The MSL Insider

The MSL Academy

Brought to you by The MSL Academy, The MSL Insider is the go-to podcast for aspiring and experienced Medical Science Liaisons looking to break into the role, level up their careers, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving pharma and biotech industry. From expert tips on landing your first MSL role to mastering communication with key opinion leaders (KOLs), we cover it all — real insights, real strategies, and real stories from those who’ve been there. Whether you're a hopeful MSL or a seasoned pro, The MSL Insider gives you the inside scoop to thrive in your career. Tune in now.

Episodes

  1. S2 EP. 1 How to Become an MSL: Transitioning from Pharmacy Industry

    19 JAN

    S2 EP. 1 How to Become an MSL: Transitioning from Pharmacy Industry

    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

    1h 2m

  2. 02/09/2025

    Is an MSL Career Right for You? Insights from a Clinical Pharmacist's Journey

    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. Jumi Jacob, a Clinical Pharmacist who successfully transitioned into a Hepatology MSL role. Jumi 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. Jumi’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! **** 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

    48 min

  3. 24/08/2025

    The MSL Hustle: How a Pharmacist Rewrote Her Career Script

    "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

    58 min

  4. 10/08/2025

    The Role of MSLs in Clinical Trials & Career Growth

    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

    44 min

  5. 25/07/2025

    Career Pivot Alert! From Lab Coats to Launching a Biz—Dr. Shannon Colton’s Unfiltered Journey

    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

    50 min

  6. 11/07/2025

    How I Broke Into Pharma as an MSL with Zero Industry Experience (And How You Can Too)

    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

    57 min

  7. 27/06/2025

    The Unlikely MSL: How a Clinician Found Success in Pharma

    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

    1 hr

  8. 10/06/2025

    From Rejection to MSL Success: How Tiffney Palmer Broke Into Medical Affairs

    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

    50 min

  9. 28/05/2025

    From Clinical Pharmacist to Medical Science Liaison – Insights & Strategies for Success

    Ever wondered what it takes to transition into a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role? In this episode, we sit down with Anita Lee, a former clinical pharmacist turned MSL and coach at The MSL Academy™, to uncover the realities of breaking into and thriving in this dynamic field. Key Topics Covered:✅ How Anita transitioned from clinical pharmacy to MSL in just 7 months✅ Transferable skills that set her apart (hint: emotional intelligence is key!)✅ The biggest misconceptions about the MSL role (spoiler: it’s not sales!)✅ Pipeline vs. marketed product MSL roles – differences & challenges✅ Networking strategies to build & maintain KOL relationships✅ Overcoming interview hurdles and landing your first MSL role✅ Future trends in medical affairs, including AI’s impact on the MSL role Whether you're a PharmD, PhD, MD, or healthcare professional considering the MSL path, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you navigate the transition. Plus, Anita shares real-world insights on how to stand out in applications, tailor your resume, and leverage LinkedIn effectively. Tune in and discover how to bridge the gap between science and relationships in the evolving world of medical affairs! Watch the full conversation → ⁠YouTube⁠Explore 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

    1h 5m

  10. 01/04/2025

    Breaking into Medical Affairs: From Rejection to Leadership – A PharmD’s MSL Journey

    Join us for an inspiring and tactical deep dive into the world of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) with Dr. Sidonie Niba, a seasoned Medical Affairs leader and career coach. From her early days as a nurse and clinical pharmacist to overcoming 100+ rejections before landing her first MSL role, Dr. Niba shares her hard-won insights on: ✔️ The reality of breaking into Medical Affairs – Why persistence (and mentorship!) matters more than perfection. ✔️Networking hacks – How to leverage LinkedIn, conferences, and sponsors to open doors. ✔️Resume & interview secrets – Why your CV must "speak MSL" and how to nail the scientific presentation. ✔️The evolution of the MSL role – From scientific experts to strategic business partners in omnichannel engagement. ✔️Debunking myths – "Are MSLs just sales reps?" and other misconceptions. Perfect for aspiring MSLs, PharmDs, PhDs, and clinicians looking to transition into industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice on:✅ Transferable skills – How retail/hospital pharmacists can reframe their experience.✅ Engaging tough KOLs – Strategies for building relationships with skeptical thought leaders.✅ Leadership pathways – What changes when you move from field MSL to Medical Affairs strategy. 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

    48 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

Brought to you by The MSL Academy, The MSL Insider is the go-to podcast for aspiring and experienced Medical Science Liaisons looking to break into the role, level up their careers, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving pharma and biotech industry. From expert tips on landing your first MSL role to mastering communication with key opinion leaders (KOLs), we cover it all — real insights, real strategies, and real stories from those who’ve been there. Whether you're a hopeful MSL or a seasoned pro, The MSL Insider gives you the inside scoop to thrive in your career. Tune in now.

Information

  • Creator
    The MSL Academy
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The MSL Academy
  • Show Website
    The MSL Insider