OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions

A Conversation with Medical Affairs Leader Paul Ward

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Paul Ward has spent thirty years in Medical Affairs — from selling antibiotics at Beecham Laboratories to leading field medical oncology, hematology, medical value, and access at BeOne Medicines. He has attended the American Society of Hematology for twenty-three consecutive years. His point of view is earned in the arena, and in this episode, he shares it.

In this conversation with Linda Traylor, Paul covers the mindset shift that transformed his MSL career, what he learned leading a team through a drug withdrawal, why the worst career advice in field medical is to rush to the next title, and what he would put on a billboard for every Medical Affairs professional in the world.

In this episode:

  • The pivot that changed everything: from trying to know every answer to becoming a better student
  • Leading through the Iressa withdrawal — the 6:30 AM call, the KOL conversations, and the decision to stay
  • What Dr. Steven Paul said about molecules vs. people — and why Paul still thinks about it thirty years later
  • Why MSLs shouldn't rush the gears — and what gets lost when they do
  • AI in Medical Affairs: embrace it, but don't lose the human connection that makes this role irreplaceable

    • Books and Resources Mentioned:

    Recommended by Linda Traylor:

    • A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard — a short, classic read on dependability and getting things done without being told how. Linda gifts it frequently and calls it one of the best books she's ever received. Paul hadn't heard of it — and wrote it down.

      • Recommended by Paul Ward:

      • MSL Talk (podcast) — hosted by Tom Caravela, Managing Partner of The Carolan Group. Paul recommends it to everyone in field medical. Nearly 200 episodes, 30–40 minutes each, built around inspiring Medical Affairs leaders.  Listen Now: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA
      • PharmaVerse (podcast) — hosted by Michael Pietrack. Broader than Medical Affairs alone — guests have included CEOs, R&D leaders, and figures like Mark Cuban on PBMs. Paul listens regularly.  Listen Now: https://www.youtube.com/@ThePharmaversePodcast

        • About Paul Ward:

        Paul Ward is Head of Field Medical Oncology, Hematology, Medical Value and Access at BeOne Medicines. With thirty years in Medical Affairs, his career spans field medical, regional and national director roles at companies including Lilly Oncology, AstraZeneca, and Astellas. He is a longtime member of the MSL Society Advisory Board and has attended twenty-three consecutive years of the American Society of Hematology.

        Connect with Paul Ward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-ward-95302b15/

        About OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions:

        OnPoint: The Mentor Sessions is a podcast series hosted by Linda Traylor, VP of Medical Excellence at Acceleration Point. Each episode is a candid conversation with an unsung hero in Medical Affairs or Field Medical — surfacing the mindset shifts, defining moments, and hard-won lessons that shape the leaders moving this field forward.

        OnPoint is available on several podcast platforms, including the Acceleration Point YouTube channel.

        Watch Now: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLTXapuvAJzWZdDrMJFj-3FDz42Z3uJYAu


        00:00 — Thirty Years in the Arena: How Paul Ward Found Medical Affairs
        05:15 — The Mindset Shift Every MSL Needs: From Expert to Student
        07:51 — When the Drug Fails: Leading Through the Iressa Withdrawal
        14:12 — What Makes an Exceptional Leader: Molecules vs. People
        20:49 — Don't Rush the Gears: Career Advice for Rising Field Medical Professionals
        29:26 — The Future of Medical Affairs: AI, Human Connection, and What's Coming Next
        37:30 — The Man in the Arena: Mentors, Mindfulness, and the Billboard

        ...more
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        OnPoint: The Mentor SessionsBy Acceleration Point