The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a specific role within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, CRO and other healthcare industries. They concentrate on a specific therapeutic areas (e.g. Oncology, Cardiology, CNS, Hematology, Women’s Health Care) and disease states (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis, Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes). MSLs have advanced scientific training and academic credentials generally consisting of a doctorate degree (PhD, PharmD or MD) in the life sciences.
Companies typically align the medical science liaison role by therapeutic area, such as oncology, cardiology, immunology, etc. Therapeutic area alignment allows medical science liaisons to build relationships with HCPs who specialize in the diseases that the company’s products treat.
The story of how medical science liaisons (MSLs) came to be is well known throughout the pharmaceutical industry. In 1967, Upjohn Pharmaceuticals (now Pfizer) recognized the need for scientifically trained field staff that would be able to build rapport with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in various therapeutic areas of research.
To have more meaningful interactions with these external experts (EEs) and other healthcare providers, Upjohn Pharmaceuticals needed field representatives to establish relationships with leading medical professionals. The company initially identified sales representatives who demonstrated strong scientific knowledge and could bring a higher degree of clinical and educational expertise to the medical professionals with whom they were working.
It’s very common for MSLs to have a doctorate degree or to be licensed medical doctors. A Ph.D., PharmD, M.D., D.O., D.D.S. or D.M.D. will provide the necessary background for success as an MSL. Note that the combination of a Ph.D. with a medical degree like an M.D. is a popular pairing in related professions such as medical scientist, and can work for MSLs, too.
Before reaching the doctorate level, though, aspiring MSLs will need an undergraduate degree in a related field, such as one of the life sciences, physical sciences or mathematics. A health care-focused MBA, such as the online HCMBA available through the George Washington University (GW), can also be helpful in developing the knowledge and skills needed for pursuing a career as an MSL. The coursework in the GW HCMBA covers topics in clinical medicine and research, in addition to the managerial focus of a traditional MBA.
