After years of exploring and searching for the right career option, I’m excited to have finally gained clarity on this burning question. Deciding to pivot into the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) field has been a transformative decision in my life, even though my family and friends continue to ask me, “What is an MSL?”. This choice has brought me a sense of direction and purpose that had, if I’m honest, been quite elusive for some time. Looking back, I see how my varied experiences have led me to this point.
During my undergraduate years as a neuroscience and psychology student, I was fascinated by the complexities of the scientific world and explored various paths within it. As I continued through my MD training, I found that while research was intellectually stimulating and my patient interactions were rewarding, something still felt incomplete. I continued to search for a role that would take me beyond the boundaries of the clinic or lab.
Attending a unique medical school halfway around the world with a global health focus opened my eyes to the ways healthcare intersects with cultural, economic, and social factors. This broader perspective encouraged me to rethink the conventional route most medical students take and inspired me to explore alternative options. As someone who appreciates a macro view of how systems work, I have always been fascinated by the broader scientific landscape; new innovations, research breakthroughs, or how the healthcare system functions with its various stakeholders.
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, as a medical student, I had the opportunity to work with a medical intelligence startup. This experience provided me with unique insight into the strategic role of the healthcare industry and the idea of contributing to healthcare “further upstream” – by playing a different sort of role in the development of therapies long before they reach the hands of clinicians. It’s akin to being the one who develops weapons and strategies in warfare, rather than just being a soldier on the ground using them. I was excited by this prospect, to positively influence patient outcomes from a different perspective than that of a typical clinician.
I continued to ask myself; is there a career that could blend my interests and passions?
I found my answer when I learned more about the MSL role. Though I had heard about this role in passing several years prior, it wasn’t until I explored it in-depth when I realized how perfectly it aligned with my interests and passions. It was as if I had found the missing piece to my professional puzzle. This is what I had been seeking all along; a career that would allow me to leverage my scientific background, my passion for communication and education, and my desire to make a meaningful impact in medicine.
With this newfound clarity, I began immersing myself in the MSL world. I started educating myself more about regulatory frameworks, clinical trial design, drug development, and how medical affairs teams function within pharmaceutical companies. This journal has also become a crucial resource for me, providing valuable insights and current trends in the field. Every conversation I’ve had with current MSLs has reaffirmed my decision, and they’ve been incredibly generous with their time, answering my questions and sharing their experiences. Their openness has shown me that the MSL community is filled with professionals eager to guide and mentor those entering the field.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned during this journey is the importance of aligning your career with your intellectual curiosity and passions. I wish I had more exposure in medical school to the array of non-traditional career paths. The culture in medical school usually revolves around residency, making it sometimes feel taboo to discuss alternatives with your peers or professors.
Discovering the MSL role has been a pivotal moment for me. The role allows one to stay at the forefront of medical science while engaging in strategic discussions that influence patient care on a larger scale. This journey of continuous learning is what makes the MSL role so dynamic and fulfilling. The landscape of medical science is constantly evolving, and as an MSL, you are at the forefront of this change. The more I learn, the more confident I am that this is the right path for me. Additionally, the process of preparing for and applying to MSL positions has been unexpectedly rewarding for me. The MSL community has been incredibly supportive, with many experienced MSLs willing to share their insights with someone just starting out. This generosity has further solidified my enthusiasm for the role.
As I reflect on this journey so far, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what lies ahead. The MSL role isn’t just a job; it’s a unique opportunity to connect science, healthcare, and patient outcomes in a meaningful way. And as I continue forward, I find comfort in a saying that resonates with me: “It’s not about the destination; it’s about the journey.” I’m thrilled to be on this path, and I can’t wait to see where it will lead.
About the author:
Michael Stein, MD, BSc
Educator, Behavioral Sleep Specialist, Aspiring MSL
Michael Stein holds an MD from the Medical School for International Health at Ben-Gurion University in Israel, as well as a BSc in Behavioral Neuroscience from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. He has over 10 years of experience in education, specializing in piano education, math, and science. In addition, Michael has clinical experience in psychiatry, addiction medicine, sleep medicine, and currently runs his own sleep coaching practice. Michael is pursuing his first MSL role in the neuroscience therapeutic space, eager to leverage his diverse background to make a meaningful impact in patient care and the advancement of neuroscience therapeutics.
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