What do you do as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)?
MSLs are clinical and/or scientific professionals who typically have an advanced degree (MD, PharmD, PhD, etc..). MSLs focus on a specific therapeutic area/disease state and are deep scientific experts in a pharmaceutical company’s products. MSLs build relationships with key opinion leaders (KOLs) in the medical community within their assigned geographies and interface between their company and the medical community to help facilitate the involvement of KOLs within their companies to drive a variety of initiatives (clinical trials, publications, advisory board participation, speaking at events, etc..).
What is a typical day like working as an MSL?
MSLs work from home as they are not based in the company’s headquarters. So they are what we call a field-based medical affairs team. No two days are the same! MSLs can travel to see their KOLs, attend advisory boards, medical congresses, participate in company projects and/or initiatives, and be involved in training their sales teams. MSL travel is usually high, especially If you have a large geographic territory you are covering.
How do you become an MSL?
MSLs can come from a variety of backgrounds. They can be doctors, pharmacists, scientists and researchers. Some MSLs begin as pharmaceutical sales representatives to get their “foot in the door” and then transition to the MSL role. Others start in medical/drug information and take that route. What most professionals do today is obtain a specialized professional board certification in medical affairs to increase their chances of becoming an MSL. The Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) program is a self-paced, online professional board certification that helps to train professionals wishing to become MSLs.
What do you like most about working as an MSL?
Most MSLs like the lack of routine and variety in their week-to-week activities. You never get bored as an MSL . MSLs can be traveling across the country one day to see a KOL and might be in their home office another day working on a research project. So it varies quite a bit!
What can an MSL job lead on to?
MSL jobs can lead to higher level roles within the pharmaceutical industry. Remember that MSLs are part of the medical affairs function so many go on to become MSL managers/directors, Medical directors, VP medical affairs, and other higher level roles within their companies.
What advice would you give someone considering being an MSL as a career?
If you enjoy building relationships with people and enjoy presenting to audiences, the MSL career could be a very rewarding one for you long term. If you are currently an MSL and want to build your career, consider becoming board certified (such as BCMAS) as this can help to expand your career options. Keep networking and building relationships in the industry attending MSL meetings and events.