A medical science liaison, also known as a MSL, is a professional that is well-versed in and responsible for the scientific management of multiple facets of a product, such as a drug, vaccine, or device. MSLs usually have a focus in a specific therapeutic area or disease state such as oncology, cardiology, infectious diseases, hematology, rheumatology, etc. 

These medical science liaisons usually work to build relationships with KOLs (key opinion leaders) and/or thought leaders amongst other influential healthcare providers in order to support a product throughout its lifecycle and ensure that products are utilized effectively while also serving as scientific experts for their products. 

The educational standard for this role has evolved to doctorate degrees such as MDs, PharmDs, PhDs or those who may have clinical backgrounds such as BSNs and RNs. Because knowledge and understanding of pharmacokinetics and physiological processes is required, someone with a solid scientific background is an ideal candidate for this role. 

There are multiple options to break into this role and we will cover the top two pathways in entering the field as a MSL: post-doctoral fellowship and/or a board certification. 

MSL Certifications to Build Your CV

It is important to begin building your résumé,/CV as early as possible! The first step is taking an initiative and completing research. A great way to increase your relevance to the industry is gaining knowledge and becoming certified in the field. Receiving a certification that can be applied to your CV increases your chances of standing out from other candidates because it shows that you not only are an expert in the field, but also that you have the drive to learn more about medical affairs and the MSL role. 

If you are currently in a doctorate-level program and interested in becoming an MSL, the Medical Affairs Competency Certificate (MACC) is the program go-to that will get you ahead in the pharmaceutical industry. This accredited program allows students to master information about Medical Science Liaisons & Field-Based Medical Teams. There are a total of 7 modules and it is all completely online and self-paced! 

If you have graduated, you are eligible for the Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) ACMA program, globally recognized in the healthcare industry and accredited by  International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). This comprehensive program includes 20 modules of content that cover all stages of product development, the roles/responsibilities of MSLs, and regulatory compliance. Throughout the program, you are trained beyond just informational knowledge. The content of BCMAS also reviews business acumen and communication skills required to engage with KOLs with online and audio formats to learn at your own pace.

MSL Post-Doctoral Fellowships

An industry pathway to break out into this role is through a post-doctoral fellowship. Many pharmaceutical companies have partnered with universities, such as Rutgers University and Northeastern University, in order to provide the opportunity for graduates from MD, DO, and PharmD programs to work in the industry. Many companies have also created programs independent of university affiliation such as Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly. In an Industry Pharmacists Organization report, it states that there are around 83 companies from 2020- 2021’s fellowship cohort that sponsor a post-doctoral fellowship (independently run or through university affiliation). 

Throughout the fellowship, the graduate is able to work and learn firsthand the skills required in the pharmaceutical industry. A major advantage to working with a company in this setting is that graduates are able to work across the company with different teams, functions, and departments, building on their resume and experience. 

Building experience with a company in this extensive manner would help the graduate build on skills to become an impressive candidate to be hired externally or even retained with the parent company. By working on multi-functional and multi-departmental teams, these graduates are able to strengthen their skills as experts in communication. Overall, having a position as a post-doctoral fellow creates opportunities for graduates to break into this field and explore a more non-traditional career path while strengthening soft skills to enter a competitive job market.

While a post-doctoral fellowship is not necessary to work in this field, it provides strong mentorship and opportunities for those looking to gain experience in the industrial setting. Throughout the structured one to two-year post-doctoral fellowship program, graduates are able to work closely with preceptors and mentors to develop specific skills in the functional area to solidify their skills for a post-fellowship position, in this case, as a medical affairs specialist.