Whether you are an aspiring medical science liaison (MSL) or a medical science liaison seeking a change, these 3 career tips will help you move forward and achieve your goals in medical affairs. Medical affairs refers to the department within the life science organizations responsible for “facilitating the flow of information between the medical community and the organization.”
As field members of the medical affairs team, MSLs act as the scientific face of life science organizations and engage with external stakeholders. Their primary responsibility is disseminating product and disease state education to healthcare providers (HCPs) and key opinion leaders (KOLs). KOLs are scientific experts and leaders in their therapeutic area.
MSLs gain valuable product insight from HCPs by cultivating relationships with scientific experts. Medical affairs’ responsibilities have evolved and expanded over the past few years.1,3 MSLs have opportunities to transition into other medical affairs roles, including becoming a member of the health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) team, joining medical publications, or becoming an MSL leader.
If you are contemplating a change, it is essential to identify your reasons. Are you bored with the therapeutic area? Do you want to become a leader? If you are an aspiring MSL, what are your motives? Establishing your motivations and goals is the first step to developing an action plan for success.
Regardless of your particular career objectives, these 3 tips can help you achieve your goals.
1. Networking
The key to making a career change is networking. In fact, “up to 85% of jobs are filled via networking.” If you are an aspiring MSL, networking effectively can help you land your first position. For current MSLs, engaging with your network and sharing your goals can help you gain new opportunities. Attending life science conferences, attending medical affairs networking events, and creating connections on LinkedIn are just three ways to network.
2. Upskilling
Upskilling is developing new skills and knowledge in a particular area. An organization’s upskilling aims to enhance employee skills and relevance in their current position.
For MSLs, upskilling has become even more important recently.
As a result of COVID-19, MSLs have embraced new technology to maintain their relationships with HCPs and KOLs.2 With the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytic tools, technology is altering how MSLs conduct business. To become an MSL or stay a successful MSL, collaborating with technology and creating effective digital strategy plans are essential skills.
If you are an aspiring MSL or an MSL seeking a change, you can upskill in the following ways:
- Learning about new artificial intelligence and predictive analytic tools.
- Attending a virtual conference to learn about emerging industry trends.
- Earning specialized certificates.
3. Certifying
The American Council of Medical Affairs (ACMA) offers specialized medical affairs certificates to help you gain a competitive edge. The following is a list of the specialty certifications:
- Diversity in Clinical Trials
- The Regulatory Affairs Expert Program (RAEP)
- Clinical Development Expert Program (CDEP)
- Pharmacoeconomics (HEOR)
- Compliance in Pharmaceuticals
- Medical Devices
- Diagnostics
Additionally, becoming a board-certified medical affairs professional (BCMASTM) is another way to achieve your MSL career goals. 90% of BCMASTM graduates say it helped them gain employment or advance professionally. If your career goals include becoming a medical affairs leader, there are certification opportunities. For more tips on how to advance your career as an MSL, visit the following resources:
Medical Science Liaison Career Resources
- Learn why board certification is the future of medical affairs.
- Earn certificates and gain new skills.
- Read why board certification is the new standard in the life sciences.
- Become a Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS).
References
1. Bedenkov A, Rajadhyaksha V, Beekman M, et al. Developing Medical Affairs Leaders Who Create the Future. Pharmaceut Med. 2020;34(5):301-307. doi:10.1007/s40290-020-00351-y.
2. Fulford-Smith A, Leah E, Azroyan A, De Abadal M, Loew D, Hildemann S. Medical Affairs Transformation in Specialty Pharma: Next-Level Collaboration at the Core. Pharmaceut Med. 2022;36(2):63-69. doi:10.1007/s40290-022-00419-x.
3. Ghosh R, Mohanasundaram S, Shetty S, Menon S. Preparing for the Next Normal: Transformation in the Role of Medical Affairs Following the COVID-19 Pandemic. Pharmaceut Med. 2021;35(4):197-202. doi:10.1007/s40290-021-00392-x.