LIFE AS A MSL

Life as a MSL

What is a MSL? It is a ubiquitous acronym in the pharma industry for "Medical Science Liaison" I have been a MSL in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry for over 20 years. There are many acronyms for MSL that vary between the different pharmas, but the term MSL is the default acronym. Because of the acronym game, the MSL position is one of the best kept secrets in industry. Most MSLs have fallen into the job. Few people enter a doctorate program with the goal of becoming a MSL. This is a shame, because it is one of the coolest jobs in the health sciences, and provides a wonderful first step onto bigger and better things. MSLs are basically a field based medical affairs officer. Typically a MSL has a doctorate of some kind (MD, PharmD or PhD), although you may occasionally find other backgrounds in the ranks of the MSL world.

Each pharma utilizes their MSLs slightly differently, but a MSL's basic job is providing medical information and support to the pharmaceutical industry. We are responsible for medical information during pre-launch and launch of a new pharmaceutical drug. Compliance with FDA, OIG, and PHARMA Code regulations. Spearheading of managed care and formulary initiatives (at both state, county, and private level). Development of business plans and access strategies in conjunction with national account executives. Speaker and advocacy development. Interfacing and building relationships with both national and local key opinion leaders in a given therapeutic field (which is one of the really fun bits of the job). Organization of advisory boards. Identification of potential sites for collaborative research efforts and coordinating small investigator initiated trials. Providing medical education and formulary presentations to a wide range of audiences.

Some MSLs are also involved in clinical research. This can range from simple study site visits and site recruitment, to involvement in the clinical study design itself.

Although the MSL often supports and trains the field sales team, the position is NOT a sales job (in fact utilization of a MSL in a sales capacity is a direct violation of federal law in other words, a big no-no). All in all, MSLs usually wear a number of hats depending upon their background and clinical/scientific experience.