What is the next step after medical science liaison?

What is the next step after medical science liaison?

Medical science liaisons, also referred to as MSLs, are vital to the success of healthcare companies and patient care. Essentially, they bridge the communication gap between medical practitioners, who treat patients first-hand, and organisations responsible for researching and manufacturing medical devices, treatments, and therapies.

The MSL role has existed for more than 50 years, thus proving to be a necessary cog in the wheel of effective healthcare. Since conception, it has expanded to include different ranks, meaning there are increasingly diverse routes for healthcare workers who want to advance in this field of work.

Below, we discuss these ranks to provide important information that will help you determine what your next step could be as a passionate medical science liaison.

Senior medical science liaison

Senior MSLs have nurtured their role to become authorities in the sector. They often brush shoulders with key opinion leaders and respond directly to the needs of healthcare professionals.

According to Senior Medical Science Liaison Raff Gaffar, no two workdays are the same.

“There are plenty of opportunities to upskill and contribute to the healthcare community,” he says.

When we caught up with Raff, he explained that his duties spanned gathering insights from the medical field and identifying treatment gaps and challenges. He then feeds these insights back to the broader team to help develop solutions.

Seniors MSLs generally report progress or obstacles to management, who oversees projects and ensure proper protocols and policies are adhered to.

Medical science liaison manager

The next step to climb is that of a medical science liaison manager.

Medical liaison managers are committed to contributing to the enrichment and execution of medical strategies as approved by the company directors. They are often the face of a company and will take responsibility for entire teams. The role requires previous MSL

experience as well as soft skills such as excellent communication, leadership, teamwork, organisation, and empathy.

Both senior and management MSLs will be required to continuously build their knowledge of the industry, staying current with trends and innovations. This knowledge and expertise are prerequisites for the next step.

Medical director

Climbing to the top of the ladder, we have the role of medical director. Medical directors exemplify how passion, hard work, and dedication to the best patient care can amplify your medical career.

The role encompasses several facets and is often broadly defined. However, according to a TDA report, MSL medical directors must execute planning, oversee recruitment and promotions of staff, build relationships with other directors to strengthen networks, and coordinate teams to achieve the daily goals and overall mission of the company they’re dedicated to.

A 2021 study by the Medical Liaison Society found that the industry has experienced a greater than 300% global increase in the number of MSLs roles in the last decade. We can conclude that the role is a sought-after one that promises multiple career opportunities.

Allow IQVIA to help you cultivate your medical science liaison career

Bring your career to IQVIA, and we will help you cultivate it so you can expand into your role as a medical science liaison.

Our team is dedicated to making a positive difference in the healthcare industry. We’ve built a strong and interesting network of professionals globally to support and strengthen our impact, and we invite you to join us on this journey.

Apply for one of our medical science liaison jobs or sign up for job alerts to be the first to hear about the fruitful opportunities we have to offer.