Wanted, Relationship Capital. Seeking, Medical Science Liaisons
Research and clinical training that are integral curriculum in obtaining an advanced degree confers to the liaison an ability to synthesize and comprehend scientific concepts, experimental design, and data. Often, liaisons with advanced degrees may speak from experience of the research work she or he has conducted in a particular field, and in doing so, adds value for the research investigator. A medical liaison's research background may not be the same as the therapeutic field he works in; however, his advanced scientific or medical training sets a foundation upon which knowledge from a different therapeutic field may be build. Medical liaisons also present - either formally or informally - to various decision makers in the medical and healthcare community.
Some medical liaisons have an added responsibility to give clinical presentations to managed care organizations, and almost all liaisons are expected to be well versed in their company's pipeline portfolio and R&D (Research and Development) objectives. Medical liaisons help answer questions and resolve research issues between an investigator and the company. Medical liaisons may partake in the training process for divisions within the company (for instance, sales and marketing.) In essence, medical liaisons are in front of both internal and external customers - and people skills are not surprisingly of critical importance.
Beyond "Smile Training"
Having "people skills" extends beyond the ability to smile and start a conversation. Medical liaisons need to have characteristics inherent of various corporate "buzz words" prominent in large corporations. Medical liaisons act as rainmakers, change agents, research scouts, and educational/information resources. Being field-based, like other field-based personnel, means medical liaisons must possess a level of emotional maturity and motivation that are critical for long-term success.
Medical liaisons are manager-level positions. Even though medical liaisons do not have direct reports whom they manage, liaisons continually manage all research progresses within their geography, and must continually stay abreast of the latest research developments in that scientific area. Medical liaisons may report either to a senior manager, an associate director, or a director of a division specific for research (be this scientific/medical affairs, clinical affairs, or R&D.) Medical liaisons do not have incentives tied to market share of a particular product, as medical liaisons are expected to communicate with scientific fair balance.
It's Always (and Should Be) Personal
Prospecting medical liaison must consider this career path very carefully. Alongside its rewards, this career is not without stress and loneliness and frustration. In fact, prospective candidates may try writing a "personal statement", to answer the following questions: "Why I choose to be a MSL, what's in it for me? Have I researched other career options in the pharmaceutical industry? Where do I see myself three-to-five years from now - on this path or doing something else?"
Prospective MSLs need to know their personal motivations, whether they may simply want to get into industry, whether they see a MSL career as a stepping-stone to another career in the future. Whatever it may be, prospective candidates must be clear with their own expectations, and be realistic about the job.
image credit: photo by Rodolfo Clix