MSLead Chronicles

In this episode, Chad and Mary welcome Denise Clark, PharmD, a senior MSL in rare disease with Amgen, to recap the recent MAPS conference. There was so much incredible content available that we weren't able to cover it all, but topics discussed include the importance of defining value in medical affairs, and the role of AI and additional technological resources, and compliance in the industry. They delve into the key themes from the conference, including the need for medical affairs to demonstrate their impact and the evolving landscape of compliance in the pharmaceutical industry. This conversation further expands into the evolving role of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) and Medical Affairs in the healthcare landscape. It discusses the importance of establishing baselines for measuring treatment paradigms, the metrics used to evaluate MSL impact, and the significance of strategic questioning in KOL meetings. The dialogue also explores the influence of AI and digital platforms in identifying key opinion leaders and the necessity of networking within local chapters to enhance collaboration and knowledge sharing. Ultimately, the speakers emphasize the need for Medical Affairs to define its value and position itself as a strategic partner in healthcare.

In this episode of MSLead Chronicles, Chad and Mary are joined by Will Joseph, PhD, Sr. Director of Field Based Medicine with Xenon Pharmaceuticals, who shares insights on effective pre-launch planning, the significance of stakeholder engagement, and the role of AI in enhancing competitive intelligence efforts. The conversation emphasizes the need for early planning, customization of strategies, and the integration of various internal stakeholders to ensure a successful product launch. In this conversation, Chad and Will discuss the integration of AI in competitive intelligence, emphasizing the importance of qualitative insights alongside quantitative data. They explore the critical role of stakeholder engagement in launch planning, differentiating strategies for first-in-class versus next-in-class products, and the necessity of engaging external stakeholders such as KOLs and payers. The discussion highlights the need for thorough planning and market research to ensure successful product launches.

This week, Chad and Mary’s guest is Marsie Ross, PharmD, who is currently the Sr. Director of Alliance Management and Public Policy with Harmony Biosciences. She will share information on the role this function plays in pharma. In addition to learning about this impactful role, listeners will gain valuable takeaways on how to navigate their careers and the importance of building meaningful connections. In this conversation, Marsie discusses her journey in medical affairs, emphasizing the importance of human connection, mentorship, and strategic thinking. She highlights how identifying organizational needs and building relationships can lead to impactful roles, particularly in alliance development. Marsie shares insights on cross-functional collaboration, the significance of curiosity, and the competencies required for success in her field. The discussion also touches on the necessity of these roles in enhancing organizational awareness and engagement with professional communities.

In this episode of MSLead Chronicles, Chad and Mary hang out with Margaret Alabi, a passionate key player in patient advocacy in the pharmaceutical industry. They discuss the significance of patient advocacy, its impact on healthcare companies, and the evolving role of the patient advocates, themselves. Margaret shares her journey from pharmacy to becoming an MSL and then realizing her goal of building a career in patient advocacy.  She emphasizes the importance of building relationships with patient communities and understanding their needs. The conversation also explores the pivotal and highly impactful and invaluable position patient advocacy plays and its undeniable future with a seat at the proverbial table.

Chad and Mary engage with Coach Jacob, who specializes in helping individuals improve their relationship with technology. The conversation explores the impact of technology on focus, performance, and mental health, particularly the role of dopamine in our daily lives. Jacob shares insights on how technology can create a cycle of stress and distraction, and offers strategies for rewiring our responses to challenges. We talk about the need to regain control over our technology use and the profound effects of stress on performance. The discussion culminates in an overview of a program designed to help individuals navigate these challenges and enhance their overall well-being.

In this episode, Mary and Chad interview Shelby Oksman, founder of Thrive MSL. Shelby shares her journey through the MSL industry, her experiences with Ikigai, and how it led her to launch her MSL/medical affairs-centered coaching company. The discussion emphasizes the importance of professional branding, personal development, and the need for MSLs to align their passions with their careers. Shelby's insights on leveraging career transitions including the significance of storytelling in professional settings provide valuable takeaways for listeners.

In this episode of MSLead Chronicles, Chad and Mary welcome John Sandstrom, a seasoned professional in medical affairs to discuss MAPS, The Medical Affairs Professional Society. They discuss the evolution of medical affairs from a support function to a key player in strategic planning within the pharmaceutical industry. John emphasizes the importance of mentorship, work-life balance, and the role of the MAPS in providing valuable resources and networking opportunities for professionals in the field. The discussion covers the early days to the unprecedented impact that MAPS has had in the industry.  He emphasizes the significance of participating in MAPS activities, attending workshops, and leveraging mentorship programs to enhance skills and connections in the field. The discussion also touches on the future growth of MAPS and the evolving role of medical affairs in the pharmaceutical industry.

Chad and Mary discuss the purpose of making new year's resolutions and what they have in mind for 2025.

In this episode, Chad and Mary reflect on their podcast journey over the past year, discussing key themes, listener engagement, and the importance of various topics covered.  Finally, they tease future plans for the podcast in 2025!! Happy New Year!

In this episode of MSLead Chronicles, hosts Chad and Mary welcome Rachel Hawley, a PharmD and an inaugural US Medical Affairs Fellow at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals. Rachel shares her journey from pharmacy school to the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy, building relationships, and giving oneself time to learn in a new role. The conversation delves into the competitive nature of fellowship programs and the challenges faced by new professionals in the industry, while also highlighting the rewarding aspects of making an impact in healthcare. In this conversation, Rachel Hawley shares her experiences and insights from her pharmacy fellowship, emphasizing the importance of proactive learning, relationship building, and networking. She discusses how she navigated her onboarding process, engaged in impactful projects, and built connections across various functions within her organization. Rachel also highlights the significance of social media as a tool for professional development and mentorship, encouraging others to maintain curiosity and seek diverse connections in their careers.