Board certification in medical affairs is a way for medical affairs and medical science liaison (MSL) professionals in the pharmaceutical industry to demonstrate their expertise and commitment to the field of medical affairs. Medical affairs is a critical function within the pharmaceutical and medical device industries, responsible for providing scientific and medical information to support the development, registration, and promotion of products. Board certification recognizes individuals who have met rigorous standards for education, experience, and performance in medical affairs. Read this recent article on “What is Medical Affairs?”

One of the key benefits of getting board certified in medical affairs is the recognition and credibility it provides. Board certification is a widely recognized and respected achievement in the medical field, and it demonstrates to employers, colleagues, and clients that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to excel in medical affairs. This can lead to greater opportunities for advancement and more responsibilities within an organization.

Another benefit of board certification is that it helps to ensure that medical affairs professionals have the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively perform their jobs. The certification process requires candidates to pass a rigorous exam that covers a wide range of topics related to medical affairs, including regulatory affairs, clinical development, pharmacovigilance, and medical information. By passing this exam, individuals demonstrate that they have the knowledge and expertise required to perform their job effectively, and they stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Board certification also helps to promote the field of medical affairs and to raise its standards. By setting high standards for education, experience, and performance, the certification process helps to ensure that medical affairs professionals are well-prepared to meet the challenges of the field. It also helps to promote the importance of medical affairs within the healthcare industry and to encourage more professionals to pursue careers in this field.

In addition, getting board certified in medical affairs can also lead to professional growth and development. The certification process provides individuals with a structured way to continue learning and growing in the field. This allows professionals to stay current on the latest developments and improve their skills over time. The certification process also provides individuals with a sense of accomplishment and pride and it can be a way to set themselves apart from their peers and to be recognized for their achievements.

Currently there is only one fully accredited program for both medical affairs and MSL professionals which offers a board certification program. This program is the Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) program. The program is offered by the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA). The program is cited by Wikipedia as the official board certification program for MSLs. Currently, the BCMAS program is the largest and most well-recognized board certification program for medical affairs/MSL professionals in the world . It has board certified professionals from over 80 countries as well as a variety of customized curricula for several regions of the world including the Middle East/North Africa region, Europe, Asia, Canada, South America, India, and Brazil. The program includes 20 comprehensive modules, case studies, an industry glossary, knowledge checks and a practice question bank to help learners successfully prepare for the board examination.

Is there data to support the value of getting board certified in medical affairs via BCMAS?

Yes, there is plenty of data to support the value that medical affairs/MSL professionals get from developing their personal knowledge and skill set. Data from the ACMA indicates that over 75% of medical affairs/MSL professionals become board certified as medical affairs/MSL professionals to help expand their knowledge and career opportunities within the pharmaceutical industry. The majority of BCMAS professionals are pharmacists, which comprise approximately 50%. The remaining 50% are mostly MD and PhD professionals. This is not surprising given that the majority of medical affairs professionals hold an MD, PharmD, or PhD degree.

In conclusion, getting board certified in medical affairs is a valuable achievement that can have a significant impact on an individual's career. It provides recognition and credibility, ensures that professionals have the necessary knowledge and skills, promotes the field, and can lead to professional growth and development. Board certification is an important step for medical affairs professionals to take in order to advance their careers and to demonstrate their commitment to the field.