Welcome to another edition of The MSL Journal! We thought it would be an ideal way to kick off the first edition of 2021 in time for the 2nd Annual International MSL Day – March 27, 2021 – with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and development topics! As our world evolves and changes, it’s timely and relevant to elevate these ideals. It has been an enormous undertaking to deliver an array of content that spans these key areas. We were so impressed by what the authors contributed with a focus on the value of diversity in teams and any endeavor, building bridges for inclusivity in all areas of our lives and continuing to climb toward new development heights, particularly with digital technology! We are thankful for our globally diverse MSL society and readers who made time to write and share their views, expertise, and insights with everyone! My sincere appreciation to the writers!
I hope that you enjoy the broad range of articles in our first journal edition of the year! Our talented, amazing MSL community has outdone themselves with many great reads! We send all our best wishes for health, success, and positive energy to rise above all challenges we face, knowing that we do not face them alone. Keep reading, learning, and striving for excellence in all you do! If these articles inspire you to put pen to paper, please send us your articles!
As the pandemic lingers, we are beginning to see hope for an eventual return to a new normal where vaccines can be received, the ability to start traveling again may happen more often, and people are sensing the need to reconnect in person in a safe manner. The pandemic has taught us to lean into others’ needs and views; we aim to have more empathy for others and consider what works best for them, for our needs, and we adapt. Perhaps the pandemic encourages diversity in thinking, more awareness of the world around us, as all parts of the globe are touched by covid-19, more creativity in how we accomplish our jobs and tasks in daily life and also reminds us that the isolation caused by the past year opposes our very human need to be with others.
Having a formal day dedicated to recognizing the MSL community on International MSL Day is quite special and well deserved! My glass is raised to a toast to each of you for your contribution as MSLs and leaders who make a truly significant impact in patient lives each day!
Until our next edition, happy reading, and please take time to celebrate International MSL day!
Cherie Hyder
Cherie Hyder, PharmD, MSL-BC is Medical Excellence and Operations Lead in Medical Affairs at Biohaven Pharmaceuticals where she recently supported a virtual launch of Nurtec ODT for acute migraine. She has been involved in drug development for more than 30 years, working at FDA in CDER and pharmaceutical companies including Pfizer, Lilly, Novartis, Solvay, and Avanir, among others. At University of Missouri, she received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree with the intention to devote her career to pharmaceutical research. She has multiple adjunct faculty appointments and enjoys teaching opportunities.
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