In the early 2000’s most pharmaceutical companies recognized that although the number of pharmaceutical sales representatives was increasing, time with health care providers (HCPs) was decreasing. Indeed, as the healthcare landscape evolved, time with physicians became scarce and the industry’s response was to increase the number of medical science liaisons (MSLs) to help educate physicians.

Don’t get too excited. I am by no means suggesting that MSLs were replacing sales representatives …But they were becoming an increasingly important medium for educating and communicating complex information to physicians and arguably, in particular, to medical experts – thought leaders or lately, the less popular term by compliance folks, key opinion leaders (KOLs).  

More MDs and PhDs

And based on the data, the majority of MSLs at the time were PharmDs. MDs and PhDs made up a much smaller percentage of medical affairs 10-15 years ago.  But things are changing.  Based on more recent industry surveys, the number of MDs and PhD going into industry are significantly increasing. Futhermore, when we look at headquarters-based medical affairs leadership roles, most of these positions are also held by MDs & PhDs at an even higher rate.  For example, if you look at most medical director positions nowadays, the company requires an MD, whereas years ago any of the other terminal degrees would’ve been just fine. This reflects the growing pool of MD candidates who are willing to go into the industry vs. years ago.

Recently, the ACMA held its annual pharmaceutical industry meeting where MD/PhD/PharmDs gathered to learn about medical affairs and network with pharma executives.  Over a third of the attendees were MDs and the numbers will likely continue to increase.

Pharmacy Jobs Shrinking

What this means is that competition is growing and the medical affairs landscape is changing for PharmDs who find themselves in a bit of a pickle. The United States has seen a surge in the last few years when it comes to the opening of new colleges of pharmacy. As these colleges produce more PharmDs, it becomes a simple matter of supply & demand.  Data from the 2016 Bureau of Labor Statistics report shows that there would be 7,000 fewer jobs for pharmacists through 2024. As more PhDs and MDs decide to pursue unconventional careers such as the pharma/biotech industry, these positions will be more coveted and fiercely competitive. 

Individuals will need to figure out ways to separate themselves from the competition. Medical affairs is primarily focused on two macro-scale functions: data dissemination and data generation. Both require excellent communication and presentation skills, the ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and general business savviness. These “soft” skills will become the key to breeding the next generation of pharmaceutical industry leaders within medical affairs.