What is a Medical Science Liaison?

Dr. Samuel Dyer - Chairman of the Board - Medical Science Liaison Society www.themsls.org

MSL

What is a

Medical Science Liaison?

(What Do They Do, How to Become an MSL?)

http://www.themsls.org/


MSL

1What is an MSL?



MSL

First established by the Upjohn

Company in 1967, the Medical

Science Liaison (MSL) is:

• Therapeutic specialist (e.g., oncology, cardiology, neurology)

• Employed by pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, clinical research organizations, and other healthcare companies

• Have advanced scientific training and typically hold a doctorate degree in the life sciences, such as a Ph.D., Pharm.D., or M.D.

What is an MSL?



MSL

The purpose of an MSL is to be a

scientific or disease state expert both for

internal colleagues, including sales and

marketing, and for doctors in the

therapeutic area of the medical

community in which they work!

What is an MSL?



MSL

The primary responsibility of an MSL

remains to establish and maintain peer-

to-peer relationships with leading

doctors who influence other doctors.

These influential doctors are commonly

referred to as key opinion leaders (KOLs).

What is an MSL?



MSL

2MSL Activities



MSL

What does an MSL do?

MSL Activity Survey

The MSL Society conducted a global MSL Survey to gain insights into the range of activities MSLs are involved with. MSLs were given a list of activities and asked to select all those they are involved with. The survey included:

275 MSLs

29 Countries



MSL

MSL Activities



MSL

MSL Activities

The vast majority of MSL activities are identical and primarily revolve around engaging with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs).

KOL

Regardless of which country the MSL works in, their activities are consistent…

Over 98% of MSLs reported that they were responsible for KOL relationship management and around 92% reported educating KOLs.

EngagementConsistent



MSL

3What is KOL?



MSL

What is a KOL?• An Industry term and acronym: KOL = Key Opinion

Leader

• As the title suggest, they are influential doctor’s,

physician and members of medical community

who’s opinion are highly regarded and who

influences other doctor’s and physicians.

• The primary responsibility of an MSL is to maintain

peer-to-peer relationships with KOL’s

Key Opinion Leader



MSL

4Alternative Job Titles



MSL

Although originally called Medical Science Liaisons by Upjohn, over the years companies have used various alternatives to the MSL job title even though they typically have the same role and responsibilities. These alternatives include:

• Clinical Liaison• Clinical Science Consultant• Medical Liaison• Medical Manager• Medical Science Consultant• Medical Science Manager• Medical Scientific Director• Regional Medical Director• Regional Medical Liaison• Regional Medical Scientist• Regional Scientific Manager• Scientific Affairs Manager

Alternative MSL Job Titles

*This list is by no means comprehensive but represents some of the most common alternative titles used



MSL

5Become an MSL



MSL

The FIRST and ONLY step-by-step guide on how to

successfully land your first Medical Science

Liaison role!

The MSL Book

This book explains

• What the MSL role is and its purpose

• How hundreds of MSLs broke into their first role

• How to research the role, companies and hiring managers

• How to effectively network with MSLs and hiring managers

• The proper format and what to include in your CV

• The differences between a phone screen, a phone interview, an in-

person interview and how to prepare for each of them

• What specific questions to ask and what specific questions you will be

asked during the various interview stages

• The average salary offered to new MSLs

• How to negotiate and accept an offerwww.themslbook.com



MSL

6The MSL Society



MSL

Highlights

Only 501c3 Non-Profit organization exclusively dedicated to advancing global MSL profession

Serve as a voice for the profession Members from 15 countries representing

42 pharma, biotech, medical device and CRO companies.

Numerous member resources including reports, publications, Free webinars, whitepapers, global surveys, conference.

The only niche job board for global Medical Science Liaison roles.

About MSL Society

MSL & Medical Affairs Networkers

MedicalScienceLiaisonSociety

@MSLSociety



MSL

About MSL Society

The Medical Science Liaison Society is the first

ONLY 501c3 Non-Profit organization devoted to

the development of the global MSL profession.

The MSL Society allows you to become part of

the MSL community prior to breaking into the

role, help you learn the language of the role

and provide the opportunity to network with

MSLs and hiring managers.

Benefits of Joining MSL Society

Global MSL Career Center & Job Board

Live & Online MSL Training

CV Review and Coaching

MSL focused Webinars

Global MSL Society Conferences

Presentations from Global MSL Experts

Access to the Global MSL Member Directory

Networking opportunity within Global MSL

Community

Reports, News, Salary Survey and other

insights

About MSL Society



MSL

Questions?Contact me: www.linkedin.com/in/samueldyer


http://www.linkedin.com/in/samueldyer

http://www.linkedin.com/in/samueldyer

What is a Medical Science Liaison?

Career

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