The 12-Step Daily Tasks of a Medical Science Liaison
A Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is a role typically found in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industries. The day-to-day activities of an MSL can vary depending on the company, therapeutic area, and specific responsibilities, but here is a general overview of what a typical day might look like for a Medical Science Liaison:
Review Scientific Literature and Updates:
Begin the day by reviewing scientific literature, clinical trial updates, and relevant publications to stay current with the latest therapeutic advancements.
Plan and Prioritize Interactions:
Assess the schedule and prioritize the day's activities, including meetings with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), healthcare professionals, or internal team members.
Prepare for Interactions:
Gather relevant scientific information, clinical data, and product materials to support upcoming interactions.
Review the background and interests of the individuals or institutions you'll meet to tailor the discussion accordingly.
Conduct Interactions with Healthcare Professionals:
Meet with KOLs, physicians, researchers, or other healthcare professionals in person, via phone, or virtual platforms.
Share scientific and clinical information, discuss research findings, answer questions, and provide educational support based on the specific needs of the healthcare professional.
Document Interactions and Gather Insights:
Take detailed notes during interactions, capturing key discussion points, questions, insights, and feedback provided by healthcare professionals.
Record the interactions in the appropriate documentation system or CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool for future reference and analysis.
Analyze and Report Data:
Analyze the collected insights, feedback, and data from interactions to identify trends, knowledge gaps, or areas of interest.
Prepare reports or summaries that provide meaningful analysis and actionable recommendations for internal stakeholders, such as medical affairs or marketing teams.
Collaborate with Internal Teams:
Participate in cross-functional meetings with internal teams, such as marketing, clinical research, or regulatory affairs, to provide medical and scientific expertise, share insights, and contribute to strategic planning.
Continual Education and Professional Development:
Allocate time for self-education and professional development by attending webinars, online courses, or conferences to enhance scientific knowledge and stay updated with industry trends.
Respond to Medical Inquiries:
Address medical inquiries or requests for information from healthcare professionals by providing evidence-based and accurate scientific responses.
If necessary, coordinate with medical information or regulatory teams to ensure compliance with regulations and guidelines.
Travel and Attend Events:
If applicable, travel to meet with KOLs, attend medical conferences, or participate in scientific meetings to network, learn, and establish professional connections.
Make necessary arrangements for travel, accommodations, and logistics.
Adhere to Compliance and Regulatory Requirements:
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and industry guidelines, including those related to promotional activities, off-label communication, and ethical standards.
Follow company policies and procedures for documentation, data privacy, and ethical conduct.
Follow-Up and Planning:
Follow up with healthcare professionals regarding any additional information or requests during interactions.
Review and plan for upcoming activities, including scheduling future meetings, preparing presentations, or conducting further research.
It's important to note that the specific tasks and sequence may vary depending on the organization, therapeutic area, and regional requirements of the MSL role. To understand these steps better, enroll in the MSL academy and check out our Excel Into MSL: Introductory Course if you’re new to the field or sign up to be Excel As An MSL Member.