I don’t think a week passes without an emerging MSL candidate asking me the question: “but how do I get MSL experience if no one will give me a chance to be a MSL?” If I had the answer, I’d be very popular! I’ve seen field medical teams, and the criteria needed to successfully land a MSL position, evolve a great deal over these last eight years. I think it’s safe to say, that today, most industry field medical teams prefer candidates to possess previous experience as a MSL to be considered. Over the years I’ve heard at least a hundred times: “It was down to me and another candidate and they chose the person with MSL experience”.

The Managers and Directors my team and I recruit for could fill a book with the reasons why it is more important than ever for candidates to bring something more than scientific acumen to the table. Gone are the days when specialized therapeutic expertise was enough to open the door. Having served as an investigator or educator is no longer enough, and more and more, medical affairs directors are mandating the industry savvy necessary to hit the ground running. Once again, these requirements are met with: “but why not me? I can present well, I enjoy talking to people, my research was published and my therapeutic expertise is relevant to this position?”

Field-based relationship development and a hands-on knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, specifically Medical Affairs, are really important for a MSLs success. Further, MSLs must have an ability to think on their feet, be above average communicators, possess critical thinking skills, understand the demands of travel and territory management, and have an ability to navigate their way compliantly through scientific exchange. These skills can be taught, but the nuances develop over time. It still happens that a MSL candidate is hired for the skill-sets they currently bring. At The Medical Affairs Company, we believe in the benefits of a professionally diverse group of field medical professionals. Each and every one of our Client’s has their own unique sets of criteria and objectives. Our job is to match the best talent with their company culture and needs. . My advice is don’t give up, but be realistic, and continue to hone those critical skills!

So, for all of you who find yourself as part of the Catch 22, I am sharing a self-assessment. It was designed to see what you do bring to the table or help determine where you may be falling short.

We’d love to hear from you: are you a MSL that was hired without previous industry experience? If so, please consider sharing your success story!

MSL Self Assessment – Do I have what’s required to be a Medical Science Liaison?

This self-assessment is designed to help you determine what core Medical Science Liaison (MSL) qualifications requirements you currently possess. The more questions you can answer “yes” to, the greater your chances are to be considered as a MSL candidate.

Do you have a doctorate level scientific or clinical healthcare advanced degree such as PharmD, PhD, MD, PA, MSN Do you have in-house pharmaceutical industry experience such as Medical Information, Medical Affairs, Drug Safety & Pharmacovigilance or Clinical Research? Have you had experience developing core medical affairs or medical marketing materials such as slide decks, standard response letters, clinical training resources or publication planning? Are you literate in the policies and procedures in accordance with FDA regulations such as PhRMA Code, OIG, and Sunshine Act? Do you have clinical patient care experience such as Clinical Pharmacy or Clinical Practice? Are you experienced in navigating through the hospital system and/or academic institution environment? (departments, labs, clinics, etc) If you are a clinician or a researcher are you highly specialized in a disease state or therapeutic category? Are you experienced in presenting scientific and clinical data to both professional and lay audiences? Have you had experience developing and maintaining professional relationships with other healthcare experts for educational or research purposes? Have you worked in a situation requiring self motivation and resourcefulness without the direct supervision of a manager or director?

If you have answered “Yes” to 7 of the 10 questions you may fit our Client’s MSL requirements.

If you have answered “No” to 6 or more questions it is unlikely you fit our Client’s MSL requirements. Additional qualifications are likely needed in order to be considered further as a TMAC Medical Science Liaison candidate.