Dear Readers,
Thank you for coming back to read each quarterly edition of The MSL Journal! As we banded together through the pandemic, we are now beginning to see light at the end with more clinics, academic centers, and KOLs, in general, are again opening to in-person engagement! Most of us continue to wear masks in clinics and during air travel as an added precaution and we always show our flexible nature to adapt to whatever needs arise, as we are laser-focused on all efforts that enhance patient care in our daily duties.
The current edition of the journal has rich content focusing on the new normal environment post-pandemic where MSLs are balancing virtual and in-person engagement, encountering some access challenges, and continuing to learn from each other regarding novel tactics for hybrid engagement in a world where HCPs may seem more distant, have less time to engage and want concise, tailored value for time spent with MSLs. The tips and advice from your Medical Affairs colleagues regarding how they navigate the new normal will serve to enhance all our efforts!
Additionally, we find more colleagues leaning into wishes for better work-life balance; the remote nature of our roles coupled with the extended time without travel has underscored the desire to strengthen family ties and not take time together for granted. Internal stakeholders and leadership found creative ways to utilize MSL talents with more internal projects and collaborations during the work from home time; we are in a new transition as many MSLs are now going back to regular field travel, yet the need for MSL support with internal projects has been elevated and clearly recognized, leaving MSLs to further stretch to balance internal and field needs. As we continue to navigate the changes together, it’s vital to communicate what is working and what is not. Take stock of your time, resources, and talents; then, consider how you want to use your precious resources!
As we have adapted to new situations during the pandemic, much has remained the same. A number of MSLs have moved into new roles, broken into their first MSL positions, and reached for new heights in their careers! Content in the current edition reflects key topics related to using recruiters to locate your next gig, strategic regional MSL planning efforts, MSL performance metrics, and strengthening internal partnerships, among many other excellent articles with sage advice! MSLs have evolved with such broad capabilities and utility that organizations are expanding MSL roles with a variety of internal and field-based unique Medical Affairs positions, reflecting just how much companies value our skill sets. Keep reaching for higher platforms as you climb the Medical Affairs ladder and know that your time spent networking, communing with your colleagues, and learning from each other is truly time well spent!
We welcome your contributions and ideas for new articles in the forthcoming journal editions!
Until then, happy reading!
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 the 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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