The person who serves as a bridge between professionals in the field of medicine and those in other sections of the healthcare industry (pharmaceutical companies and medical equipment companies) is referred to as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). The MSL wears several hats. This person is an educator, a spokesperson, a clinician and product expert all rolled into one. You often find former scientists and clinicians occupying this special field. If you’re interested in healthcare consulting, becoming a medical liaison may be the career for you. Here’s how to become a MSL.
- You’ll work as a consultant. MSLs are healthcare consultants for pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. They work for companies that provide services and products to medical facilities as well as to clinicians. This job usually requires significant travel including frequent trips of extended length; expect to be traveling about 60% of the year. Clients include individual physicians, physicians groups, hospitals and medical facilities. Attending meetings and conferences world wide is also part of the MSL job as well as promoting new curative products.
- Plan to be in school for a while—you’ll need a lot of training. Many companies prefer that the candidate has one of the following: Medical Doctor (MD) degree, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree or a PhD in one of the research sciences. The first step is deciding which career path you want to follow and then apply to the University of your choice.
A bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, or physical sciences is a typical way to start preparing for graduate work. Some classes may be taken online, just be sure they will transfer into your program if they are taken at a different organization. In your junior year of undergraduate school, in either premed or pre-pharmacy, you will begin to study for the entrance exam to medical school or pharmacy school. You may need to sit the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to continue on for a PhD.
Once you are accepted you will continue with your education until your degree is obtained. Expect to spend at least eight years in college, and if you are becoming a physician, there will be additional training after graduation. There are a few MSL professionals who hold a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree. This level of entry will require graduation from an accredited school of nursing with a bachelor’s degree and then an additional two years of nursing education to receive a MSN. Continuing your education to receive a Doctoral degree in Nursing will advance your career. - Licensure is required in your state. To practice in Medicine, Pharmacy or Nursing you will need a license in the state where you will be practicing. Each specialty has its own regulatory board with its own licensure examination. Passing the exam is necessary before beginning practice in your field.
- Get practical experience. Just graduating and being licensed is not enough to enter into the MSL field; experience is absolutely crucial. Pain management, cardiovascular, oncology and metabolism are just some of the areas that companies want their MSL candidates to be proficient. Several years of experience are usually necessary. Those with a PhD will need to be actively engaged in research.
- Excellent communication as well as first-rate presentation skills is valued in this profession. Both written and oral communication is important as this healthcare consultant relays information between different individuals and groups in the healthcare industry.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills are a must. This is required because a medical science liaison’s role is to foster and maintain relationships with healthcare industry leaders. They should have strong networking skills so they increase their contacts in the industry. Strong leadership skills are a definite plus.
- Knowledgeable of procedures used in clinical research is very important. An MSL should understand how that research is translated into a pharmaceutical product. He should also understand the approval process for that product.
- Grasp of laws, regulations and requirements. MSLs should understand the laws and regulations of the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Inspector General Compliance Program Guidance for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and the Code of Conduct requirements that are relevant to his function as a medical science liaison.
- Computer knowledge is vital. MSLs are expected to have a working knowledge of the various software programs used in their field.
- Salary. The annual salary range for MSLs is between $105,000 to $220,000, with wide variations between companies and positions. Experience also plays a role in determining the salary.
- Job Outlook. This is a highly specialized field and the competition for these jobs can be rigorous. Job growth in this field is predicted to be about 20% in the next 20 years. This number can fluctuate according to funding for medical products as well as medications.
The focus of medical science liaisons is to provide both educational and scientific support and cooperation between medical professionals, patients and healthcare industry companies that provide products and services. They are expected to be skilled clinical researchers as well as skilled communicators. MSLs have access to the latest therapeutic research and information, which they bring to companies who develop the actual therapeutic products. They need to know the current trends in healthcare consulting as well. Although most companies require doctoral degrees in the field of medicine, experience counts a lot in hiring an MSL.