analysis of responses also allowed to identify differentiating patterns and similarities among the three groups of professionals evaluated, which are presented below:

Similarities:

• All groups demonstrate a clear orientation toward continuous learning, mentorship, and contribution to the MSL community.
• Regardless of experience level, there is a shared motivation to improve patient care and advance healthcare professional education.
• Networking—both internal and external—and cross-departmental collaboration are highly valued.

Differences:

• Temporal and strategic perspective: Rookies tend to focus on personal development and immediate impact, whereas senior MSLs and MSL Heads adopt a more strategic, long-term view emphasizing organizational transformation and innovation.
• Type of contribution: Rookies highlight individual and learning achievements; senior MSLs emphasize influence on clinical practice and education; and MSL Heads underscore team building, strategic direction, and the institutionalization of best practices.
• Level of influence: As professionals advance in their careers, their influence evolves from individual or team-level impact to organizational and, in some cases, global reach.

Conclusion

The MSL role is evolving toward leadership, innovation, and digital transformation, while maintaining patient care and medical education at its core. The contributions analyzed demonstrate that the MSL’s impact extends beyond the organization, influencing the global medical community and shaping the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry. The future of the MSL profession will be defined by collaboration, mentorship, and the ability to adapt to technological and scientific challenges.

Disclaimer: This article was written by the author and translated and styled with the assistance of AI tools.

About the author:

Victor Sastre, MSc, MSL-BC

Victor has more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical biotech industry, Medical Affairs, and R&D. Professor in several master’s and Pharma MBA Coordinator. Passionate and author of various publications related to the MSL position. He is currently a Senior MSL Head at Amgen, with responsibility for Bone Metabolism, Neuroscience, Inflammation, and Rare Diseases. Victor has previous experience at Parke-Davis and Pfizer. In 2018, he received the MSL Award of the Year-Outside USA from the MSL Society. Victor is also a Board-Certified Medical Science Liaison (MSL- BC®).