MSL Talk

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Michael Kahn to delve into decision-making within medical affairs. Michael shares his expertise on how organizational silos and internal politics can affect decisions, offering strategies for dismantling these barriers. They discuss the critical role of medical affairs in decision-making, alongside insights into hiring, team building, and adding value beyond traditional job roles. Michael provides advice on managing tough personnel decisions and emphasizes the importance of being undeniable in one's professional role. The episode concludes with some lighthearted thoughts and a unique discussion on sausage preferences.

(0:00) Introduction and welcome

(0:16) Guest introduction: Michael Kahn

(0:30) Michael Kahn's background

(1:04) Host Tom Caravela's insights

(1:46) Detailed introduction by Michael Kahn

(2:27) Episode's title and relevance

(4:15) Decision making in medical affairs overview

(7:30) Influencing factors in organizational decision making

(10:21) The impact of silos in decision making

(13:44) Breaking down silos with examples

(16:34) The role of internal politics

(19:59) The role of medical affairs in decision making

(23:36) Hiring and team building strategies

(26:19) Value addition beyond job descriptions

(27:58) Difficult personnel decisions

(31:17) Being undeniable in your role and unspoken truths

(33:31) Closing thoughts and sausage preferences

In this episode of MSL Talk, Tom Caravela is joined by Vera Kutsenko to explore the AI gap in medical affairs. They discuss the challenges and resistance faced in adopting AI technologies and the current state of AI integration in the industry. Vera shares her insights on the role of culture, governance, and the necessary skills for medical affairs professionals to effectively work alongside AI. The conversation touches on the fear of job replacement by AI and strategies to overcome these concerns. They also emphasize the importance of building a relationship with AI tools and the characteristics of successful AI implementations. The episode concludes with thoughts on leveraging AI for prompt generation and the iterative nature of AI adoption.

(0:00) Introduction and guest welcome

(0:53) Topic introduction: The AI gap in medical affairs

(1:12) Vera Kutsenko's background and experience with AI

(2:08) Tom's encouragement for job seekers and defining the AI gap

(6:31) Overcoming resistance to AI adoption and project failure reasons

(8:34) Current state and challenges of AI in medical affairs

(13:00) The role of culture, governance, and people in AI adoption

(16:49) Skills and capabilities needed for medical affairs professionals

(20:15) Human vs. AI in job roles and fear of job replacement

(24:15) Strategies for overcoming resistance to AI

(30:31) Building a personal relationship with AI tools

(32:31) Characteristics of successful AI implementations and importance of iteration

(36:19) Leveraging AI to improve prompt generation

(39:34) Final thoughts and appreciation

In this week’s episode of MSL Talk, we dive into a major pillar of Medical Affairs that is often misunderstood and overlooked... publications. And for the first time on the show, we’re breaking it all down with an expert who lives and breathes this world.

My guest, Jolan Rosenthal, is the Executive Director of Publications at Mirum Pharmaceuticals and a 20+ year industry veteran. We explore:

- Why publications are essential to credibility, transparency, and scientific exchange

- How MSL insights directly influence publication strategy

- How publications enhance KOL engagement and support field medical impact

- Career pathways: how MSLs can transition into pubs, med comms, training, or strategic roles

- Common misconceptions about the publication process

- The role of AI today and what the future may look like in the publications landscape

(0:00) Introduction and guest Jolan's background

(1:34) Welcome to new listeners and MSL Talk overview

(2:35) Role of publications in medical affairs

(6:52) MSL insights on publications

(9:16) MSL career paths in publications

(14:41) Overview of publication types in medical affairs

(19:51) KOL engagement and publications

(22:26) Misconceptions in the publication process

(25:11) AI's impact on publications and ethics

(28:09) Journals and AI: Policies and hallucination risks

(29:14) AI at medical congresses and Tom's book-writing experience

(32:07) Closing remarks and thanks to Jolan and audience

In this episode of MSL Talk, Tom Caravela is joined by Jason Howard to explore the transformative role of omnichannel strategies in medical affairs. They cover how personalized engagement is reshaping interactions and the current adoption of these strategies across the industry. The conversation highlights the importance of digital and social channels, discussing how they integrate throughout the product lifecycle and their unique roles in various therapeutic areas. Jason emphasizes the significance of social monitoring for competitive intelligence and the networking potential for healthcare professionals on social media. The episode concludes with insights into the future of omnichannel strategies and the concept of next best action.

(0:00) Intro and guest introduction: Jason Howard

(1:06) Discussion on omnichannel impact and journey in medical affairs

(2:02) Overview of omnichannel in medical affairs

(3:28) Personalized engagement in omnichannel

(5:32) Current state and adoption of omnichannel in medical affairs

(7:19) Who should adopt omnichannel strategies

(10:27) Importance of digital and social channels in omnichannel

(12:51) Omnichannel strategies across the product lifecycle

(14:41) Social media's role in omnichannel

(19:12) Therapeutic areas and social media preferences

(21:40) Social monitoring and listening in omnichannel

(24:00) Budgeting for social monitoring tools

(25:29) Social monitoring for competitive intelligence

(26:15) HCPs and social media networking

(27:13) Peer review and scientific discussions on social platforms

(27:47) Future of omnichannel strategies and next best action

(29:34) Closing remarks and appreciation

In this episode of MSL Talk, Tom Caravela is joined by Cathy Andorfer who shares her insights on the impact of changing times on MSL roles and the skills that are becoming increasingly important. They examine the current MSL job market, highlighting key qualities sought in candidates, and delve into the role of emotional intelligence and soft skills in performance evaluations. The conversation also touches on balancing foundational skills with emerging trends, the influence of AI in medical affairs, and the irreplaceable value of human MSLs. Cathy concludes with predictions for the future of medical affairs and promotes her book.

(0:00) Introduction with special guest Kathy Andorfer

(1:25) Overview of the episode's theme and "The Art of Excellence"

(3:06) Kathy's experience and feedback on her book

(7:00) Impact of changing times on MSLs and the book's content

(8:25) Current state of the MSL job market and key candidate qualities

(13:30) Emotional intelligence, soft skills, and MSL performance evaluation

(19:59) Key trends and balancing basics with advanced trends for MSLs

(24:59) AI's impact on medical affairs and the unique value of human MSLs

(29:44) Predictions for the future of medical affairs

(31:21) Promoting Kathy Andorfer's book and conclusion

Tom Caravela sits down with Ramin Farhood to discuss the intricacies of product launches within the pharmaceutical industry. They explore indicators of a successful launch and lessons learned from past challenges. The conversation delves into market access, reimbursement, and the critical impact of team alignment. Ramin highlights the balance between speed and safety, the importance of compliance, and the dangers of siloed operations. They also consider the role of digital and AI, patient insights, and provide practical advice for companies preparing for their first launch.

(0:00) Introduction and overview with Ramin Farhood

(0:17) Sponsor: Oncology Voice Network

(2:24) Ramin Farhood's career journey

(3:46) The significance of MAPS in Medical Affairs

(4:22) Key indicators of a successful product launch

(5:42) Insights from launch challenges and failures

(7:38) Market access and reimbursement in launches

(8:14) The effect of team alignment on launch outcomes

(10:33) Speed vs. safety in competitive product launches

(12:24) Compliance and medical governance roles

(16:17) The risks of siloed operations in product launches

(19:01) Overlooked elements in launch readiness

(24:02) Incorporating patient insights into strategy

(26:56) Digital and AI influence on launch approaches

(29:05) Tips for companies approaching their first launch

(30:36) The role of early education and real-world data

(31:47) Emphasizing early preparation and long-term vision

(31:59) Closing thoughts and appreciation

In this episode of MSL Talk, host Tom Caravela sits down with India Scales, Medical Science Liaison at AstraZeneca, for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation about authenticity in the MSL role.

India shares her inspiring journey from clinical pharmacist to MSL — including the setbacks, self-reflection, and growth that shaped her success. From navigating her first sign-off presentation to mastering the art of storytelling, she opens up about how vulnerability, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence have fueled her professional development.

Together, Tom and India explore what it truly means to “be your human self” in Medical Affairs — balancing authenticity with professionalism, building trust and credibility, and finding your unique voice in a regulated environment.

Whether you’re a new MSL finding your footing or a seasoned professional looking to reconnect with purpose, this episode offers invaluable insight into why authenticity isn’t just a trait — it’s a superpower.

(0:00) Introduction and topic overview with guest India Scales

(2:42) India's journey to becoming an MSL and her first sign-off presentation

(7:29) Developing and improving presentation skills through storytelling

(12:08) The importance and impact of authenticity in MSL roles

(17:49) Balancing authenticity with professionalism

(20:23) Building trust and credibility as an MSL

(22:05) Navigating authenticity on social media and within regulatory guidelines

(25:08) Comprehensive advice for new MSLs

(27:08) The role of vulnerability and transparency in Medical Affairs

(28:29) Key takeaways on authenticity and closing remarks

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Kirk Shepherd to explore the importance of patient voices in clinical decision-making, addressing access, equity, and diversity in oncology. They discuss balancing corporate pressures with a sense of purpose, and how patient feedback can shape clinical outcomes. The episode examines the evolving role of patients in clinical research and anticipated changes in oncology innovation, including technological advancements affecting participation. Ethical progress in the field is emphasized, concluding with thoughts on legacy in medical affairs and closing remarks.

(0:00) Introduction and background of Kirk Shepherd

(1:42) Transition and career overview in the pharmaceutical industry

(5:06) Sponsor: Oncology Voice Network

(7:18) Launch and impact of "Voices of Oncology"

(8:20) Patient voices in clinical decision-making and ethical considerations

(13:22) Tackling access, equity, and diversity in oncology

(17:46) Balancing purpose and corporate pressures in the industry

(19:29) Patient feedback shaping clinical outcomes

(23:49) The evolving role of patients in clinical research

(25:17) Anticipated changes in patient involvement and oncology innovation

(29:03) Technological advancements affecting patient participation

(29:45) Ensuring ethical progress in the oncology field

(31:34) Concluding thoughts on legacy in medical affairs

(31:40) Closing remarks and sponsor mentions

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Maria Urso for her third appearance, focusing on the art of scientific storytelling. Maria shares insights from her amazing medical affairs career and emphasizes the importance of engaging audiences through storytelling. She recounts her journey in mastering this skill, offering tips on crafting compelling scientific narratives. Maria illustrates storytelling in action with a memorable party story and an MSL example on the mechanism of action. Tom shares a personal story on confidence, and they discuss common storytelling mistakes, compliance, and building trust. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of medical affairs and MSLs, along with closing remarks and gratitude.

(0:00) Introduction and welcoming Maria Urso

(0:26) Maria's third appearance and scientific storytelling focus

(1:11) Maria's role at Exact Sciences and storytelling importance

(4:32) Engaging the audience through storytelling

(6:02) Maria's journey in mastering storytelling

(9:03) Crafting a compelling scientific story

(13:04) Storytelling in action: Maria's party story

(17:31) MSL storytelling example: Mechanism of action

(19:10) Tom's personal confidence story

(22:35) Avoiding common storytelling mistakes

(25:49) Compliance in creative storytelling

(27:40) Trust and relatability in scientific storytelling

(31:29) Handling information overload effectively

(33:29) Future of medical affairs and MSLs

(35:02) Closing remarks and gratitude

In this episode, Tom Caravela explores the role of AI in the job search process and key factors that could lead to critical mistakes. The discussion begins with an overview of how AI can aid in resume optimization and the potential consequences of relying on these tools. Tom addresses the issue of age discrimination in resumes, offering insights into how AI can help mitigate this challenge. The episode also covers AI tools for interview preparation, highlighting common pitfalls to avoid. The conversation extends to AI's influence on compensation and offer negotiation, emphasizing the importance of using these tools responsibly. The episode wraps up with closing remarks and a call to action for listeners.

(0:00) Introduction and overview of AI in job search

(1:44) Using AI for resume optimization and consequences

(7:32) Addressing age discrimination in resumes

(10:49) AI tools for interview preparation and pitfalls

(17:14) AI in compensation and offer negotiation

(24:21) Conclusion and responsible use of AI tools

(26:16) Closing remarks and call to action