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...]

It was a true honor to join my esteemed peers as one of the judges for the annual MSL society awards. I’m sure I speak for the other judges by sharing that the 9+ hours we each spent reviewing applications in our spare time was incredibly refreshing and inspiring. We got to know the finalists through their heartwarming stories and recommendation letters, and you couldn’t help … [Read more...]

The MSL role is constantly evolving and facing new challenges. MSLs are both scientific experts and relationship managers. As such, they are required to perform tasks that are extremely analytical and technical in nature, while being able to skilfully handle relationships on a human level. Each of these responsibilities seems to require not only very different competencies but … [Read more...]

Through my experience as an MSL, it was integral to be an excellent communicator. I’ve worked primarily with insight gathering and therapeutic area support in the pre-approval stage of a drug, as well as on an established drug with medical affairs support where the role substantially changed compared to when working on a pipeline drug. The MSL role has evolved and is … [Read more...]

Introduction: The MSL Society conducted an online survey between September 20 - October 9, 2020, on the utilization of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems by MSLs. Only responses from MSLs, Sr. MSLs, Medical Advisors, Managers/Directors of MSLs were included in the analysis.  The survey was conducted in conjunction with the webinar that Huma.ai sponsored and … [Read more...]

To begin, let us start with the simple but often overlooked fact that without the patient, the Pharmaceutical and Biotech World would not exist. Yet the importance of working with patients (and their caregivers and advocacy groups) has only come into focus for most in this industry, over the last decade. For Medical Science Liaisons and others active in Medical Affairs, … [Read more...]

Two pharmacy students share their unique summer internship experiences and the value of gaining real-world experience in the field of medical affairs. Since the beginning of pharmacy school, we knew we wanted to work in a setting that would allow us to impact patient lives and health care on a global scale. Over the last two years, we connected with many professionals … [Read more...]

Last year, on 4th September, my life changed forever when I won the Best MSL outside the USA  award at the second annual MSL Awards ceremony in Las Vegas. Perhaps, you may think I am exaggerating when I say it changed my life, but quite honestly, it is no exaggeration! Winning the award has directly impacted my career at MSL over the last year. It has given me a fantastic … [Read more...]

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a substantial impact on the activities of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) including access to Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and how MSLs engage with them. The Medical Science Liaison Society (MSL Society) has conducted numerous surveys throughout 2020 to understand this impact and what the activities of MSLs have been during the pandemic1. … [Read more...]

Quick Tips for our MSL new Virtual World  Effective Communication.  Present clearly and honestly as transparency is vital to building a trusting relationship.  If you are having a global discussion, avoid cross-cultural faux pas by researching cultural etiquette.  Remember the 7 C’s of communication: clear, concrete, conversational, correct, constructive, concise, and … [Read more...]

Emotional intelligence is an important factor for success, both professionally and personally, and a great asset when it comes to engaging, managing, and leading others. Contrary to popular belief, degrees and intelligence quotient do not predict success. Among the factors on which the notion of success in life depends, the intelligence quotient represents at best 20%, … [Read more...]

As a result of the new situation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, KOL engagement has been limited at certain times. This has not only translated into less interaction between MSLs and KOLs/HCPs but also the approach to this interaction has had to be carried out in a virtual way, taking advantage of all possible resources (e-mail, video calls, telephone calls, WhatsApp, SMS). … [Read more...]

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...]

Todd just wanted to be happy. He was feeling overwhelmed by a demanding job, and his desire to really be the best dad and husband.  He began thinking how I am savoring my life? Once struggling with work-life balance,  he found the pressures of work to take him away from what he loved most,  his two boys and wife.  He decided to take a leap into one of his passions and purchased … [Read more...]

The impact COVID-19 has made on the world will likely affect the way we interact with one another for the rest of our lives. This holds especially true when it comes to the process of interviewing candidates for new roles. While the world seemingly stands still, companies must still find and hire the talent they require to continue operations. The pharmaceutical industry is a … [Read more...]

Virtual engagement is surely a trend nowadays, the topic is in everyone’s conversation. But, why does it matter so much now? Indeed, virtual engagement is not a new concept in the pharmaceutical industry, which was already moving towards digital transformation for years, but the truth is that the progress has been slow. It is well known that HCPs are experiencing rapid … [Read more...]

During my college search process, I had an idea about what I wanted to study. My Dad helped me reach out to leaders in the MSL community and his former summer intern to discuss pharmacy programs because I am fascinated by how drugs can make an impact on a person’s life. Women in STEM doing what I want to do truly excites me, and I want to be a part of this growing community, … [Read more...]

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...]