Dear readers,
Last week we celebrated the 6th anniversary of the International MSL Day recognizing all of YOU and the amazing achievements from field MSL engagement and activities that ultimately support patient needs and better care! THANK YOU to each of you for your dedication, energy, efforts and tireless will to make a difference in the lives of all patients waiting for a cure, treatment or improved outcomes!
Do you ever find it challenging to explain to your family and friends what an MSL is, what work they do, and why they do it? The title Medical Science Liaison (or any title that embodies field medical work, as there are so many variations!) means so much more than those three words. To be an MSL, one has already accomplished so much with many years of education, often attaining doctoral level degrees plus work experience from research, academic teaching, and other industry roles prior to joining Medical Affairs, and more than would fit on this page. Yet the real work begins once you join the MSL ranks and take on challenges to support research trials, meeting with opinion leaders and researchers to delve deep into science and move others toward a new understanding of medical conditions such that we can collaborate effectively to bring patients better treatments.
Medical Science Liaisons must be capable of doing so many things; thus their skillsets span a wider range of essential areas, not just scientific expertise! MSLs are viewed as fair and unbiased sources of medical and scientific information by their KOLs and internal stakeholders, cultivating deep trust and elevated respect as well as strong integrity in their relationships. MSLs travel at the “road warrior” level and pace that ensures medical needs are met across their regions which may span an urban area, several states, or even the whole country! Although many MSLs wish for a cloning machine and transporter to manage the extensive level of commitments they have, they somehow manage to make family a priority and maintain healthy friendships, being consummate networkers who have a love of connecting with others.
Next time you get the question about what an MSL does, and even more importantly WHY we do what we do, stand tall and have a proud moment where you share your passion for cutting-edge science, impactful communication, and collaboration that builds consensus and driving science toward meaningful medical value that makes patient lives better each day. Describing who you are with some colorful adjectives that evoke your purpose and passion for what you do will help others around you truly understand what it means to be an MSL!
Thanks for your dedication to this essential and strategic Medical Affairs division of the industry; drug development and successful product launch would not thrive without YOU!
Keep reading and enjoy the new beginnings of Spring as you dive into this rich edition that celebrates the MSL role!
Cheers!
About the author:
Cherie Hyder, PharmD, MSL-BC
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