Medical Science Liaisons Expected Experts at Developing Key Opinion Leader Relationships but Face Challenges
Field-based medical science liaisons (MSLs) are often expected to go beyond regurgitation of scientific facts to engage key opinion leaders (KOLs) in clinical dialog. However, pharmaceutical companies hold a dangerous assumption about their MSLs.

REDONDO BEACH, CA, January 07, 2009 /24-7PressRelease/ -- According to Dr. Heather Morrow, PhD, "the mindset has seemed to be that because MSLs have terminal degrees (PhD, PharmD, or MD) that they do not require the level of training that has been afforded to their sales counterparts." Dr. Morrow's article on the importance of a medical science liaison training platform has been published in the January 2009 issue of MSL Quarterly, the MSL Profession's journal publication.

Although MSL training remains heterogeneous and differs from company to company, Dr. Morrow has identified 4 training areas that all MSLs should receive. These areas include:

- Onboarding
- Presentation Mastery
- Customer Interfacing
- Advanced Training

"Comprehensive training for MSLs is necessary for a company to implement the strategic role of their field-medical science organization," said Dr. Jane Chin, Ph.D. President of MSL Institute, which publishes the MSL Quarterly management journal. "Dr. Morrow's article confronts areas in MSL training that are hotly debated among MSL program leadership, including the use of formal assessments and role playing in MSL training."

Given that a majority of MSLs hold doctorate degrees, conflicts may arise between MSLs and their management with regard to assessments and role playing in MSL training. Since formal assessments and role playing are integral components in pharmaceutical sales training, some MSLs view these approaches to imply that they are being trained like sales representatives.

"A certain level of sensitivity relating to the perception of how MSLs are trained is necessary as demanded by today's heightened compliance awareness," said Chin, "but MSL directors and MSL trainers must show specific metrics relating to MSL training. The reality remains that when MSLs go out in the field, how they communicate and what they communicate becomes a reflection of their companies. Companies want MSLs' interactions with KOLs to be a positive and productive reflection - not a legal liability."

Dr. Heather Morrow's article, "Changing Tides: Why We Need Medical Science Liaison Training Platforms" and the MSL Quarterly journal are available from the MSL Institute website, www.mslinstitute.com or the MSL Quarterly website, www.mslquarterly.com .

Press Release Contact Information:

Jane Chin
Medical Science Liaison Institut
President
2004 Voorhees Avenue
Redondo Beach, CA
USA 90278
Voice: 310-542-5642
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