A Story of Perseverance, Success, and Growth in Medical Affairs
Prologue: The Beginning of Something New
It was May 7, 2018, in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Seven nervous healthcare professionals stood in the lobby of a Marriott Hotel, clutching notebooks and name tags, waiting to be ushered into a three-day “Communication and Presentation Skills” course.
The room buzzed with unspoken questions.
Is this legit?
Am I making the right move?
Do I really need this training?
What followed over those next three days was more than a workshop — it was a turning point. Behind every PowerPoint slide and role-play exercise unfolded something deeper: a shared hunger for purpose, a quiet resilience, and the birth of a small community that would stay connected through the seasons of their careers.
This was the Class of 2018 — a cohort bound not by title or employer, but by a common pursuit: to find meaning in science, communication, and human connection.
And seven years later, their journeys tell a story of perseverance, success, and growth in Medical Affairs.
Chapter 1: Why We Begin
What makes someone leave the familiar for the uncertain?
For Angela Valadez, a clinical pharmacist at the time, the pull toward the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role began with one simple desire — to make a broader impact on patient care. In her pharmacy, she could touch one life at a time. But in the MSL role, she saw the chance to influence outcomes at scale, shaping the conversations that inform how medicine is practiced.
She recalls how collaboration drew her in: “Working alongside healthcare professionals, researchers, and internal teams creates an environment where shared expertise drives innovation.” It was no longer about the single prescription—it was about the ecosystem that supports every patient’s journey.
For Dr. Maria Abunto, the turning point came during her years in cancer research.
She had witnessed powerful data—life-saving data—sit idle in journals, never reaching the clinicians or patients who needed it most. “I realized,” she reflected later, “that being a science communicator was just as important as being a scientist.”
The MSL role offered her the best of both worlds: connection to science and connection to people. It allowed her to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact—where knowledge meets action.
Chapter 2: The Mentors Who Shape Us
Who believes in us before we believe in ourselves?
Every professional journey is punctuated by mentors who see what we cannot yet see.
For Angela, it was a former supervisor who first said the words that would change her life: “You’d make a great MSL.”
At the time, she didn’t know what the role even entailed. But that conversation opened a door — one that led to countless others. Through mentorship, networking, and professional guidance, Angela began to understand her value in a larger context.
For Maria, the name Dr. Samuel Dyer stands as a pillar in her story.
He didn’t sugarcoat things. His mentorship was rooted in tough love — the kind that pushes potential into motion. One quote of his stayed with her:
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength or knowledge, but rather a lack of will.”
That became Maria’s compass. Every time she faced a roadblock, she repeated it to herself like a mantra: If there is a will, there is a way.
Chapter 3: Skills That Open Doors
What makes someone truly effective in the MSL role?
For both women, the answer wasn’t found in textbooks—it was found in people.
Maria discovered that emotional intelligence was her greatest differentiator. Her ability to listen deeply, adapt her message, and connect authentically transformed data into dialogue. Whether speaking with a resident, a KOL, or a C-suite leader, she learned that people remember how you make them feel, not just what you say.
Angela brought a different strength — determination.
Resilience became her currency. The role demanded not only scientific knowledge but also the ability to navigate uncertainty with grace. To grow, she leaned into discomfort, polishing her public speaking skills and refining her strategic mindset.
“I didn’t just want to communicate data,” she said. “I wanted to inspire confidence in it.”
Chapter 4: The Challenges That Shape Character
What happens when ambition meets reality?
Breaking into the MSL world wasn’t easy. For Maria, it took ten months of persistence. She hired a career coach, devoured How to Break into the MSL Role, and attended the MSL Society training in 2018—the very course where the Class of 2018 first met.
At times, the path was unclear.
She faced ambiguity, rejection, and the occasional doubt. But mentorship guided her, and persistence paid off. Soon, she landed her first MSL role—and within a few years, earned the title 2021 MSL of the Year.
Angela’s challenge was different.
Transitioning from pharmacy to field medical work meant redefining balance. “As a new MSL,” she recalls, “the role can feel all-consuming.” Learning the science, mastering travel, building relationships—it was exhilarating, but exhausting.
Her lesson was simple yet profound: boundaries and self-care are not luxuries; they’re survival tools.
Chapter 5: Lessons from the Unexpected
What do we learn once the job begins?
Maria’s biggest revelation came from realizing that success wasn’t just about mastering data—it was about mastering relationships.
“The MSL role,” she explains, “depends on emotional intelligence and trust. We influence through credibility, not authority.”
Angela echoes this sentiment but adds another layer.
“I thought the MSL role was purely scientific,” she admits, “but I quickly discovered it’s also deeply strategic.” It demanded not only adaptability but the ability to connect science, business, and humanity into a single narrative.
Both learned that the MSL role is not just a career — it’s an identity shaped by growth, humility, and purpose.
Chapter 6: Growth and Evolution
How do we grow once we find our footing?
The pandemic, the rise of AI, and the shift to virtual engagement forced everyone in Medical Affairs to rethink how they work.
Angela adapted by integrating AI tools into her workflow, focusing on productivity and smarter communication. “Work smarter, not harder,” she says, “but always stay compliant and ethical.”
Maria, meanwhile, evolved into a problem solver across Medical Affairs. She identified gaps, contributed to insights committees, and developed algorithms to uncover actionable data trends.
That mindset led to rapid progression — from MSL to Regional Lead, then Senior Manager of Medical Affairs, reporting directly to the VP — all in under three years.
But growth also brought introspection.
To lead strategically, Maria knew she needed to understand the business side.
That realization led her to pursue an Executive MBA in healthcare, where she learned to align medical strategy with organizational goals — blending science with strategy in equal measure.
Chapter 7: Defining Impact
How does one measure the true impact of an MSL?
Maria’s moment came on stage.
At a major primary care conference, she was the only physician MSL representing her company. Standing under the lights, she spoke about a proof-of-concept blood-based diagnostic test for early cancer detection—a test powered by machine learning.
She didn’t just present data; she translated it.
Through her storytelling, she helped clinicians connect science to patient lives. She later built an educational platform that combined publications, slide decks, and real-world evidence into one accessible hub for providers.
Angela’s impact emerged in a different form. Early in her role, she identified a gap in onboarding for new MSLs. Rather than accept it as the status quo, she designed a comprehensive resource guide—a solution that became the foundation of her company’s training program.
Their contributions, though different, shared a common thread: they turned problems into progress.
Chapter 8: Lessons and Legacies
What wisdom would they pass on to those just starting out?
Maria’s advice begins with a question: “What is your why?”
She believes clarity of purpose separates good professionals from great ones.
She often reminds new MSLs that 70% of jobs are filled through internal advocates—the hidden job market where relationships open doors before résumés do.
Her guidance is both practical and timeless:
“Work hard in your first year. Build the reputation you want others to associate with you. That will set the tone for your entire career.”
Angela’s advice carries a softer strength.
She urges aspiring MSLs to grant themselves grace.
“There’s a steep learning curve,” she says. “You won’t know everything on day one—and that’s okay. Give yourself time to grow.”
Both agree: mastery in Medical Affairs isn’t a destination; it’s a continuous evolution.
Chapter 9: Paying It Forward
What does success look like when shared?
Maria and Angela both emphasize that the true measure of success isn’t personal achievement—it’s how much you lift others along the way.
Maria recalls helping aspiring MSLs break into the field—even when she herself was between roles. “That’s how you build real influence,” she says. “By giving without expecting.”
Angela champions the same philosophy: “Be a trusted resource, not a salesperson.” She encourages curiosity, humility, and adaptability as the cornerstones of longevity.
Their journeys remind us that leadership begins when the spotlight shifts from self to service.
Epilogue: The Long View
Where are they now?
Seven years after that fateful spring in Raleigh, the Class of 2018 has scattered across the country—some leading teams, some pioneering AI-driven diagnostics, others mentoring the next generation.
They’ve weathered layoffs, promotions, relocations, and reinventions. Through every twist, they’ve stayed connected—sharing advice, celebrating wins, and cheering one another on.
Their story is not one of perfection but of perseverance.
Each setback became a catalyst for growth. Each “no” brought them closer to the right “yes.”
As the seasons changed, so did they — shaped by resilience, guided by purpose, and anchored by friendship.
Their story reminds us that success in Medical Affairs isn’t measured by titles or timelines,
but by impact, integrity, and endurance.
And perhaps the most powerful lesson of all?
You never really graduate from growth.
Disclaimer: AI tools were used to assist with the organization and structural flow of this article, while all content, interpretations, and conclusions reflect the authors’ original ideas.
About the authors:
Maria Abunto, MD, MPH, MBA
Dr. Maria Abunto is a physician-leader, public health advocate, and healthcare innovator whose career spans clinical medicine, oncology research, and medical affairs leadership. She holds an MD, an MPH, and an Executive MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, where she distinguished herself as a scholar committed to bridging the fields of medicine, business strategy, and public health.
With over a decade of experience, Dr. Abunto has advanced cancer diagnostics, clinical research, and equitable access to care through roles at the National Institutes of Health, Exact Sciences, and in her current capacity as a medical consultant and advisor. Her leadership and contributions have earned her national recognition, including the prestigious MSL of the Year Award and the Excellence in Medical Affairs Award. She has also been honored for her commitment to public service and scholarship with the Margaret F. Gloninger Service Award for community leadership and induction into Beta Gamma Sigma, the international business honor society recognizing the top 20% of graduate students worldwide.
Dr. Abunto is equally committed to shaping the future of healthcare innovation and leadership. She serves as the Pittsburgh Branch Leader and Empowerment Speaker of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association and was selected as the first Ambassador for the American College of Artificial Intelligence and Medicine, where she was distinguished with the Ambassador Award for her pioneering efforts to advance responsible AI adoption in healthcare. In these roles, she advances collaboration, equity, and innovation, guiding the responsible integration of AI into medical affairs, academia, and clinical practice to enhance impact across science and patient care.
Angela Valadez, PharmD, MBA
Angela is the Director, Field Medical, West Region at Regeneron and a seasoned Medical Affairs professional with expertise in the pharmaceutical industry and clinical settings. She is skilled in ophthalmology, neurology, respiratory disorders, and diabetes. Angela is passionate about empowering others to enhance therapeutic awareness and positively impact the healthcare community. She is a poised and articulate educator and communicator, skilled in fostering peer-to-peer relationships with physicians, key opinion leaders, thought leaders, and stakeholders. Angela holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from the University of Kansas. Residing in Kansas City, MO, with her husband and two Golden Retrievers, she enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, reading, and spending time with loved ones.
Have an opinion on this article? Send a message to the editor.