Why certification is a Gold Standard
In all occupations and professions, certification is viewed as a professional qualification, signifying to employers, regulators, and the public that the holder of the credential possesses the breadth and depth of knowledge and skills needed to competently perform the role.
Because certification is typically a voluntary process (vs. licensure which is mandatory), obtaining the credential also shows that you are:
- committed to meeting the professional standards set by the industry and/or profession; and
- dedicated to maintaining your competency through engaging in continuing professional development (as is required to maintain certification).
For all these reasons, certification is often seen as the “gold standard” of professional credentials.
The value of a Gold Standard for the MSL profession
In the past, our profession was missing the golden standard that would be able to validate our knowledge.”
–Sasha Bogdanovich, MD, PhD, MSL-BC
MSL, EMD Serono
Certification provides a means through which stakeholders can gauge the qualifications of an MSL professional. The MSL-BC® has established consensus-based, industry-recognized standards against which MSL professionals can be evaluated.
Using processes similar to those utilized to create physician board certifications, the rigorous MSL-BC® examination was developed by leaders in the field working in partnership with experts in certification testing.
The MSL-BC® also provides a uniform measure of the knowledge and skills expected of all MSL professionals, regardless of the path they have taken into the field.
“My route to this role is not typical of many MSL peers. I’m very privileged to work amongst colleagues with exceptional healthcare/research backgrounds and qualifications including PharmD and PhD; however, I hope that my attaining this Board Certification demonstrates that despite my lack of such degrees, I can stand shoulder to shoulder with any MSL/MSL Leader across our industry – worldwide.”
–Amjad Mahmood, MSL-BC
Associate Director, Medical Sciences (Oncology), Gilead (UK’s first Board Certified MSL)
“I think it is the only valid title that I have related to my profession, it is also the first time that we have such a certification.”
–Victor Sastre, MS, MSL-BC
Head of MSL, Amgen
A mark of distinction
Certification requires that you submit to a rigorous, objective, and standardized evaluation of your knowledge and skills by an independent, third party. Successfully completing this process is a mark of distinction – you have taken the extra step of demonstrating that your expertise “measures up” to the gold standard set by the profession.
“As career interest continues to grow in the MSL eld I think it will be even more important to stand out in a strong field of applicants. The MSL-BC® will help!”
–Jeanna Cooper, PharmD, MSL-BC, BCPS
MSL, Ipsen
“MSLs come from a variety of professional backgrounds and each has unique on-the-job training and experiences. The MSL-BC Certification demonstrates broad competency as an MSL to peers as well as internal and external stakeholders, regardless of the amount and quality of training they have received. This certification is an indication that I understand how to excel in this role and have the ability to excel regardless of the specific goals my team is aiming to achieve.”
–Josh Yoder, PhD , MSL-BC
MSL Regional Director, Syneos Health
“For me personally, it’s important as I’m a Physician Assistant, and many MSL roles still require the terminal degree candidate. Certification helps me as an applicant at times be able to compete with those terminal degree candidates, as I can leverage the certification to my advantage for hiring purposes. It was extremely important for me to prove to myself, and my MSL colleagues that I have the skill set to be an MSL, MSL mentor, and MSL leader.”
–John Burger, RN, PA, MSL-BC
Lead Medical Science Liaison, MSL-BC at Romark Laboratories, L.C.
A valuable addition to your resume
The MSL-BC® represents your mastery of a specific, highly-detailed skill set. By comparison, a resume typically summarizes experience and accomplishments in general terms. Earning the MSL-BC® provides stakeholders with more insight into your capabilities. Thus, the credential can add value to your resume — no matter how long that resume is.
“As career interest continues to grow in the MSL field I think it will be even more important to stand out in a strong field of applicants. The MSL-BC® will help to define not only experienced MSLs, but MSLs who ‘get it’ and understand the multifaceted skill set needed to be an MSL.”
–Jamie Tobitt, PharmD, MSL-BC
Medical Value Liaison, Apellis Pharmaceuticals
” I feel coming from an RN, and PA background and both board-certified I truly believe all MSLs when providing scientific information to others should have certain role/skill standards to meet. Certification gives more validity to the role of MSL.”
–John Burger RN, PA, MSL-BC
Lead Medical Science Liaison, MSL-BC at Romark Laboratories, L.C.
Draws attention to your job application
“The MSL-BC® was an opportunity to showcase my credentials on my professional social media to let recruiters know that I am abreast and up-to-date in my field. I believe that with these credentials I will advance in my career much faster.”
–Chuck Narla, BPharm, PhD, MSL-BC
MSL, Eisai
” I view the MSL-BC as a clear advantage for someone applying for an MSL role. It gives managers confidence that potential employees are well qualified and up to date on current standards in our profession. After helping develop the exam and reviewing all of the content, I am confident that anyone who passes the exam to earn MSL-BC Certification is well prepared to be a high-performing member of any team they join.”
–Josh Yoder, PhD, MSL-BC
MSL Regional Director, Syneos Health
” I would give a preference to a candidate who is board-certified, as it shows that they really care about being an MSL, their competence with their science colleagues, and science customers/thought leaders they interact with on a daily basis. It also shows me as an MSL leader that they will go the extra distance to perfect and fine-tune their skill sets to be the best MSL they can be.”
–John Burger, PhD, MSL-BC
Lead Medical Science Liaison, MSL-BC at Romark Laboratories, L.C.
Certification helps recruiters and employers to quickly confirm that you possess the requisite professional competencies for success as an MSL professional or MSL manager. As a result, you may be more likely to be selected to advance further in the selection process.
“All other things being equal, I would give preference to an applicant with an MSL-BC because it shows engagement with their profession, and the initiative to get a credential that’s not required yet. The MSL-BC is still in its formative years. I know there are some who aren’t sure we need the MSL-BC, but I’m reminded of the earliest days of the PharmD programs at pharmacy schools when the BS in Pharmacy had been the standard degree for generations. I’m sure some of the earliest PharmD candidates were questioned why they needed extra schooling to be a pharmacist? Eventually, the PharmD became the standard degree for all pharmacy schools, and the profession is better for it. I’d like to think that the MSL-BC is in a similar position and over time we will see the MSL-BC grow to become the standard.”
–Jamie Tobitt, PharmD, MSL-BC
Medical Value Liaison, Apellis Pharmaceuticals
Demonstrates your commitment
“The MSL-BC® is a tool to gauge the commitment of an MSL/MSL manager to the profession, which may prove useful in career advancement opportunities.”
–Anu Guggilam, DVM, PhD, MSL-BC
MSL, SK Life Science
Earning the MSL-BC® distinguishes you as someone who: (a) is committed to the profession and its standards of practice and (b) dedicated to continuing your professional development. Many employers view certification as an indication of how dedicated you would be if hired.
May lead to being considered for a promotion or increase in compensation
“It is not an ‘end,’ but rather a step in my ongoing growth and development, creating opportunities for both increased compensation, career and promotional opportunities.”
–Gary Dawson, PhD, BCPP, MSL-BC
Medical Affairs, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Certification is not just beneficial for securing a job early in your career or obtaining a position with a new employer. The MSL-BC® can also be an advantage if you are an established professional or have been with an employer for some time, since employers may require certification or consider it as a factor when awarding a promotion or an increase in compensation.
“… as more MSL leaders become aware of this certification, it might become a requirement for anyone who is interested in advancing upwards on the MSL career ladder.”
–Mila Levinson, PharmD, BCPS, MSL-BC
Sr. MSL, AstraZeneca
“… Since the first MSLs, it’s been mostly up to the company to define what their MSLs did. And while many stayed within a general concept, others started pushing their definitions further away from the norm. In some cases, they were good changes, and in others, maybe not as much. It’s time that there is a standard we can refer to. The most valuable asset of an MSL is its integrity. I think the MSL-BC helps to maintain the integrity of the profession.”
–Jamie Tobitt, PharmD, MSL-BC
Medical Value Liaison, Apellis Pharmaceuticals
“…On a daily basis, to me, MSL-BC® means a HCP/KOL or co-worker can trust in this discussion of the peer reviewed data as it has been brought to you by a peer reviewed & approved certified Medical Science Liaison.”
–Angie Lombard, CP, MS, MSL-BC
MSL, Instrumentation Laboratory, A Werfen Company
Certification programs establish and elevate standards for professional practice and in doing so, raise the profile of a profession within an industry. An industry-wide recognition of the profession enhances appreciation of the individuals working in the field and the value they bring to the table.
“… I think this exam is highly important for elevating our profession and truly shows to our healthcare providers and ultimately patients that we have set the bar high in terms of our scientific, clinical, and medical knowledge and that we truly bring incredible value.”
–Mariya Krisenko, PhD, MSL-BC
MSL, Novo Nordisk
“The certification is important because it will bring recognition, and commitment to the profession. It will label you as a specialist who has gone the extra mile to learn, to ensure a thorough understanding of the role, the do’s and don’ts, as well as, responsibilities. It will put you a cut above which will help with job placement and advancement.”
–Alexi Negron, PharmD, MBA, MSL-BC
Executive MSL, Takeda Pharmaceuticals
Many people use certification as a way to evaluate themselves, to test themselves against a standard set by the profession. Meeting this standard gives certificants a sense of personal satisfaction. It is an external confirmation that they met an important goal they set for themselves. Certificants also report that successfully completing the certification process gave them greater confidence.
“I am more confident that I understand the MSL role, and I have the required competencies to do my job effectively.”
–Eyitayo Fakunle, PhD, MPH, MSL-BC
MSL, Bioventus
The certification process aids your professional growth by helping you to identify your strengths and areas in which further learning and experience would be beneficial. With this information, you can create a personalized professional development plan which will position you to accomplish your career goals.
“Board certification in any field is useful to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that an expert in their area should have obtained through their professional training and experience. Given the variety of backgrounds of MSLs, the MSL-BC Certification establishes a higher standard than what is reflected by experience alone. It indicates that the individual is dedicated to their profession and proficient in their field. Establishing this credential for MSLs raises the bar for the entire profession and enhances the reputation of everyone working in this role.”
–Josh Yoder, PhD, MSL-BC
Regional Director, Syneos Health
Authors:
Dr. Samuel Dyer
CEO and Chairman of the Board
Dr. Samuel Dyer has over 21 years of experience within the International MSL community while working for a number of top global companies. During his career, he has led MSL / Medical Teams in multiple TA’s in over 60 countries throughout the U.S., Canada, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australia, and Asia.
His management experience includes small (2+) to large (240+) MSL teams across multiple TA’s. Throughout his career, Dr. Dyer has worked on MSL and Medical Affairs strategy and has extensive experience in creating strategic MSL utilization and medical communication plans. He has designed and created global MSL training programs that have included: onboarding programs, KOL Medical communication plans, strategic assessments, planning, and execution in geographical locations with diverse cultures /languages. Dr. Dyer has successfully launched both pharmaceutical and medical device MSL teams both in the U.S. and internationally.
Dr. Dyer has also written extensively on the Medical Science Liaison role, including numerous published articles, benchmark studies, and reports. Dr. Dyer is well recognized within the global MSL community and has developed an extensive international network within the Pharmaceutical, CRO, Medical Device, and Biotechnology industries. He is the owner of the largest group on LinkedIn for MSLs and Medical Affairs with over 25,000 members. He has spoken and moderated several international conferences on various MSL topics including KOL management, creating MSL teams, MSL training, international MSL teams, and the value of the MSL role and Medical Affairs. Dr. Dyer is consistently sought out as a resource and consultant for MSL projects that have included diverse companies such as McKinsey Consulting, Bain and Co., and Philips Healthcare.
Dr. Dyer has a Ph.D. in Health Sciences and did medical training in Chicago. He has a Master’s Degree in Tropical Biology (where he studied in the Amazon) and has a B.S. in Biology. Dr. Dyer also completed a certificate program for Executive Leadership and Strategy in Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology at the Harvard Business School.
Dr. Dyer is the author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller “The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide: How to Break into Your First Role” (www.themslbook.com) which is the first book published on how to break into the MSL role.
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