Really understand what an MSL does and tips to getting hired!

As a PA or NP, have you thought about leaving clinical practice and becoming an MSL (Medical Science Liaison)? Do you really understand just want an MSL does? Do you know what the hours are like, how much travel is involved, what the compensation is like, and if you have the qualifications to even become an MSL? In this video, I interview PA Bob McKenna who was an MSL for years before moving into an MSL management position. In this interview, he gives us great insights into what the job is really like and tips on how to get hired! This interview really helped me finally understand the MSL role and I hope it will help you too!
Medical Science Liaison Society: www.themsls.org/
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
01:14 What is an MSL?
02:24 Do PAs & NPs make good MSLs?
03:42 Do PAs & NPs need a doctorate to be an MSL?
04:45 Do you have to be an expert to be an MSL?
06:24 What skills or traits do you need to be an MSL?
07:49 How do MSLs find thought leaders?
09:46 Do MSLs work from home?
11:40 How much do MSLs travel?
12:30 How are MSLs evaluated?
13:05 Can US based MSLs work overseas?
13:28 Career ladder as an MSL
14:17 How to become an MSL
17:00 How much money does an MSL make?
18:19 Rewards of being an MSL
Want to see other non-clinical PA/NP roles? Watch this playlist: • Discover non-clinical ...
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[@TheMedicineCouch]

Are you an MSL? What do you want to tell people about being an MSL?

[@vincentkingsdale8334]

I have my clinical doctorate as a physical therapist with over twenty years experience. I have over 5 years of siccessful sales experience as a pharma rep. I was thinking about going into this field. I love working with my patients, but am looking for a change. I do love science and likes sharing RCS with doctors who really wanted to listen. On the surface, would i be a good candidate?

[@drreneesimone]

Thank you for this video. I’m a pharmacist and I’ve been seeking MSL roles. I love how much insight Bob presented. It gives me a better understanding of what the job is like.

[@TheMedicineCouch]

You're welcome. I agree, I didn't truly understand the job on an MSL until doing this interview. I'm glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@ericsona4538]

Thank you for sharing your experience

[@TheMedicineCouch]

Thanks for watching, and commenting!

[@virtuoso_hub]

Quite revealing. Thank you.

[@TheMedicineCouch]

You’re very welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@user-hz2fp1bg9i]

This was a very helpful video! My first MSL interview is tomorrow - and I took plenty of notes!

[@TheMedicineCouch]

Fantastic to hear you found it helpful! Good luck in the interview and keep us posted!

[@tasadayl]

How did your interview go?

[@1life-longlearner]

How did it go?

[@TheMedicineCouch]

To marykayandelle: I saw your comment come through on my email, but for some reason, it's not showing here in the comment section?!?!? Anyway, just wanted to thank you and your comment is correct that it is very competitive trying to be an MSL. I agree that those with a doctorate will definitely have an easier time opening doors. However, I have seen many MSL PAs on LinkedIn who do not have a doctorate. So, it is definitely possible. No doubt, it would likely require more networking to get your name in front of the right people!

[@keithncube4488]

Thank you. I really needed this. I am completing my PhD with the aim of being a medical advisor. How best would one prepare for this while completing studies?

[@TheMedicineCouch]

You're welcome! Could you clarify what you mean by a medical advisor? Do you mean an MSL or something different?

[@user-zh5mp5zt4c]

Nice video. I would like to ask a question. So I am a pharmacist in Indonesia. So for example, I would like to start a career MSL abroad. Excluding experience, skills, etc. Is it necessary to obtain a pharmacist license in the country where I would like to work as an MSL? Thank you in advance for your answer.

[@TheMedicineCouch]

I am not an expert about MSL‘s as I am not one, but from what I know about the profession, I would think that you would not need to be licensed in the country you’re working in. to my knowledge, as an MSL, a person would not be performing any work that would require a license. You would not be dispensing pharmaceuticals or counseling patients. Rather, you would be responsible for educating licensed medical professionals about a product. In one of the interviews, I conducted, an MSL mentioned that she worked with a man who became an MSL after being a floor salesman. Obviously, he had a degree in science in order to get hired, but he had no professional medical license. So, that is further proof that an active license isn’t required. I think all they are looking for is someone who really understands human physiology and medication. Having said all this, I would think it might be better to try and become an MSL in Indonesia first, and then transfer within the company to the country you want to work in. Again, I’m not an MSL myself, so it would probably be best if you did some networking and talk to MSL‘s around the world. Thank you so much for watching and for commenting! I wish you all the best in your MSL journey.

[@vincentkingsdale8334]

I have my clinical doctorate as a physical therapist with over twenty years experience. I have over 5 years of successful sales experience as a pharma rep. I was thinking about going into this field. On the surface, would i be a good candidate?

[@TheMedicineCouch]

I would think so! I would start networking with MSLs and get their input. I think one of the best moves you can make is strategically working on your resume to really highlight the skills the pharma companies are looking for!

[@vincentkingsdale8334]

@TheMedicineCouch thank you. I'll look online for examples of MSL resumes, unless you can direct me to a website? I appreciate your comment

[@wanderingdoc94]

Do foreign graduates requiring visa sponsorship get considered for msl roles? I'm a masters student in Pharmacology and Toxicology. I have a medical degree from India (MD equivalent in USA) Kindly suggest if msl is an attainable goal for a foreign grad student like me.

[@TheMedicineCouch]

I am not sure as I don't work in that industry, but I do know that pharmaceutical companies are worldwide, so I would think there could be opportunities. I would suggest you try to start networking with MSLs and other people in the field. Then you can start learning more about the industry and ask them about opportunities. I have a video on networking here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6TPpoigaKympdk. Sorry, I wish I knew more to help you, but hopefully this is a start.

[@hopejackson1806]

Do you think a strong MPH would be able to break into an MSL role?

[@TheMedicineCouch]

I don't know. If you are also a PA or NP, then I would think that would definitely help you be competitive. However, I'm not in that world, so I couldn't tell you how competitive you would be if you have an MPH without clinical experience. Maybe an MSL reading this could give their opinion?

[@spidercat2841]

Meow

[@TheMedicineCouch]

Woof