Introduction

As a Field Medical Director, you play a crucial role in overseeing the strategic implementation of objectives within field medical affairs. A key aspect of this responsibility is onboarding new team members for your medical science liaison (MSL) team. This process is essential to success; your MSL team serves as the frontline in executing your organization’s strategic vision. From the initial hiring process through onboarding and training, it’s essential to ensure that new MSLs are aligned with the company's strategy. This article will detail the importance of each aspect of MSL training, aiming to create a seamless approach to building a fully-functioning and compliant team.

Body

Understanding the MSL Role

Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) have in-depth knowledge about specific therapeutic areas, pharmacology, and clinical trials surrounding their company’s product. Their primary objective is to leverage their credibility, skills in medical education, and regulatory compliance knowledge to help healthcare professionals (HCPs) make informed patient care decisions. The majority of professionals in medical affairs have high-level degrees (M.D., Ph.D., Pharm.D.) that confer this credibility as experts within their specific therapeutic area. Further credentials, such as the Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) Program, speaks to the MSLs in-depth knowledge in soft skills. 

Onboarding

When onboarding a new team, field medical directors must set the standard to new MSLs. This involves establishing company culture and values, which can be shared as a mission statement. Supervisors must ensure clear role responsibilities are communicated to their team in the form of key performance indicators (KPIs), which are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. The new MSL team is also provided training materials, which are best administered in a didactic format. 

Trainers can provide specialized curriculum for their teams through ACMA’s custom learning program, where both product-specific training and therapeutic area learning materials are integrated with ACMA’s compendium of medical affairs knowledge. This establishes an evidence-based comprehensive curriculum. As learners progress through ACMA’s learning modules, field medical directors can assess performance improvement of their new MSLs. 

Trainers must also encourage hands-on learning in the form of shadowing. Initially, new MSLs can follow their experienced colleagues in a mentorship program. During this period, trainees will gain experience in applying the knowledge learned in their didactic courses in a practical way. They will also gain essential exposure to key opinion leaders (KOLs) in healthcare settings. Developing these relationships early-on strengthens the rapport between healthcare providers and the pharmaceutical companies that serve their patients’ needs. 

Creating a Supportive Environment

Mentorship extends well beyond the onboarding process; it is a critical component of MSL development and significantly influences career trajectories. A proactive mentor regularly initiates check-in conversations with their mentee to foster ongoing dialogue.

Creating an environment that encourages open communication and collaboration enhances the mutual exchange of information. This includes sharing valuable resources such as technological tools, databases, key relationships, and opportunities for continuing education. Ultimately, the MSL role is fundamentally centered on relationship building, and the mentor-mentee relationship exemplifies this principle.

In addition to facilitating resource sharing, effective mentorship cultivates a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. Mentors can provide valuable insights based on their experiences, guiding mentees through challenges and helping them navigate complex situations. By encouraging mentees to set goals and reflect on their progress, mentors empower them to take ownership of their development. This dynamic relationship not only enhances individual capabilities but also contributes to a more resilient and innovative team culture within the organization. Through sustained mentorship, both mentors and mentees can adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Measuring Success and Adaptability

To ensure the effectiveness of the onboarding process and overall performance of MSLs, it is essential to establish robust metrics for success. Key performance indicators (KPIs) should not only reflect quantitative measures—such as the number of interactions with healthcare professionals (HCPs) or the volume of educational materials disseminated—but also qualitative assessments, including feedback from HCPs and internal team members. Further, medical affairs teams may implement standardized assessments to measure performance improvement over time.  By analyzing these metrics, Field Medical Directors can adjust training programs and resources, ensuring they remain aligned with the organization’s strategic objectives.

Adaptability in the MSL role is critical, especially in the fast-paced landscape of healthcare and pharmaceuticals. Continuous professional development should be emphasized, enabling MSLs to stay current with emerging research, changes in regulatory requirements, and shifts in therapeutic areas. Incorporating regular training sessions that focus on the latest scientific advancements, compliance updates, and communication strategies can foster an agile workforce. This flexibility allows MSLs to pivot their approaches in response to new challenges and opportunities, reinforcing their position as trusted partners to HCPs and enhancing their contributions to patient care. By creating an environment where adaptability is celebrated and continuous learning is prioritized, Field Medical Directors can cultivate a high-performing MSL team that is equipped to navigate the complexities of the medical landscape while effectively fulfilling their strategic mission.

Conclusion

The MSL role is one built upon a culture of constant learning, where individuals must constantly adapt to evolving regulatory guidelines and emerging clinical evidence. Ensuring that your MSL team is composed of individuals who embrace company culture is essential to executing medical affairs strategy, but building a space for these individuals to thrive is even more important. Building out custom onboarding  training programs ensures that newcomers are prepared with essential competencies, while shadowing programs help new team members put their knowledge to work. Further, employee retention requires investment in the continuing education of MSLs. By catering the MSL onboarding experience with dedicated learning modules and ongoing support, Field Medical Directors will retain knowledgeable & compliant MSL teams.