Performance and Challenges of the Biomedical Professional in the Pharmaceutical Industry as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)

Abstract

To qualify for the position of Medical Science Liaison (MSL) in the pharmaceutical industry,the professional must have scientific training and previous experience working in the medical and pharmaceutical field. The MSL position was occupied for the first time at the Upjohn Company in 1967, with the need for a professional with greater depth on topics related to research and science, and therefore, the prerequisite to apply for this vacancy in the past
was to have complete higher education in the medical course.1-5 Over time, the profile and qualifications of MSL's in Brazil have changed, this study aims to identify the performance and challenges of the biomedical professional in the pharmaceutical industry working in the
profession of Medical Science Liaison (MSL). Specifically, we seek to analyze what are the profiles of current MSL professionals in the labor market of the various pharmaceutical industries, national and multinational. For this, a field survey was carried out with invited
professionals who work in this profession, the data of this study were collected through the questionnaire opened on 12/15/2022 and closed on 02/15/2023. The survey obtained 32 responses, later, graphs were synthesized that point to several opportunities for the biomedical to exercise the role of MSL (Medical Science Liaison), and also emphasizes the
new Brazilian scenario in 2023 with fewer doctors working in this segment (only 3.1% of
respondents).