This infographic depicts the essence of the (Medical Science Liaison) MSL universe. The data provided in this graphic are based on our extensive research on the Medical Affairs function, the Medical Science Liaison salary and activities, and KOL feedback studies. These metrics outline the general (average) profile of a typical MSL. Individual MSL roles will [...]
A Consensus-Based Roadmap for MSL Key Performance Indicators Drawing on insights from Medical Affairs executives and experienced MSLs, we have developed a consensus-based model for MSL Key Performance Indicators. This framework is built upon a comprehensive analysis of research data, including perspectives from research partners, to establish an optimal approach to evaluating MSL roles over [...]
Pharmaceutical companies wouldn’t be able to do what they do well without the help of the role of Medical Science Liaisons, most commonly called MSLs. The role of Medical Science Liaisons is to provide the expertise to disseminate scientific and clinical information to the medical community, which in turns enables innovation in drug development and [...]
Often lost in the MSL training modules is the importance of mastering first impressions and ensuring this "art" is part of the Medical Science Liaison skills set. Did you know? Research indicates that most individuals form their initial impression of someone within a mere seven seconds.* Moreover, consider this: A recent study on website visitors [...]
The Medical Science Liaison performance assessment remains very difficult when using traditional hard metrics. There seems to be a movement to refine this process, as revealed in this study, but there is still much work to do. Everything points to the using the “quality of relationships” between an MSL and his/her thought leaders to assess [...]
Are you wondering how to become a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)? A MSL connects life science organizations to industry thought leaders (or KOLs) by sharing scientific and clinical information on products and involving these KOLs in research, speaking or consulting activities. Here’s what you can expect from your journey of medical science liaison training and [...]
We have often heard through our conversations with clients how Medical Affairs programs suffer from the “revolving door” disease, meaning that a significant contingent of MSLs don’t stick around for long periods at the organizations (yes, with an S…!) they work for. To some degree, this also applies to upper management roles. So, what are [...]
The development of a drug or medical device – the product’s life cycle – is a lengthy process that involves research, clinical trials, and input from professional peers. Pharmaceutical companies and health care suppliers spend months, and even years, as well as millions of dollars before putting a life-changing product on the market. The Medical [...]
New Medical Science Liaisons come mostly, and unsurprisingly, from various areas of medical fields. We recently conducted surveys to learn about the prior profiles of new MSLs and whether they entered the industry as new MSLs or became MSL while working in pharma. As expected, and as the survey of 789 Medical Science Liaisons results [...]
We recently conducted research on how the pandemic has transformed the way Medical Science Liaisons interact with Thought Leaders, and findings show a fundamental shift in MSL-KOL interactions. In pre-pandemic times, the favored means of interaction by both MSLs and KOLs were the traditional in-person face-to-face meeting, followed by email, phone, and virtual platforms (remember [...]
