Thinking about transitioning into a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role?

In this episode of The MSL Academy Office Hours, host Dr. Swathi Varanasi-Diaz sits down with Dr. Krysia Lesniak, an experienced Medical Science Liaison, to discuss what it really takes to successfully transition into the MSL profession.

Whether you're a pharmacist, healthcare professional, researcher, or someone exploring a career in Medical Affairs, this conversation offers practical guidance, career insights, and real-world advice to help you navigate your journey with confidence.

• How to successfully transition into the Medical Science Liaison role
• The skills that make candidates stand out in today's MSL job market
• What hiring managers are looking for in aspiring MSLs
• Common challenges professionals face when breaking into Medical Affairs
• Practical advice for building a successful and rewarding MSL career

This episode is ideal for aspiring Medical Science Liaisons, early-career MSLs, pharmacists, physicians, scientists, and healthcare professionals looking to break into the pharmaceutical industry.

🌐 Learn more about The MSL Academy:
www.themslacademy.com

Please note: This recording was originally presented as a LinkedIn live Office Hours session and is being shared for educational and informational purposes. Some details, dates, or references mentioned may reflect the time of the original recording.

Interested in becoming a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)?In this MSL Academy Office Hours episode, Dr. Pamela Wilfang shares her journey from clinical pharmacy to Medical Science Liaison, along with practical, real-world advice for aspiring and early-career MSLs.

In this episode, you’ll learn:• How Dr. Wilfang discovered the MSL role

• Transferable skills from clinical practice to industry

• Strategies for landing your first MSL position• Common interview mistakes and how to avoid them

• Alternative pathways into medical affairs

Resources mentioned:• MSL Talk Podcast

• The MSL Academy Podcast

• AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for interview preparation

This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring a career as an MSL—or for current MSLs looking to grow and advance in medical affairs.

Learn more about our services at ⁠www.themslacademy.com⁠

Please note: This recording was originally presented as a LinkedIn live Office Hours session and is being shared for educational and informational purposes. Some details, dates, or references mentioned may reflect the time of the original recording.

Interested in becoming a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)?
In this MSL Academy Office Hours episode, Dr. Pamela Wilfang shares her journey from clinical pharmacy to Medical Science Liaison, along with practical, real-world advice for aspiring and early-career MSLs.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Dr. Wilfang discovered the MSL role• Transferable skills from clinical practice to industry• Strategies for landing your first MSL position• Common interview mistakes and how to avoid them• Alternative pathways into medical affairs

Resources mentioned:
• MSL Talk Podcast• The MSL Academy Podcast• AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for interview preparation

This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring a career as an MSL—or for current MSLs looking to grow and advance in medical affairs.

Learn more about our services at www.themslacademy.com

Please note: This recording was originally presented as a LinkedIn live Office Hours session and is being shared for educational and informational purposes. Some details, dates, or references mentioned may reflect the time of the original recording.

Ever wonder what it really  takes to land an MSL role? On this episode of The MSL Insider, we get a transparent look at the journey with Dr. Jumie Jacob, a Clinical Pharmacist who successfully transitioned into a Hepatology MSL role.

Jumie holds nothing back. She discusses the sheer volume of applications, the marathon interview processes, and the moment she had to prioritize her personal life over a job offer. She then dives into the realities of being a new MSL: the challenge of cold-calling on busy KOLs, the importance of patience, and the creative networking strategies that finally opened doors.

This is a must-listen for any healthcare professional aspiring to break into industry. Jumie’s story is a powerful reminder that a non-linear path, resilience, and strategic preparation are often the keys to success.

Listen to learn:

• How to reframe diverse clinical experience into a compelling MSL narrative.

• The tangible projects that make your resume shine.

• How to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of the job search without burning out.

• Practical tips for building KOL relationships from the ground up.

• Why considering contract roles might be your best career move.

Subscribe to The MSL Insider wherever you get your podcasts!

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Tune in and discover how to bridge the gap between science and relationships in the evolving world of medical affairs!

Watch the full conversation → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore The MSL Academy™ programs like ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Excel Into MSL™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Excel As An MSL™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Masterclass here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow us on socials @themslacademy:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠

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Ready to get started? Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The MSL Academy™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#MedicalAffairs #MSL #PharmD #CareerGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #BreakingIntoPharma

"Scripts aren’t just for prescriptions anymore."

In this candid episode of Office Hours with Dr. Swathi, Dr. Beth Thomas—a pharmacist who traded her white coat for the life of an MSL—reveals how she rewrote her career story from scratch. Packed with gritty truths and tactical advice, Beth shares:

✅ The "hustle" mindset that helped her pivot from community pharmacy to medical affairs
✅ Behind-the-scenes struggles (20+ applications, LinkedIn cold-messaging, and overcoming self-doubt)
✅ How to repurpose clinical skills into MSL gold (spoiler: KOLs aren’t that different from patients)
✅ The moment she realized her "non-traditional" path was her greatest advantage

Whether you’re a pharmacist, NP, or PhD feeling "stuck," this episode is your playbook for reinventing your career—without starting over.

****

Tune in and discover how to bridge the gap between science and relationships in the evolving world of medical affairs!

Watch the full conversation → ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore The MSL Academy™ programs like ⁠⁠⁠⁠Excel Into MSL™⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Excel As An MSL™⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch our ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Masterclass here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow us on socials @themslacademy:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ready to get started? Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The MSL Academy™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#MedicalAffairs #MSL #PharmD #CareerGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #BreakingIntoPharma

In this episode of Office Hours with Dr. Swathi, we dive into the critical role Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) play in clinical trials—from patient recruitment to KOL engagement. Joined by Zeba, a PharmD candidate and Medical Affairs Intern at The MSL Academy™, we explore:

✅ How MSLs bridge science and practice in clinical research
✅ Key challenges in trial phases & strategies to overcome them
✅ Building relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)
✅ Transferable skills to break into medical affairs or elevate your MSL career

Tune in for actionable insights, real-world examples, and a live Q&A with aspiring and early-career MSLs!

****

Tune in and discover how to bridge the gap between science and relationships in the evolving world of medical affairs!

Watch the full conversation → ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠

Explore The MSL Academy™ programs like ⁠⁠⁠⁠Excel Into MSL™⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠Excel As An MSL™⁠⁠⁠⁠

Watch our ⁠⁠⁠⁠FREE Masterclass here⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Follow us on socials @themslacademy:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠

Ready to get started? Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The MSL Academy™⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

#MedicalAffairs #MSL #PharmD #CareerGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #BreakingIntoPharma

Ever met someone who went from 3D-printing molecules to training MSLs… then ditched corporate to build her own biz? Meet Dr. Shannon Colton—scientist, ex-MSL, and rebel-turned-consultant who’s rewriting the rules.

🔥 In this no-BS episode of The MSL Insider, we unpack:

• Why "get over it" is her #1 career advice (yes, really!)

• The hidden glue role in pharma you’ve never heard of (spoiler: it’s NOT MSL)

• How to hack networking when you hate asking for help

• The ugly truth about transitioning to industry (hint: it’s not your resume)

💡 Shannon’s mic-drop moment:
"Your network isn’t just for job hunting—it’s your secret weapon to avoid stupid mistakes."

Perfect for: Scientists eyeing pharma, MSLs stuck in "what’s next?" mode, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of ditching the 9-to-5.

****

Tune in and discover how to bridge the gap between science and relationships in the evolving world of medical affairs!

Watch the full conversation → ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Explore The MSL Academy™ programs like ⁠⁠⁠Excel Into MSL™⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Excel As An MSL™⁠⁠⁠

Watch our ⁠⁠⁠FREE Masterclass here⁠⁠⁠.

Follow us on socials @themslacademy:

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

Ready to get started? Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠The MSL Academy™⁠⁠⁠⁠

#MedicalAffairs #MSL #PharmD #CareerGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #BreakingIntoPharma

In this episode of Office Hours with Dr. Swathi, we’re joined by Dr. Hubert Sindjui, a Senior Medical Science Liaison (MSL) with a PharmD background, to unpack the unconventional journey into the MSL role. From transitioning out of clinical pharmacy to mastering the art of scientific storytelling, Dr. Hubert shares:

• How a chance conversation with an MSL changed his career trajectory.

• The realities of work-life balance, networking, and independence in the role.

• Insider tips for acing the MSL interview process (including the dreaded scientific presentation!).

• Why programs like The MSL Academy™ can fast-track your success—even with zero industry experience.

Whether you’re an aspiring MSL or a current liaison looking to level up, this episode is packed with actionable advice and hard-won wisdom. Tune in and take notes!

****

Tune in and discover how to bridge the gap between science and relationships in the evolving world of medical affairs!

Watch the full conversation → ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Explore The MSL Academy™ programs like ⁠⁠⁠Excel Into MSL™⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Excel As An MSL™⁠⁠⁠

Watch our ⁠⁠⁠FREE Masterclass here⁠⁠⁠.

Follow us on socials @themslacademy:

• ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠• ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠

Ready to get started? Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠⁠The MSL Academy™⁠⁠⁠⁠

#MedicalAffairs #MSL #PharmD #CareerGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #BreakingIntoPharma

Ever wondered how to transition from clinical practice to a thriving career as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)? In this episode of The MSL Insider, we sit down with Dr. Siagat, a Senior MSL with a unique journey spanning critical care pharmacy, respiratory therapy, and pharmaceutical research.

Dr. Siagat shares:

• How he discovered the MSL role (spoiler: he initially ran away from it!)

• The top 3 skills every successful MSL needs (hint: teamwork is key!)

• Insider tips to ace the interview process—even without prior industry experience

• Why mentorship and programs like The MSL Academy™ can fast-track your career

• The realities of life as an MSL: travel, KOL engagement, and balancing autonomy with collaboration

Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or pharmacy professional eyeing a move into medical affairs, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you stand out, network smarter, and land your dream role.

****

Tune in and discover how to bridge the gap between science and relationships in the evolving world of medical affairs!

Watch the full conversation → ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Explore The MSL Academy™ programs like ⁠⁠Excel Into MSL™⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Excel As An MSL™⁠⁠

Watch our ⁠⁠FREE Masterclass here⁠⁠.

Follow us on socials @themslacademy:

• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠LinkedIn

⁠⁠• ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Ready to get started? Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠The MSL Academy™⁠⁠⁠

#MedicalAffairs #MSL #PharmD #CareerGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #BreakingIntoPharma

Thinking about transitioning into a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role but unsure where to start? In this episode of Office Hours with Dr. Swathi, we sit down with Tiffney Palmer, PharmD, who made the leap from clinical pharmacy to a thriving MSL career in dermatology—and now helps others do the same!

What You’ll Learn:

• How to pivot from clinical practice (or retail pharmacy!) to MSL—even with no prior industry experience.

• The biggest mistakes Tiffney made early on (and how you can avoid them).

• Interview strategies that helped her land the job—including how to anticipate panel questions and stand out.

• The role of AI in medical affairs and what it means for future MSLs.

• Career growth tips: How to climb the MSL ladder, from Senior to Executive MSL.

Perfect for: Pharmacists, PhDs, MDs, and healthcare pros looking to break into pharma or elevate their MSL careers.

Listen now to get the roadmap—straight from an MSL who’s been there!

Tune in and discover how to bridge the gap between science and relationships in the evolving world of medical affairs!

Watch the full conversation → ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

Explore The MSL Academy™ programs like ⁠⁠Excel Into MSL™⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠Excel As An MSL™⁠⁠

Watch our ⁠⁠FREE Masterclass here⁠⁠.

Follow us on socials @themslacademy:

• ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠

• ⁠⁠LinkedIn

⁠⁠• ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠

Ready to get started? Learn more about ⁠⁠⁠The MSL Academy™⁠⁠⁠

#MedicalAffairs #MSL #PharmD #CareerGrowth #HealthcareLeadership #BreakingIntoPharma