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Season 3 Ep. 5: Breaking into Medical affairs roles: Why its harder today and what you can do about it.
In this first part of a two-part series, we take a deep and honest look at why it’s become significantly harder for medics to break into medical affairs roles in 2025.
This episode explores the major shifts that have taken place in the industry over the past two decades, including how medical affairs has evolved from a back-office support function to a critical strategic pillar within pharmaceutical companies. We unpack why today's hiring criteria have become increasingly stringent, bespoke, and competitive, and why even highly qualified clinicians and scientists are struggling to gain their first foothold in the field.
Key themes covered in this episode include:
The transformation of medical affairs into a strategic leadership function
The growing demand for professionals who can integrate scientific knowledge with business acumen, compliance, and digital fluency
Why many roles now receive 200+ applicants and favor those with specific therapeutic experience
The rise of digital expectations — from omnichannel communication to data-driven engagement
The importance of soft skills, emotional intelligence, and cross-functional collaboration
Regional challenges in Europe and Asia, including regulatory constraints and cultural preferences for local experience
We also explore the emotional toll of rejection, the systemic barriers that make it feel impossible to even get an interview, and the awareness gap many candidates have about what the role actually entails. Importantly, we challenge the myth of the “perfect fit” and introduce the idea of reframing your clinical and academic experience through the lens of transferable skills.
This episode is a blend of realism and encouragement—grounded in industry insight but focused on empowering listeners with a new perspective. It sets the stage for Part 2, which will offer practical strategies, networking approaches, CV positioning tips, and mindset shifts to help you actively build your way into medical affairs.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just unsure how to reposition yourself for a future in pharma, this episode provides the clarity, context, and encouragement you need to take your next step.
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By Philip Cruz, MDIn this first part of a two-part series, we take a deep and honest look at why it’s become significantly harder for medics to break into medical affairs roles in 2025.
This episode explores the major shifts that have taken place in the industry over the past two decades, including how medical affairs has evolved from a back-office support function to a critical strategic pillar within pharmaceutical companies. We unpack why today's hiring criteria have become increasingly stringent, bespoke, and competitive, and why even highly qualified clinicians and scientists are struggling to gain their first foothold in the field.
Key themes covered in this episode include:
The transformation of medical affairs into a strategic leadership function
The growing demand for professionals who can integrate scientific knowledge with business acumen, compliance, and digital fluency
Why many roles now receive 200+ applicants and favor those with specific therapeutic experience
The rise of digital expectations — from omnichannel communication to data-driven engagement
The importance of soft skills, emotional intelligence, and cross-functional collaboration
Regional challenges in Europe and Asia, including regulatory constraints and cultural preferences for local experience
We also explore the emotional toll of rejection, the systemic barriers that make it feel impossible to even get an interview, and the awareness gap many candidates have about what the role actually entails. Importantly, we challenge the myth of the “perfect fit” and introduce the idea of reframing your clinical and academic experience through the lens of transferable skills.
This episode is a blend of realism and encouragement—grounded in industry insight but focused on empowering listeners with a new perspective. It sets the stage for Part 2, which will offer practical strategies, networking approaches, CV positioning tips, and mindset shifts to help you actively build your way into medical affairs.
Whether you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or just unsure how to reposition yourself for a future in pharma, this episode provides the clarity, context, and encouragement you need to take your next step.