In this episode, Joan Cannon shares her journey into the MSL role and the operational shifts faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation covers adjustments in performance metrics, face-to-face interaction guidelines, and virtual engagement with KOLs. Joan provides insights into the evolving landscape of scientific congresses and the essential skills MSLs need post-COVID. She addresses travel hesitancy, meeting settings with HCPs, and offers comprehensive advice for MSLs and leaders navigating the current climate. The episode concludes with reflections on changes since 2020, end-of-year predictions, and the importance of taking mental breaks.

(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