What are the benefits of becoming a medical science liaison?

Medical science liaisons (MSLs) bridge the gap between medical practitioners who treat patients first-hand and health organisations that are continuously introducing new devices, treatments, and therapies. These professionals provide knowledge to healthcare workers about innovations that would advance their work and patient care.

Like some medical sales jobs, this role requires MSLs to cultivate strong relationships with key opinion leaders so that they can be provided with the right clinical and technical information. This means that a lot of research is involved, too. A passion for the best patient outcomes is the driving force behind the position. While medical science liaison jobs come in many shapes and sizes, most of them feature the same benefits, and there are several reasons why many career-driven candidates become MSLs. Below, we discuss the key benefits:

Positively impacting patients’ lives

One of the key trait requirements of a medical science liaison or medical salesperson is having a strong passion for what they do, and why they do it. In this role, you get to positively impact patients’ lives and fulfil your passion by connecting the best medical solutions to the best medical professionals so that there are more successful patient outcomes. You’ll have a strong, positive impact on patients’ lives as you continue to research and educate the industry on medical innovations and breakthroughs.  

You get to offer a higher level of service

The healthcare industry has seen an impressive 300% increase in the number of medical science liaison roles over the past 10 years. This is partly because assistive technical advancements have created several new services and have also allowed MSLs to offer a higher level of service. Through diligent research, medical science liaison training, dedication, and solid relationships with key role players, you’ll be contributing to the strengths of the industry while upholding medical standards in your profession.

Flexibility

The post-pandemic world has seen an increase in flexible and adaptable roles in the healthcare industry. This allows medical science liaisons to better balance their careers and lifestyles. Some positions even allow you to determine your own hours and goals with incentives to drive you. Working as a medical science liaison also means you’ll be communicating with people at various levels and learning to adapt your communication and anticipate different customer needs.

Meeting industry leaders 

Look at most medical science liaison job descriptions and you'll notice it's a role that will allow you to meet some of the world’s best healthcare professionals and scientists. Many companies encourage their employees to build healthy relationships with key players in the industry. Sometimes, this may require you to travel to new places, meet new people, and learn about new medical and scientific advancements. So, if you have a social personality and are eager to associate with renowned experts in the field – then you’ll enjoy a role as an MSL. Together, you'll get to influence the future of medicine and take your medical science liaison to new heights.

Higher salary

A passion for healthcare and patient outcomes is key. However, professionals can also expect a competitive salary due to the overall importance of the role. MSL roles deal with the production of valuable products that will impact the health and well-being of millions. For this reason, you’ll get paid according to the value you bring to the industry. There’s no doubt that the time you spend studying and gathering experience for this role will open doors to several financial benefits.

Cultivate your medical science liaison career with IQVIA

IQVIA is dedicated to making a positive difference in the healthcare industry. We’ve built a diverse community of individuals from around the globe. We’re a full service provider of patient solutions and we offer outstanding capabilities to help our clients, using data and technology. If you would like to take the next step along your medical science liaison career path and play a significant role in improving healthcare globally, then we invite you to reach out to our team.

Browse our medical science liaison careers, or read our blog article on how to ace your MSL or medical sales interview by preparing for the right questions.