MSL Talk

By MSL Talk PodcastBusiness Science Careers Life Sciences

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Typical duration
32 min
per episode

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MSL Talk episodes

November 17, 2020How I landed my first MSL role... what works, what doesn't, and what you need to know
My guest today is Julie Chen, Medical Science Liaison at Janssen Cardiology. We discuss how she landed her first MSL role and what advice she has for aspiring MSLs looking to break into the role.
In this episode we discuss:
Julie’s background
Why she wanted to be an MSL
The story of her job search
Steps she took to initiate her search and what worked well
The challenges she faced
Her mentors/coaches
Absolute MUSTs for anyone seeking to land an MSL role
Overcoming frustrations
The advice she can offer and what else aspiring MSLs should keep in mind
(0:00) Introduction and Background of Julie Chen
(3:08) Julie's Motivation and Understanding of the MSL Role
(7:09) Job Search: Confidence, Preparation, and Challenges
(15:01) Tailoring CVs and Leveraging Mentors
(21:52) Advice and Skill Building for Aspiring MSLs
(24:29) Networking and Handling Job Search Frustration
(29:31) Interview Preparation: Thinking Like an MSL
(32:09) The Importance of Attention to Detail
(34:19) Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
(36:09) Closing Remarks and Call to Action
37 min
November 10, 2020Compliance 101-Most common issues and MSL-related gray areas
Today’s guests are Jessica McLin and Melody Davis of Versant Learning. We discuss MSL Compliance 101 and the most common issues and MSL-related gray areas.
In this episode we discuss:
Jessica and Melody intro
What Versant Learning does
Compliance and what people need to know
The most common gray areas to look out for
Where can an MSL find compliance information outside their current organization
The role of MSL Leadership in communicating compliance standards and how much of the effort lies on the MSL
The most important for the MSLs to keep in mind
(0:00) Introduction of guests Jessica McClint and Melody Davis
(1:15) Guest backgrounds and Jessica's transition to entrepreneurship
(5:24) Overview of Versant Learning Solutions and medical communications
(6:15) Compliance in medical affairs and FDA standards
(8:35) Collaboration with sales reps and ethical considerations
(10:25) Understanding company SOPs and compliance training innovations
(12:58) Navigating gray areas in MSL compliance
(16:06) Communication strategies: Proactive vs reactive
(20:48) Role of compliance training and resources for smaller companies
(24:02) Professional development for MSLs through conferences and education
(27:09) Leadership and compliance enforcement
(31:06) Conducting internal vs. external audits
(31:50) Recording MSL interactions and compliance best practices
(35:55) Key compliance rules for MSLs and Sunshine Act navigation
42 min
November 03, 2020How to Develop IDPs Individual Development Plans and Road Maps for Career Development
My guest today is Elaine Nadeau, Director Field Excellence at EMD Serono. We discuss how MSLs can Develop IDPs (Individual Development Plans) and Road Maps for Career Development.
In this episode we discuss:
Who is Elaine and what she does
How she got into the medical affairs
Her role in Field Medical Excellence
What is IDP and its importance
MSLs starting on their own IDP
The timeframe in creating the plan
The pre-work and self-reflection of IDP
Examples of professional development activities
The manager’s involvement and role
The different contributions of a coach versus a mentor
New skills mandatory for MSLs during COVID
Elaine’s advice for MSLs and MSL Leaders as we look to the future
(0:00) Introduction and guest Elaine Nadeau's background
(2:35) Elaine Nadeau's career and transition to field medical excellence
(6:33) Understanding field medical excellence and individual development plans (IDPs)
(12:45) How to get started with IDPs and their role in career development
(17:11) Process of creating an IDP and examples of professional development activities
(22:42) Manager's role and the importance of mentorship in the IDP process
(29:19) Essential MSL skills during COVID and differentiating IDPs from performance reviews
(33:33) Keeping your IDP current and advice for MSLs on professional growth
(35:54) Final thoughts and encouragement for MSLs
(36:32) Closing remarks and invitation to subscribe
37 min
October 27, 2020Top Ten Tips: Improving Business Etiquette and Emotional Intelligence to Advance Your Career
Today’s guest is Bridget Rasmusson, Client Services Lead at The Carolan Group offers great advice on how proper business etiquette and emotional intelligence can advance your career.
In this episodes we discuss:
The importance of first a first impression
Have your “elevator pitch” down before you need it
Remember names
Do as much research about the person’s background
Prepare engaging questions and be a good listener
Offer genuine compliments
Understand your “why”
The power of gratitude
Commit to look your best
Right or wrong: It’s not personal... it’s just business”?
(0:00) Introduction and Bridget Rasmussen's Background
(1:34) Business Etiquette and Emotional Intelligence
(2:47) Importance of First Impressions and Elevator Pitches
(8:15) Focusing Conversations and Researching Backgrounds
(15:53) Engaging Questions and Active Listening
(18:39) The Role of Genuine Compliments
(20:50) Understanding Your 'Why' in Networking
(23:19) Embracing the Power of Gratitude
(28:13) Judging a Book by Its Cover in Professional Settings
(31:42) Emotional Intelligence in Business
(34:00) Exercising Best Judgment in Professional Interactions
(35:28) Differentiating Yourself in the Recruitment Industry
(37:07) Conclusion and Final Thoughts
(37:30) Closing Remarks and Call to Action
39 min
October 20, 2020The Future of KOL Engagement and new strategies that will emerge
Today we have Joan Cannon, Senior Director Scientific Affairs at Lundbeck. Joan discusses the future of KOL engagement and what changes as well as new strategies will emerge.
In this episode we discuss:
Joan’s background and her current career
How she landed her first MSL role
Her MSLs and team in the midst of COVID
Their current plan for KOL engagement given the travel bans, etc
How she handled the lack of facetime
What adjustments did they make within their organization regarding metrics
What she anticipates the future to look like and the ideas that she and her team are working on to maintain and continue building KOL relationships
What new skills are now mandatory for MSLs given the effect of COVID 19
Her thoughts on travel hesitancy amongst her team
Her advice for MSLs and MSL Leaders as we look to the future
(0:00) Introduction and Joan Cannon's career background
(3:29) Transition into the first MSL role
(5:28) MSL team operations during COVID-19
(7:31) Face-to-face interaction guidelines during COVID-19
(10:31) MSL performance metrics adjustments due to the pandemic
(13:10) Virtual engagement with KOLs
(16:07) The future of scientific congresses and virtual events
(18:12) Post-COVID essential skills for MSLs
(21:42) Managing travel hesitancy among MSLs
(24:15) Post-COVID meeting settings with HCPs
(25:24) Comprehensive advice for MSLs and leaders in the current climate
(28:34) Reflections on changes since early 2020 and end-of-year predictions
(29:55) Emphasizing the importance of mental breaks
(30:37) Final thoughts from Joan Cannon
(31:00) Episode closing and listener call to action
32 min
October 13, 2020Best Practices and Creative Ways to Gain KOL Access During COVID-19
My guest today is Jason Demuth, Director, Medical Science Liaison at Strongbridge Bio shares creative ways to reach and access KOLs during COVID-19.
In this episode we discuss:
Jason’s background
His journey and getting his first MSL role
Creative ideas and ways to access KOLs
His perspective on LinkedIn and Facebook for KOL engagement
Email interaction with KOLs
What is the future going to look like in terms of access in Jason’s perspective
His advice for new MSLs or those breaking into the role
Jason’s advice for MSLs and/or MSL Leaders as we look to the future
(0:00) Introduction and guest background
(1:19) Transition from retail pharmacy to industry
(5:26) Engaging KOLs during COVID and utilizing social media
(14:44) Professional use of social media platforms and email communication
(21:14) Future of KOL access and strategies for aspiring MSLs
(26:00) Comparing big pharma and small pharma roles for MSLs
(27:19) Importance of networking and role of recruiters in MSL careers
(29:17) Final thoughts and advice from guest
(30:14) Closing remarks and listener engagement
31 min
October 06, 2020Career Longevity: What behavioral competencies will help you have career longevity and stability
Today my guest is Norward Harris, Consultant Medical Science Liaison Trainer, Professional Mentor, and Original MSL. We discuss MSL career development behavioral competencies that will help you obtain a career of longevity and stability.
In this episode we discuss:
Norward’s background
His advice on career longevity and stability
What role management plays in supporting him as an MSL in his career
Ways MSLs can be proactive in influencing career stability and longevity
Advice for MSLs to prepare for Performance Review
Advice or suggestion for MSLs looking for promotion
His suggestions to individuals looking to transition to the industry and break into the MSL role
(0:00) Introduction of Norwood Harris
(1:21) Norwood Harris's background and career path at Sandoz and Novartis
(4:08) Career longevity, surviving mergers, and differences between large and small companies
(13:20) Networking, internal relationships, and management's role in MSL support
(19:46) Managing your manager and preparing for performance reviews
(25:53) Presentation skills and transitioning into the MSL role
(29:52) Interview preparation and the importance of passion and networking
(32:30) Building a stable MSL career and final advice
(36:39) Closing remarks and call to action
38 min
September 22, 2020Resume Writing and Editing for Medical Science Liaisons
Today is a special solo episode by request. We’re going to talk about resume writing and editing for Medical Science Liaisons.
In this episode we discuss:
Understanding the typical requirements for MSLs
How long should the resume be
Resume with the proper keywords
Take time to align your skills and experience to your resume based upon the key skills, responsibilities, and requirements documented in the job description
Make your resume stand out
Have strong communication and presentation skills
Brand yourself
Include a professional summary
Things not to include
Revisit LinkedIn profile and resume every 6 months
(0:00) Introduction to the episode and overview of resume webinar
(3:01) MSL job requirements and resume tips
(7:26) Ideal resume length and ATS considerations
(15:42) Tailoring resume to job descriptions and highlighting expertise
(23:10) Resume branding and professional summary
(28:37) Resume formatting and contact information
(31:37) Showcasing tenure and using impactful language
(33:29) What to omit from your resume
(35:16) Managing and proofreading multiple resume versions
(38:30) Synchronizing LinkedIn with your resume
(39:21) Cover letter and resume update strategies
(41:14) Closing remarks and additional resources
(41:55) Podcast outro and subscription reminder
43 min
September 15, 2020An Unexpected Journey From Novice MSL to Global Medical Excellence Leader with Tonya Johnson
My guest today is Dr. Tonya Johnson, she was a former Global Medical leader of MSL Excellence. We discuss TJ’s trek from no experience to Global Medical Affairs leader.
In this episode we discuss:
Who is Tonya
Transitioning to the industry
The concept of mentors and sponsors
The approach to finding a mentor or a sponsor
Finding mentors
What is Global Medical Excellence
What skills are mandatory for the MSLs of today
(0:00) Introduction and welcome to Dr. Tanya Johnson
(2:02) Tanya Johnson's journey from Newark to MSL
(7:05) The significance of networking and mentorship for MSLs
(10:03) Building and maintaining KOL relationships
(16:20) Career development strategies for MSLs
(20:26) Understanding mentors and sponsors in your career
(25:07) How to proactively manage your MSL career
(27:11) Navigating mentorship and workplace dynamics
(30:14) Exploring the global medical excellence leader role
(35:19) Key skills and emotional intelligence for MSLs today
(39:45) Closing thoughts and future directions
42 min
September 08, 2020Field MSL Leadership Panel - MSL QA Session PART TWO with Vanessa Jacobsen, Amy Misnik, and Sue Watson
We are part two of our Field MSL Leadership panel, MSL Q&A session with Vanessa Jacobsen, Amy Misnik, and Sue Watson.
In this episode we discuss:
What experience or certification can help someone transition into the MSL position
How is MSL performance assessed during COVID and the best advice to achieve success
What keywords are important to include in the resume
Advice for a newly hired MSL during COVID on how to make a lasting impact when introducing themselves to KOLs for the first time virtually
How to overcome the job listed requirement of must have prior MSL experience (as an aspiring MSL)
How’s training evolving to keep up with the pace of healthcare innovation
Showing one’s value internally as an MSL
Under what conditions should MSLs discontinue KOL relationship or at what point should an MSL stop trying to connect
Advice moving into the rest of COVID and into 2021
Advice to younger self
(0:00) Introduction and guest welcome
(0:42) Surveying LinkedIn for MSL questions
(1:06) Transitioning into an MSL role: Certifications and experiences
(2:46) Assessing MSL performance in the pandemic
(5:38) Crafting an effective MSL resume with keywords
(8:58) Virtual introductions to KOLs
(11:29) Overcoming the requirement for prior MSL experience
(16:52) Training needs for MSLs in a changing environment
(19:37) Demonstrating MSL value within the organization
(21:35) Criteria for ending KOL relationships
(25:24) Consolidated advice for current and aspiring MSLs
(27:12) Encouragement for recent industry graduates
(28:21) Embracing challenges and growth opportunities
(29:03) Expressing gratitude for the MSL role and looking ahead
(30:15) Host's thanks and future guest plans
(30:48) Conclusion and reminder to subscribe
32 min

About MSL Talk

From the publisher's feed

MSL Talk, hosted by Tom Caravela, MSL Recruiter and Founder of The Carolan Group, offers insights for Medical Science Liaisons, aspiring MSLs, and Medical Affairs leaders.