Many physicians exploring non-clinical career paths should get to know the role of the Medical Science Liaison (MSL). We had the opportunity to interview Dr. Samuel Dyer, CEO of the Medical Science Liaison Society and a global expert with more than 25 years of international MSL experience. Over the course of his career, Dr. Dyer has led MSL teams and operations across more than 60 countries. He has played a key role in launching pharmaceutical and medical device products for both Fortune 500 companies and emerging biotech firms. Even for highly qualified candidates, breaking into the MSL profession can be daunting. That’s why many consider his book The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide: How to Break Into Your First Role, rated 4.6 stars on Amazon, a must read for aspiring MSLs.
How would you explain the MSL role to a physician who’s never worked in industry?
The Medical Science Liaison, or MSL, is a highly specialized scientific role within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, or medical device industry. Unlike sales representatives, MSLs are non-promotional and focus on facilitating peer-to-peer scientific exchange with physicians and other health care professionals (HCPs). For a physician unfamiliar with industry, I would describe the MSL as someone who bridges the gap between clinical practice and emerging science. MSLs engage in meaningful conversations with HCPs, share data from ongoing or published studies, gather insights from HCPs, and support investigator-initiated research. At its core, the MSL role is about enabling better-informed clinical decisions and improving patient outcomes through the exchange of scientific knowledge. Most MSLs hold advanced scientific degrees, typically a PharmD, PhD, MD, or other doctorate, ensuring they have the expertise required to engage in in-depth, evidence-based discussions with HCPs. The primary purpose of an MSL is to provide the most current published data and clinical information on a treatment or therapy so that physicians can make evidence-based decisions that benefit their patients.
As the CEO of the Medical Science Liaison Society, the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated exclusively to the global MSL profession, I have seen firsthand how this role continues to evolve and gain influence across the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. Our organization provides training, resources, and professional development opportunities to support aspiring MSLs, experienced MSLs, and MSL leaders with members in more than 105 countries and partnerships with over 75 companies in more than 20 countries.
What are the most critical skills or traits that make someone successful as an MSL?
To succeed as an MSL, a combination of scientific credibility, emotional intelligence, and communication skills is essential. You must be able to interpret and explain complex clinical data, but also understand how to deliver that information in a way that resonates with HCPs. Emotional intelligence, including active listening and self-awareness, is critical when engaging with HCPs or internal teams. Strong organizational and strategic thinking skills are also key to managing a field-based role with high autonomy. In addition, MSLs must be effective collaborators with internal colleagues across functions such as sales, clinical operations, marketing, and medical affairs. The ability to translate field insights into actionable internal discussions is a differentiator for high-performing MSLs. Those who thrive in this role are typically adaptable, curious, and proactive in driving value through scientific engagement.
How did you transition into the MSL role? What was your path?
My transition to the MSL profession was completely by chance. Twenty-five years ago, in the year 2000, I was teaching at a university, working in academia, and beginning to explore other career options that would allow me to apply my scientific background in a more impactful and dynamic way. One day, I came across an advertisement for a Medical Science Liaison position in an actual printed newspaper (remember those?). I had never heard of an MSL, but what intrigued me was the role focused on scientific engagement and supporting physicians, although I didn’t yet fully understand what that meant or what the role entailed.
With no network in the pharmaceutical world, I decided to take a very unconventional approach. I began calling local physician offices and asked if I could sit in their waiting rooms to meet people who worked in pharma when they came in. I didn’t know the difference between a sales representative and an MSL, but I figured if I met enough people, I could start learning. Some physicians declined, but most allowed me to wait in their lobbies, and I spent hours doing just that, hoping for a connection. Eventually, I met a sales representative who introduced me to his manager, and that connection ultimately led to an interview with an MSL leader. That persistence and curiosity led to my first MSL role, which completely changed the direction of my career. Breaking into the MSL profession requires a lot of initiative, adaptability, and sometimes the willingness to pursue unconventional approaches.
Is this a growing field? How do you see the role evolving?
The MSL field is not only growing, but it is also rapidly evolving in scope, complexity, and strategic focus. As science advances and therapies become increasingly complex, companies are increasingly relying on MSLs to interpret and disseminate nuanced clinical data to HCPs. Today, MSLs are involved earlier in product development, contributing to clinical trial strategy, medical education, and real-world evidence initiatives. They are also becoming more involved in digital engagement and are critical to insight gathering. As organizations shift toward more patient-centric and data-driven models, the role of the MSL will continue to expand. In the future, MSLs will likely be even more critical in shaping scientific strategy, influencing market readiness, and ensuring that external insights are integrated into decision-making across the product lifecycle.
What advice would you give to a physician or fellow looking to land their first MSL job?
The most effective strategy for a physician entering the MSL profession is to understand and align your clinical background with the specific needs of the role. For example, if you're applying for an MSL position focused on Parkinson’s disease, it’s critical to highlight your expertise, clinical exposure, and research in that specific area. Hiring managers are looking for individuals who can immediately add value through subject matter expertise and clinical understanding. If you want to exponentially increase your chances of breaking into the profession, only apply to roles where you can genuinely position yourself as an expert in the therapeutic area, which matches the job description. It is also important to recognize that breaking into the profession is very competitive, and being fully prepared for each step of the application process, including tailoring your CV, preparing for interviews, and articulating your value, is essential. Additionally, refine your communication skills, learn the language of the industry, and be prepared to discuss how your experience can impact patient outcomes through scientific exchange.
What’s one myth about the MSL role you want to dispel?
A common myth is that MSLs are essentially disguised or glorified salespeople. This could not be further from the truth. MSLs are non-promotional and do not have any sales targets or responsibilities. They also work in a completely separate department of Medical Affairs. MSLs’ primary role is to deliver scientifically balanced, evidence-based information to health care professionals, support clinical trial efforts, and act as a conduit for valuable insights from the field. As the title suggests, they “liaise” information from their company to HCPs and, just as importantly, bring back scientific and clinical insights from HCPs to internal teams. While MSLs do collaborate with commercial teams in a compliant and strategic manner, their work is rooted in scientific integrity. This misunderstanding often deters qualified physicians from considering the MSL role. In reality, MSLs are among the most trusted scientific partners within the industry, often engaging in discussions that go far beyond product information, touching on treatment guidelines, patient management strategies, and unmet medical needs.
What has been the most rewarding part of your MSL career so far?
The most rewarding aspect of my career has been contributing to the advancement and success of others in the profession. Through the Medical Science Liaison Society, published research, and our global training programs, I’ve had the opportunity to train MSL teams at over 75 companies across more than 20 countries. Equally meaningful has been helping hundreds of aspiring MSLs successfully break into the profession through my book and coaching programs. The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide has received over 300 reviews on Amazon and continues to serve as a step-by-step guide and practical resource for candidates. I regularly hear from aspiring MSLs who have used it to break into their first role, and that ongoing feedback remains one of the most rewarding and satisfying aspects of my career.
