What is a Medical Science Liaison(MSL)?

The MSL is a field-based therapeutic specialist employed by pharmaceutical and medical device companies. Usually MSLs are organized under the medical affairs unit which are responsible for scientific exchanges with the clinical community.

The primary purpose of the MSL role is: 
  • To act as a liaison to exchange therapeutic information between the Medical community in the therapeutic Area  in which they work (i.e. Cardiology, Diabetology, Oncology etc) and the company.
  • Most important function of MSL role remains to establish and maintain peer to peer relationships with Key Opinion Leaders (KOL’s) in their therapeutic areas.
  • To be scientific or disease state experts for internal colleagues (sales and marketing)  

The role of Medical Science Liaison may be referred by some other names like Medical Advisor, Medical Affairs Manager and Medico Marketing Manager. Usually they are all the same, but in some companies the reporting structure may vary with the name of the role. There may be a singular reporting just to the Medical Affairs function or a dual reporting to both Medical Affairs and Marketing function. A singular reporting structure is always more comfortable to work with.

The role can be target driven or non target driven. Ideally a non targeted approach is the right approach and a ethical one also; since the job involves interaction of two medical professionals for exchange of genuine unbiased scientific information and not just an opportunistic approach to generate sales.

Educational and Aptitude requirements
  • M.B.B.S. / MD Medicine/MD Pharmacology
  • At least 1 – 2 years experience in clinical practice or in pharmaceutical industry.
  • Understanding of clinical trial design & methodology.
  • Analytical skills & reasoning
  • Good communication skills
Activities performed by a MSL
  • Provide a Medical/Clinical/Pharmacist interpretation of current and newly emerging product
  • Participates/ Facilitates/ Conducts Customer launch meetings, Advisory boards, CME programs, Scientific symposia, Institutional presentations, etc
  • Marketing and Sales Support
  • Sales force training
  • Medical Writing
Why you would want to be a Medical Science Liaison?
  • You are interested in a Non-clinical career after MBBS
  • You want to be a part of new drug launch activities and to develop an understanding of the pharmaceutical industry
  • Opportunity to work in corporate environment with good work culture
  • Opportunity to meet some top experts in the country
  • Get a exposure across wide variety of Healthcare institutions across the country.
Why you would not want to be a Medical Science Liaison?
  • Field based job
  • Lots of travel (10-18 days a month, fully sponsored)
Job Location and Average MSL salary in India
The hiring is usually done for a particular region (Eg Western India, Southern India, Northern India, Eastern India etc) with base in one of the prominent cities in the region. The MSL is expected to travel across the region for scientific information exchange and promotional activities. Usually the jobs are based in Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, New Delhi and Hyderabad as they also happen to be business hubs for various pharmaceutical companies. The average salary for Medical Science Liaison profile in India ranges from Rs. 8 to 12 LPA for 0 to 2 years of experience.

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