OVERVIEW

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) plays an important role throughout the lifecycle of a pharmaceutical product. Their most vital function is to cultivate peer-peer relationships with subject matter experts [known as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)] at academic health centers and clinics.

It’s a great entry role into pharma for a physician with no industry experience.

The responsibilities, requirements, and compensation will vary depending on the size of the company, the team, the drug type, and other factors.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Build relationships and engage in scientific discussions with KOLs.

• Stay up to date with clinical and scientific knowledge in the therapeutic area (T.A.).

• Create presentations and educational tools to disseminate scientific information to health care providers.

• Gather insights from health care providers about their experiences with a pharmaceutical product and relay the communication to the company.

• Identify and respond to the needs of health care providers and health care organizations within their assigned geographic area.

• Recognize opportunities for new products and initiatives within the T.A.

• Participate in internal education training programs.

WHAT TYPE OF PHYSICIAN IS A GOOD FIT?

You want to use your “medical brain.” Clinical experience is not always required.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience giving oral presentations and/or public speaking.

Ability to build rapport easily.

Genuine interest in the T.A. and Pharma.

Special note to my fellow introverts:

You do not need to be a natural extrovert to enjoy this position and do it well. You do need an interest in the subject matter and the ability to build strong relationships- one of your strengths!

TYPICAL REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

MD, DO, PhD, PharmD, NP, RN, PA.

Experience in or knowledge of the T.A.

Clinical experience within the T.A.

Some positions may require industry experience and board certification.

Ability to travel regionally (and sometimes nationally) ~30-60% of the time.

COMPENSATION

The compensation for MSL positions is lower than Medical Director roles in medical affairs because the role does not require an MD/DO degree. However, there are opportunities for advancement.

Typical compensation range ~USD 110K to ~USD 185K.

5 TIPS TO HELP YOU FIND AND LAND AN MSL ROLE

1. Job Titles

Search for medical science liaison, clinical science liaison, field director, medical scientist, regional medical liaison.

2. Sites/job boards

– LinkedIn
– Company websites
– Indeed
– MSL Society Career Center

3. Network

As soon as you know you’re interested in an MSL role, begin building relationships with other physicians and MSLs who are working in the companies you want to work for. Having someone “on the inside” who is willing to pass your resume to the hiring manager is a big advantage.

4. Select skills and experiences to highlight on your resume

• Routinely incorporate evidence-based medicine into therapeutic decision making.
• Assess risks and benefits of drug therapies for patients.
• Give presentations/lectures; educate trainees/office staff in the clinic.
• Stay up to date with the latest therapeutic developments in x specialty.
• Collaborate with a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to patients with x disorders.

5. Courses

The MSL society offers a presentation and communication skills training
program.

One of the things you will learn in this course is how to present information the industry- preferred way.

FIND OUT MORE

The MSL society offers free resources (including a job board, membership, training courses, and opportunities for networking.)

SUMMARY

The MSL role is a great entry point into Pharma with opportunities for advancement. Typically, you don’t need prior experience in Pharma or research to land an MSL role. Potential downsides are a lower starting salary compared to other roles in medical affairs and travel requirements can be as high as 60+%.