Mentoring has always played a crucial role among the activities of MSL professionals. Through mentors, aspiring MSLs are guided on how to break into the MSL role, and MSLs are coached properly with advice on how to further their careers.
The MSL Society recognizes the value of mentoring MSL professionals, hence its dedicated Aspiring Mentorship Program. This unique program is one of the multiple inclusions of the MSL Society’s 2 programs dedicated to Aspiring MSLs: the 3-Day Live Aspiring MSL Presentation & Communication Skills Program, and the eLearning program “How to Become a Medical Science Liaison.
The program is designed in a way that 2-3 MSL Managers would serve as mentors for participants, or ‘mentees,’ in personalized monthly sessions. There is also a monthly topic relevant to aspiring MSLs where mentees can ask their mentors questions.
Overall, the mentoring program allows mentees to have direct interaction with MSL hiring managers and have their queries answered immediately. On the side of the mentors, they are given the opportunity to give back to the MSL community and guide aspiring MSLs until they break into the MSL role.
We had the chance to interview former mentors of the MSL Society Aspiring Mentor Program 2022 and ask for their insights, why they decided to become a mentor, and what they learned from their mentees.
Why do you participate in the virtual mentor program for Aspiring MSLs?
The virtual mentor program is a way for me to give back to the scientific community. Back when I first researched this job, there were limited resources available, my advisors from academia had no insight into this role and I had very few connections with current MSLs. I had told myself that when I make it into this profession, I will focus on making it easier for scientists like myself to transition into this role. This is also the reason I had joined the MSL society and had worked with them on numerous programs throughout the years to advance the MSL profession.
Douglas Yau, PhD, MBA, CMD
St. Director, Oncology, Medical Affairs, Sanofi
I really enjoy the opportunity to help support the future of the MSL role by doing all I can to mentor, encourage and provide feedback to aspiring MSLs.
Larry Dollar, PharmD, MS
Vice President, Medical Affairs, Syneos Health – Deployment Solutions
I enjoy mentoring both aspiring and current MSLs and thought this would be a unique forum to provide practical advice for current job seekers.
Christiane Carney, PhD
Director, Field Medical Affairs, Verastem Oncology
I participated in the virtual mentor program as a way to give back to the MSL profession that has been so vital in my development.
Paul Ward
Executive Director, Head of US Field Medical Team, BeiGene USA, Inc.
What do you think is the greatest value of the aspiring mentor program?
The aspiring mentor program is a way for scientists and clinicians to have direct access to MSL society staff and MSL managers, who can provide them with accurate information and prepare them for the role. Not only do they get insight into the job, but also what hiring managers look for in candidates and what stands out to us in a resume and in an interview. They get to ask questions, get critiqued, and receive valuable feedback that they can use to improve themselves.
Douglas Yau, PhD, MBA, CMD
St. Director, Oncology, Medical Affairs, Sanofi
There is no better to learn a new skill than by spending time with people who have experience with that skill and know what it takes to be effective in the role. Allowing aspiring MSLs to have coaching and mentor sessions with experienced leaders is a great way to learn and grow to help get that first MSL role.
Larry Dollar, PharmD, MS
Vice President, Medical Affairs, Syneos Health – Deployment Solutions
One of the best ways to break into the industry is to leverage your network, but many aspiring candidates know few people in the industry. The MSLS virtual mentor program provides direct, live access to current MSL managers who can answer questions and provide advice. These managers review resumes and make hiring decisions so they are equipped to give up-to-date current advice on both what to do and importantly what NOT to do to land your first role.
Christiane Carney, PhD
Director, Field Medical Affairs, Verastem Oncology
Mentor – giving back to the community and seeing someone grow and thrive as they start their career
Mentee – an instant connection to not just a mentor but an entire community of industry leaders
Arthur Chan, PhD, MBA
Vice President of Medical Affairs, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals
What have you learned from the aspiring MSL mentees?
These aspiring MSLs are quite eager to join the greatest profession in the world. They have a lot of drive, and quite frankly, a diverse set of skills that would add value to our current MSL teams. However, these candidates are up against others who have more clinical experience, might be starting their second career, or even current MSLs at another company. I have found that those aspiring mentees who took in the feedback with an open mind and developed a plan to focus on improving on a few of the core competencies, were able to grow significantly and attained their first MSL job.
Douglas Yau, PhD, MBA, CMD
St. Director, Oncology, Medical Affairs, Sanofi
They are energetic, passionate about the role, and willing to work extremely hard to give themselves the best chance to break into the role.
Larry Dollar, PharmD, MS
Vice President, Medical Affairs, Syneos Health – Deployment Solutions
Every MSL should be grateful that they have one of the most coveted jobs in the universe. Keep that in mind when you need a pick me up 🙂
Arthur Chan, PhD, MBA
Vice President of Medical Affairs, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals
I’ve learned that the aspiring MSL group I’ve interacted with are smart, motivated, and oftentimes just need a chance to prove themselves in order to get positioned well for their 1st opportunity.
Paul Ward
Executive Director, Head of US Field Medical Team, BeiGene USA, Inc.
What advice would you offer to aspiring MSLs regarding breaking into their first role?
Be proactive in seeking help and advice from current MSLs and MSL managers months to a year before you are ready to apply. If they give you time, ask them for advice and not a referral. Ask them to help review your resume, provide ideas on areas you can strengthen or develop to be a better candidate that can be actionable today, and practice interviewing with them. They may also give you some guidance on how to answer certain interview questions or where they would focus on the final presentation. Be grateful for the time they give you; their insight is a gift.
Douglas Yau, PhD, MBA, CMD
St. Director, Oncology, Medical Affairs, Sanofi
Be open to a variety of therapeutic areas, keep networking, and be professional (business dress) in your interactions and interviews. Don’t give up!
Larry Dollar, PharmD, MS
Vice President, Medical Affairs, Syneos Health – Deployment Solutions
Networking is key! This means everyone: current MSLs, managers, medical directors, med info specialists, recruiters, etc. You never know where a great insight or referral will come from. Ensure your resume is tailored to being an MSL at the specific company you are applying to, not whatever your former career has been. Breaking into the MSL role is difficult so do not get discouraged! Keep putting forth your best effort, selling yourself and your skills, and believing in the process.
Christiane Carney, PhD
Director, Field Medical Affairs, Verastem Oncology
The people you want to work for seek a combination of emotional intelligence and scientific intelligence.
Network with as many MSLs as you can – not the hiring managers but MSLs. Managers trust their team members to recommend additions should openings become available. And regarding “what kind of company would be the best fit for me?”, the answer for your first MSL gig is “the one that’ll offer you an MSL job!”
Arthur Chan, PhD, MBA
Vice President of Medical Affairs, Tarsus Pharmaceuticals
My advice to aspiring MSLs is to network, network, and then network some more – with current MSLs, HCPs, and other Pharma roles and to consider contract work as well as connect with some of the very talented recruiters that focus on MSL roles.
Paul Ward
Executive Director, Head of US Field Medical Team, BeiGene USA, Inc.
Author:
Dr. Samuel Dyer
CEO and Chairman of the Board
Dr. Samuel Dyer has over 22 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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