The MSL role was first established by Upjohn Pharmaceuticals in 1967. The MSL profession has grown exponentially over the years, and according to a 2018 global MSL Society survey, 68% of managers plan to expand the size of their MSL teams within the next two years. Having an official day, March 27, dedicated to MSLs is a unique way to recognize the profession, and raise awareness of the importance of the global MSL.
For an innocent understanding of the complex role and responsibilities of the MSL, we’ve asked a few contributors for their opinions on what is a MSL. Meet our contributors.
Abagayle Evans is the seven year old daughter of Alyson Evans MSL, Biohaven Pharmaceuticals. She is in second grade and loves gymnastics, art, and math.
Vivianna Mamone is the seven year old daughter of Bernadett Mamone, MSL, Eisai and 2020 MSL Society Advisor. She is in second grade and loves swimming, violin, and playing with friends.
Abraham Yoder is the nine year old son of Josh Yoder, MSL at uniQure. He is in fourth grade and loves reading, sleeping, and video games.
Question: What is a medical science liaison?
Abagayle: Someone who talks to people about medicine.
Abraham: Helps people learn about medicine.
Vivianna: I do not know.
Question: What does a MSL do?
Abagayle: I’m not really sure.
Abraham: Helps people learn about medicine.
Vivianna: Helps people, helps with their brain.
Question: What do you think a MSL does when not at home?
Abagayle: You do conferences, but I don’t know what you’re talking about in the conferences or in the conference calls.
Abraham: Talk about medicine and make PowerPoint presentations.
Vivianna: Talk to doctors.
Question: As a kid, what are the good things about the MSL job?
Abagayle: First, you take care of patients. You use special tools.
Abraham: You get paid.
Vivianna: You help people.
Question: As a kid, what don’t you like about your parent being a MSL?
Abagayle: When you’re gone a lot, but I do understand why you need to be gone.
Abraham: You are stuck in your office all day and are away very often.
Vivianna: You work all day.
Question: Do you aspire to be a MSL?
Abagayle: I ‘m not really sure cause I already planned doing stuff already when I grow up: doing a farm, cowgirl, sign language, ballerina class and that’s pretty much it.
Abraham: NO!
Vivianna: No, but I want to be a teacher.
Question: Do you think a MSL is important?
Abagayle: Absolutely because doctors and MSLs can be important sometimes like the conferences and conference calls and other kinds of stuff too.
Abraham: Yes.
Vivianna: Yes.
Question: So for everyone reading this article, is there anything else that you want to share with them?
Abagayle: Not exactly, but they could explain themselves more clearly (what they do everyday.)
Abraham: Hi!
Vivianna: No.
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