Introduction Effective performance evaluation helps leaders identify strengths and weaknesses relative to the overall mission; through careful evaluation of what is working and not working related to achieving goals, one can focus on areas for improvement, create benchmarks for achievement and provide data to make informed decisions. Performance evaluations create a snapshot … [Read more...]
Letter from Editor
Dear Readers, It is that time of year again when we look back and reflect on all we have done and aspired to do over the past year! 2022 has been a journey through the winding trail of the recent pandemic, where we find Covid is still with us and that we have all successfully adapted to life, finding new ways to conduct business and make an impact on patient care which is … [Read more...]
People Leaders Need Development, Too!
As medical affairs leaders, we are always thinking about the development needs of our teams, however, in talking with many leaders across organizations, there is consistently very little focus on people leader development needs. As we consider how vital it is to invest in our staff to help them advance their competencies, growth should not end when one moves into … [Read more...]
Letter from the Editor
Hello Fellow Medical Affairs Colleagues! The next MSL Society annual conference is nearly here and it’s a BIG one with the 10th Anniversary program! Get ready for an incredible conference with great networking and learning in Vegas! I hope everyone is enjoying the summer months whether it’s hot beach weather or cold in the southern hemisphere! Moving out west at the … [Read more...]
Compliance Update: OIG Focus on Speaker Programs
Speaker programs undeniably represent the highest risk marketing practice in the industry, with a focus on paying HCPs who often prescribe a product to promote products to other clinicians. The US OIG (Office of Inspector General) has increased scrutiny of speaker programs in the recent few years, culminating in an SFA (Special Fraud Alert) released in November 2021, as well … [Read more...]
Letter From the Editor
Dear MSL Journal Readers – We are approaching Spring with new beginnings all around! While it may seem that the pandemic is beginning to abate, other worries replace this one; yet, our medical teams remain resilient, knowing patients are ever waiting for new treatments and better medical solutions. This edition of The MSL Journal has a dearth of information to digest … [Read more...]
Letter From Editor
Hello, my fellow Medical Affairs Colleagues! Welcome to another edition of The MSL Journal! This one is jam-packed with valuable information and I am so glad that you’re back to read on as our community continues to contribute such worthy topics! In particular, this edition is focused on how MSLs and managers can up their game, demonstrating immense value and strategic … [Read more...]
The Medical Ecosystem Regional Plan: An Introduction
Why do we need regional medical plans? The role of an MSL is to establish and maintain strong peer-to-peer relationships with leading, influential healthcare providers, referred to as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) within a given therapeutic area with the intent to provide ongoing medical support, education, and resources that benefit patients. The MSL role has evolved over the … [Read more...]
The New-New Normal: How to Transition Back to the Field Smoothly!
The covid 19 pandemic may seem like it began ages ago, yet it was just about 16 months since the pandemic began to shut down MSL travel and led us to sequester in our homes until we could find a way to get through this contagion period. As we now move toward re-opening of businesses, face-to-face meetings, and get back to regular field travel, we are again in a critical time … [Read more...]
Letter from the Editor
Dear Readers, Thank you for coming back to read each quarterly edition of The MSL Journal! As we banded together through the pandemic, we are now beginning to see light at the end with more clinics, academic centers, and KOLs, in general, are again opening to in-person engagement! Most of us continue to wear masks in clinics and during air travel as an added precaution and … [Read more...]
A Primer on Medical Ethics and the Power of Good Habits in Medical Affairs
MSLs are the stewards of medical and scientific information; we develop and maintain peer-level relationships with HCPs and researchers. These relationships, grounded in trust, respect, and integrity, allow MSLs to have thoughtful discussions. These scientific exchanges ought to be truthful, not misleading, and unbiased facilitating in peer relationship development with … [Read more...]
Letter from the Editor
Welcome to another edition of The MSL Journal! We thought it would be an ideal way to kick off the first edition of 2021 in time for the 2nd Annual International MSL Day – March 27, 2021 – with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and development topics! As our world evolves and changes, it’s timely and relevant to elevate these ideals. It has been an enormous undertaking to … [Read more...]
Letter from the Editor
Warm holiday greetings to everyone! As we settle into winter and the holidays are upon us, I want to wish each of you a happy new year going into 2021! This year has been one of unprecedented challenge and vast change for all of us! In my view, we are demonstrating the nimble, adaptable nature MSLs and leaders have! Closing out 2020, we are dedicating this issue of The … [Read more...]
Enhance Your Next Virtual Medical Conference!
The MSL Society has a routine “MSL Insights” broadcast hosted by Dr. Samuel Dyer with an array of useful topics! On Aug 28, 2020 show, Eddie Power Ph.D., MBA, GFMD, Vice President, North America Medical Affairs Hospital Business with Pfizer partnered with Rob Consalvo, Director of Strategic Commercial Engagement with H1 to discuss Novel Approaches to Engaging KOLs and … [Read more...]
Letter from the Editor
Welcome to the Virtual Work World! No need to grab a coat or briefcase and head out the door! As all of us have experienced over recent months, we have been abruptly thrust into a foreign environment that removes us from personal contact, routines and daily structure. One thing we can count on is that MSLs are resilient, adaptive and flexible. We embrace the challenges and take … [Read more...]
Letter From the Editor
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the activities of MSLs including how they engage with KOLs and other healthcare providers is quickly evolving. The MSL Society worked with its Advisory Board to create a comprehensive survey to gain insights into how the current COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the activities of Medical Science Liaisons globally including working virtually … [Read more...]
As a result of COVID 19 are you getting less time on average during a virtual KOL engagement versus your typical in person meetings?
The answer to this question depends on what type of in person meeting I had planned. For instance, when I am seeing a KOL during the middle of a busy clinic day I am likely to get less time together – maybe 15-20 minutes! If I had a dinner meeting planned, in all likelihood I would have met for at least 2-3 hours! The survey results indicate that 46% are having meetings … [Read more...]
What virtual technologies are your organization using for communicating with and or engaging with KOLs and or other HCPs?
52% of responses to the survey indicate use of ZOOM with 48% responding that they use Webex. Both are excellent web meeting platforms! We are primarily using ZOOM for web meetings with KOLs / HCP at Biohaven and the field sales team is also using ZOOM virtual meetings. As we made this quick adjustment from in person to virtual meetings, one aspect that was really useful is … [Read more...]