The number of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) has increased significantly around the world since 2000. According to research conducted by the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs, the industry has seen a greater than 300% increase in the number of MSLs roles in the last 10 years alone. This has created much greater attention to the MSL profession than in years past. That also means that it's become increasingly difficult to break into the MSL role.

Several professional organizations have tried to capitalize on the increased interest in the MSL profession by claiming to help MSL hopefuls 'break into' MSL roles if they would only attend their MSL conferences & events or if they complete their training programs. Unfortunately, these efforts often bear little fruit and MSL candidates grow frustrated. But there is a larger question with some of the hopefuls that want to 'break into' the MSL role. And that question is: Why do they want to become MSLs?

Break into the MSL Role for the Right Reasons

It's great that so many people are interested in potentially building a career in the pharmaceutical industry. However, many MSL candidates are more interested in the perks of the job versus the core of what the medical science liaison role is all about.

If your predominant interest in becoming an MSL is whether you'll receive a company car, stock options, get to work from home or how flexible your schedule will be, that's telling. While there is nothing wrong with trying to understand those details, it can't be the primary focus.

MSLs have the ability to impact patient lives - mostly indirectly, but certainly on a macro scale. The information the MSL provides can influence how a healthcare provider (HCP) uses a product or device. MSLs who are truly vested in patient care will bring back important insights to drive data generation strategies for their companies to address unmet needs. MSLs need to keep their ears to the ground and listen to Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) and their needs, which can drive clinical development strategies. MSLs help facilitate research and educate residents/fellows and much more. It's a role that has a tremendous impact on the industry and overall healthcare ecosystem.

Preparing to Break into the MSL Role

For this reason, the ACMA is steadfast in its mission to establish the Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) as the industry standard. The MSL role is more than a job - it's a profession. And as a profession, medical affairs teams should require a minimum set of competencies from those that work as medical science liaisons. MSL professionals need to maintain and uphold those standards.

Current liaisons and those individuals who want to break into the MSL role benefit from board certification because the BCMAS program grounds them in the priorities they should stay focused on. If you want to become a Medical Science Liaison, make sure you keep these points in mind:

• Do it for the right reasons.
• Do it for patients first.
• Do it to elevate the science in the medical community.
• Do it to help create a positive change in the overall interests of public health.