Relationships are the backbone of not only humankind, but they are also an imperative element of our roles as MSLs. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines relationship as “the state of being related or connected”, and research shows our brains respond positively to people when we feel a personal connection with them. Relationships play a vital role in both our personal and … [Read more...]
The Journey Continues…
Since embarking on my MSL career in 2019, I have chronicled much of my journey as an MSL in a variety of articles in this journal. As I reflected on my earlier writings, I realized that I have focused on what I have done but not what I plan to do. As I look with pride at what I have accomplished, I am excited about what I hope to accomplish in the future and how I plan to … [Read more...]
Working Successfully with A Recruiter
It is hot. No, not the summer heat but the MSL/Medical Affairs job market. The value of the MSL role was highlighted during the stay-at-home orders of the pandemic when MSLs were able to gain and maintain access to physicians. Despite the pandemic, physicians still had patients to treat and still needed the latest scientific data to guide their treatment decisions. … [Read more...]
Cognitive Diversity and MSL Team Success
“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities” is a famous quote by Stephen R. Covey. This issue of the MSL Journal is focusing on the value of these differences and the importance of diversity in the profession. When most people think of diversity, identity diversity comes to mind: differences in age, gender, ethnicity. Identity diversity leverages the differences in … [Read more...]
The Lessons Learned
When I accepted my first MSL role, I was overjoyed, and I had no idea how absolutely amazing yet completely frustrating my first year would be. There were moments of success (like passing certification) and feeling like an integral part of my team. And then there were times when I felt clueless; so clueless that I felt that I did not even know what questions to ask to try to … [Read more...]
Transitioning From Commercial to Medical
Long before I became a MSL, I was a primary care pharmaceutical sales representative. As I reflect on the time when I worked in sales, many words come to mind describing that time: rewarding, challenging, inspiring, frustrating, front-line, multi-faceted, and demanding. The time I spent working in sales afforded me the opportunity to learn much about the industry and … [Read more...]