If you’ve followed the ACMA on social media, or have read through our blogs over the years, we often say that board certification is the future of medical affairs. When we use this phrase, we’re not just speaking in hyperbole. On a daily basis, we are seeing the steps that medical affairs organizations and their professionals are taking to get board certified and advance their careers.

The steady drumbeat toward board certification as the standard for medical affairs has been heard for more than five years now. In 2015, the ACMA was the first accredited organization to offer this type of certification through the Board Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS) program. We developed the program with the help of more than 30 experts in medical affairs, healthcare education, and educational technology.

Since 2015, the BCMAS has become the most widely recognized program in the industry and is living up to its billing as the industry standard certification for MSLs and medical affairs professionals.

That’s not why we say board certification is the future of medical affairs, however. We say that because the pharmaceutical industry is constantly evolving and medical affairs are eager to stay ahead of the curve. We’re working with leaders of large and small organizations every week to deliver accredited professional development to their teams.

The ACMA has also picked up some high profile endorsements for the BCMAS along the way. Janet Woodcock, principal deputy of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has expressed her support for board certification in medical affairs and the pharmaceutical industry.

Additionally, Congressman Brett Guthrie (R-KY) recently espoused the importance of board certification for Medical Science Liaisons. We also have countless testimonials from our BCMAS graduates, many of whom were already well into their medical affairs careers when they began the program. 

The bottom line is that board certified medical affairs professionals are trusted individuals. They’re trusted to provide important medical information to healthcare providers who need to make important treatment decisions for their patients. Board certified professionals are seen as more credible by key internal and external stakeholders, as well.

As we’ve seen with the recent opioid crisis, the pharmaceutical industry can benefit from its professionals who communicate both effectively and ethically. When individuals aren’t properly trained to meet a minimum standard, they risk communicating ineffectively, which can have a negative effect. This is why it’s important to board certify MSLs and Medical Affairs professionals. And this is why we believe board certification is the future of medical affairs.