Medical Science Liasons (MSLs)?

[Rutgers2015]

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Hello all!

I was just curious on how a Pharm.D. becomes an MSL, is it always by way of fellowship or can you just go to a pharmaceutical company and ask to be one and they train you on the job? Also, I believe MSLs specialize in a certain area, but does that mean a certain drug, a certain class of drugs, or what exactly? Finally, any other relevant info about MSLs would be appreciated! It's just something that caught my attention recently and I wanted more info 🙂

As always, thanks for taking the time to answer! Have a great day 🙂

 

[patmcd]

-Most MSLs are experienced pharmacists or those that have completed fellowships. In the current market it would be challenging to obtain a MSL position directly out of school.

-The degree of specialization for MSLs depends on the company.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=422094

 

[Ackj]

Every now and then I'll get a patient with an odd question about a drug that isn't in the package insert, and I'll give the manufacturer a call. The MSL's have always been super knowledgeable and helpful. Seems like a cool thing to do, although I'd probably get sick of talking about the same few drugs over and over.

 

[Argentium]

Hello all!

I was just curious on how a Pharm.D. becomes an MSL, is it always by way of fellowship or can you just go to a pharmaceutical company and ask to be one and they train you on the job? Also, I believe MSLs specialize in a certain area, but does that mean a certain drug, a certain class of drugs, or what exactly? Finally, any other relevant info about MSLs would be appreciated! It's just something that caught my attention recently and I wanted more info 🙂

As always, thanks for taking the time to answer! Have a great day 🙂

Like someone has mentioned before, most MSL's are experienced clinicians - most are physicians or pharmacists with a lot of clinical knowledge and expertise. The typical way to become an MSL is to complete a fellowship - the Rutgers Industry Fellowship has a couple of positions every year. They are two-year fellowships and very competitive.

MSL typically falls under the "medical affairs" branch of the pharmaceutical industry. A lot of what you will be doing is managing relationships with physicians and clinicians in your specific territory. Depending on the company, you will typically specialize in a therapeutic class or specific drug (depends on the budget, how big the drug is, how many products the company has in a class, etc.)

Some other interesting facts:
(1) you will most likely NOT be based in an office - you will make your own hours and can work from home.
(2) a key aspect of your job will be developing KOL's (key opinion leaders), managing partnerships, and keeping track of investigator initiated trials

As a Rutgers student, I suggest you take the pharmaceutical industry elective if it is offered this spring. Send me a PM if you want more info - I'm at Rutgers as well 🙂