MSL Talk

Latest Episodes:

Perceived, Probe, Reflect-KOL Engagement Model May 31, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Amy Patel to delve into her innovative KOL engagement model. Amy shares her career journey and introduces her perceive, probe, and reflect approach. The discussion covers the importance of pre-call planning, researching KOLs, and adapting to various personality types. Amy provides insights into effective probing techniques, setting up future engagements, and follow-up strategies. The conversation also addresses common mistakes made by MSLs and offers advice for overcoming challenges. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of the MSL role and a reminder for listeners to subscribe and leave reviews.

My guest today is Amy Patel, Executive Medical Scientific Liaison, with Takeda Pharmaceuticals and she shares her KOL Engagement Model…Perceived, Probe, Reflect

Amy discusses…

👉 How she came up with “Perceived, Probe, Reflect”
👉 The importance of pre-calling plans for MSLs
👉 How MSLs should conduct research on their KOLs
👉 Her advice for MSLs on probing
👉 What MSLs need to take out of KOL meetings
👉 Recommendations for follow-ups
👉 Common mistakes with KOL engagement

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

MSL Talk is a podcast that features helpful information for current Medical Science Liaisons, Medical Affairs leaders, job seekers looking to break into the pharmaceutical industry in their first MSL role as well as anyone interested in hearing good industry conversation and medical affairs discussions.

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction of guest Amy Patel and her KOL engagement model (0:20) Announcements and social media reminders (1:08) Amy Patel's background and career journey (3:08) Shoutout to listeners in Peru (3:21) Discussion on Amy's perceive, probe, and reflect model (6:05) Explanation of the perceive and probe stages (10:25) Pre-call planning and researching KOLs (13:17) Adapting to different personality types and mirroring behaviors (19:23) Effective probing techniques and key takeaways from conversations (23:44) Setting up future engagements and follow-up strategies (25:47) Common mistakes made by MSLs and advice for overcoming challenges (28:12) Future of the MSL role (29:49) Closing remarks and appreciation (30:23) Subscription and review reminder

KPIs: Why Quantitative WON’T Work Without Qualitative Outcomes May 24, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Linda Traylor and Rena Patel join Tom Caravela to share their insights on the evolving landscape of the MSL profession. They discuss the significance of networking, understanding KPIs, and the integration of qualitative outcomes to measure MSL value. The conversation highlights the adaptation of KPIs due to COVID-19 and the shift towards virtual engagement. The guests emphasize the importance of tactical planning and motivation strategies for MSL teams, along with lifelong learning and the benefits of MSL coaching. The episode concludes with tips for top performance and the necessity of continuous learning and adaptability in the field.

This episode is sponsored by IQVIA. www.iqvia.com
Linda Traylor, Sr Principal and Rina Patel, Director Medical Affairs at IQVIA discuss KPIs and the importance of qualitative Outcomes

Linda and Rina share…

👉 What are KPIs and why are they so important
👉 Does medical affairs have standards for KPIs
👉 Their approach to establishing KPIs and what is most important to track
👉 How medical affairs leaders align quantitative metrics with qualitative ones
👉 What qualitative outcomes should MSLs hope to achieve and why
👉 How the value of MSLs should be measured from a company perspective

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction of guests Linda Traylor and Rena Patel, and episode overview (1:08) Sponsor: IQVIA (2:11) MSL career journeys and networking importance (7:33) Understanding KPIs and metrics in the MSL profession (14:06) The role of qualitative outcomes in assessing MSL value (21:34) Adapting KPIs in response to COVID-19 (24:24) The evolution of virtual and digital engagement for MSLs (27:12) Tactical plan reviews and motivation strategies for MSL teams (30:05) Lifelong learning and the role of MSL coaching (32:05) Top performance tips for MSLs (34:13) Perspectives on performance improvement from leadership and individuals (36:29) Emphasizing continuous learning and adaptability (36:44) Sponsor: IQVIA (37:05) Closing remarks and listener engagement

Career Resiliency: How to Survive and Thrive After a Lay Off May 17, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Carol Lawlor to discuss her career journey and the challenges faced in the medical affairs industry. Carol shares her personal experiences transitioning into the field, addressing the emotional impact of industry layoffs and offering strategies for job searching with resilience. She provides insightful advice on career progression and highlights emerging roles in medical affairs. The conversation also delves into the importance of mentorship and continuous education for career building. The episode concludes with Carol's reflections on her journey and final thoughts for those navigating the industry.

My guest today is Carol Lawlor, National Director, Field Medical – Northeast at Alkermes, discusses her career resiliency story and how she overcame an unexpected lay off

Carol shares…

👉 Her medical background and industry transition
👉 How she landed in her first industry roll… and what happened next
👉 Advice for others suffering career setbacks
👉 What new areas or opportunities she sees developing
👉 Advice for those looking to build a career in medical affairs

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction to Carol Lawler and episode overview (1:09) Carol Lawler's background and transition to the industry (5:02) Challenges and emotional impact of industry layoffs (12:33) Job searching strategies and the importance of resilience (20:44) Career progression advice and emerging roles in medical affairs (25:35) Mentorship, career building, and continuous education in medical affairs (28:16) Final reflections and closing remarks

Why MSLs Need a Personal Board of Directors May 10, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Marieke Jonkman to discuss the concept of creating a personal board of directors for Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). Marieke shares her career journey and emphasizes the importance of selecting and approaching the right individuals to form a supportive board. The conversation covers the roles and expectations of board members in an MSL's development, highlighting the reciprocal nature of mentorship and the involvement of managers. Marieke also provides insights on maintaining and nurturing these crucial relationships. The episode concludes with closing remarks and a call to action for listeners to engage with the MSL Talk community.

My guest today is Marieke Jonkman, Medical Affairs Executive Coach at the Medical Affairs Institute and we discuss why MSLs should have their own personal board of directors

Marieke discusses…

👉 What would a personal board of directors look like
👉 How to go about finding people for your PBD
👉 Who you should ask to be on your board
👉 How to approach a potential board member

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction of Marika Jonkman and the topic (0:18) Promotion of MSL Talk Live and social media channels (0:50) Welcoming Marika Jonkman to the podcast (1:16) Marika Jonkman’s background and career journey (4:20) Building and utilizing a personal board of directors for MSLs (6:27) Identifying and approaching the right people for your board (12:22) The roles and expectations of board members in MSL development (18:15) The reciprocal nature of mentorship and the role of managers (23:24) Maintaining and nurturing relationships with board members (25:47) Final thoughts on personal board of directors for MSLs (27:04) Closing remarks and call to action

How to Architect a Presentation for an MSL Interview May 03, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes guests Kendra Peltz and Josh Yoder, who share their unique journeys from wrestling backgrounds to becoming Medical Science Liaisons. They delve into the intricacies of MSL interview presentations, offering insights on preparation and execution. Kendra discusses her approach to creating impactful presentations, while Josh shares tips on crafting compelling narratives. The conversation covers the importance of following interview instructions, choosing the right topics, and mastering the Q&A session. The episode wraps up with advice for virtual presentations and a preview of future topics, encouraging listeners to subscribe for more insights.

My guests today are Josh Yoder, Regional Director and Kendra Pelz, MSL at Syneos Health and we discuss how to "architect" a presentation for an MSL interview

Josh and Kendra share…

👉 Types of presentations companies typically request
👉 Summary of Kendra’s presentation process for her last interview
👉 A framework for an interview presentation
👉 Types of questions that can be expected during the Q&A portion
👉 Tips on how to stand out in your presentation

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction of guests Josh Yoder and Kendra Peltz (0:34) Welcoming the guests and initial conversation (1:27) Introductions of Kendra Peltz and Josh Yoder (2:43) Their wrestling backgrounds and transition into MSL roles (5:00) Understanding different types of MSL interview presentations (6:09) Kendra's experience with MSL presentation preparation (8:27) Josh's insights on crafting a compelling MSL presentation (13:03) Deep dive into Kendra's preparation process for her MSL presentation (18:37) Structuring an effective MSL presentation (23:40) The significance of following interview instructions and compliance (25:26) Excelling in preparation for MSL interview presentations (28:53) Selecting an impactful topic for your presentation (34:43) Mastering the Q&A session in MSL presentations (37:38) Tips for nailing a virtual MSL interview presentation (41:50) Ensuring technical preparedness for virtual presentations (42:32) Episode conclusion and future topics preview (43:27) Closing remarks and call to subscribe

Digital Opinion Leaders: What You Should Know About DOLs Apr 26, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Omar McMillan to delve into the emerging role of digital opinion leaders (DOLs) in medical affairs. They explore the criteria for identifying DOLs and their significant impact on the industry. The discussion covers effective strategies for MSLs to engage with DOLs, comparing internal and external management approaches, and providing practical examples. Ethical considerations and the influence of new platforms are examined, along with future predictions for digital engagement. Omar shares valuable advice for MSLs on social media interaction, concluding with a series of thought-provoking questions for listeners.

My guest today is Omar McMillan, MSL Field Director with Genentech shares insights on DOLs and what the Field Medical community should know

Omar discusses…

👉 The criteria that makes a KOL or KTL a “Digital Opinion Leader”
👉 Why DOL’s are relevant and what they mean to the Medical Affairs community
👉 How companies need to designate or categorize certain KOLs as Digital Opinion leaders
👉 The role of the MSL as it relates to DOLs
👉 Advice and Action Items for companies and MSLs

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction to the podcast and guest Omar McMillan (2:03) Introduction to the topic of digital opinion leaders (DOLs) (4:27) Criteria for identifying and the impact of DOLs (9:07) Strategies for engaging with DOLs by MSLs (13:31) Internal versus external management of DOL engagement and examples (16:31) Ethical considerations and new platforms for DOLs (20:41) Future predictions for digital engagement and adapting to KOL preferences (25:22) Final advice for MSLs and wrapping up (27:19) Questions for MSLs regarding social media and DOL engagement (28:20) Closing remarks and future episode invitations

Celebrating 100 Episodes: Top MSL Insights, Career Tips, and Community Gratitude Apr 19, 2022

Show notes

In the milestone 100th episode of MSL Talk, Tom Caravela celebrates the journey of the podcast and extends gratitude to the supportive community. Reflecting on the podcast's evolution, Tom quizzes listeners on the most downloaded episode and revisits highlights and essential MSL attributes from the early days. He delves into topics like emotional intelligence, career transitions, and field medical excellence. The episode covers crucial aspects of career progression, market saturation, and effective job search strategies. Tom emphasizes the significance of diversity, networking, and personal growth, concluding with a heartfelt expression of gratitude and a recap of key insights.

Please join me for a very special MSL Talk Podcast milestone.
This episode marks our 100th since we started back on March 27th, 2020.
In this episode, I will offer some fun facts, statistics, and behind-the-scenes information, as well as provide a recap per category.
Special thanks to ALL of my awesome guests over the past 2 years and of course, thank YOU to our listeners throughout the world.

Please, don’t miss this one!

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction to the 100th episode (0:57) Celebrating the podcast journey and thanking the community (2:57) Launch and evolution of MSL Talk (4:11) Quiz: Most downloaded episode (4:49) Highlights from the first episodes and key MSL attributes (7:34) Emotional intelligence and interview tips (10:18) Navigating career transitions for MSLs (17:16) Strategies in territory and field medical excellence (24:18) HR insights on career development and advancement (26:39) Key episodes on career progression, etiquette, and resumes (29:09) Addressing market saturation and MSL certifications (30:21) Effective job search strategies and MSL training insights (32:58) Advancing careers through informational interviews and mentorship (34:15) Embracing diversity and networking in medical affairs (34:52) Innovations and insights in social technology and digital therapeutics (36:26) Focus on personal improvement, leadership, and performance (37:20) The importance of gratitude in career growth (40:20) Quiz answer reveal and episode recap (41:13) Closing remarks and expressions of gratitude

From MSL to MSL Recruiter: A Career Transition Apr 12, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Sarah Snyder shares her journey from BioSplice to becoming an MSL recruiter at The Carolan Group. She emphasizes the value of networking and building a strong LinkedIn presence, discussing the emotional challenges of career transitions. Sarah highlights the parallels between MSL and recruiter roles, offering insights into fostering effective recruiter-candidate relationships through transparency and engagement. She provides networking strategies while cautioning against burnout. As the episode celebrates its 100th milestone, Sarah offers reflections and advice for MSL job seekers, encouraging them to maintain updated profiles and embrace career transitions.

My guest today is Sarah Snyder, Executive MSL Recruiter with The Carolan Group and we discuss her career transition from Medical Science Liaison to MSL Recruiter

Sarah shares…

👉 How she made the unique career transition
👉 Why it is a good idea for a job seekers to work with a Recruiter
👉 What is the best way for a job seeker to engage a Recruiter
👉 What Job Seekers do to ensure a successful relationship with a Recruiter

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction of Sarah Snyder and her career transition (0:16) Social media and networking plugs (0:45) Sarah Snyder's background and career transition to MSL recruiter (4:25) Experience at BioSplice, value of networking, and building a LinkedIn presence (8:22) The emotional journey and challenges of career transitions (14:07) Similarities between MSL and recruiter roles and the importance of recruiter relationships (18:01) Engaging with recruiters and best practices for recruiter-candidate relationships (22:02) Importance of transparency in job offers and updating professional profiles (24:13) Networking strategies and avoiding burnout (25:19) Transition reflections and final advice for MSL job seekers (27:23) Celebrating the 100th episode and closing remarks

How to Advance Your Career Through Informational Interviews Apr 05, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Joelle Martin joins Tom Caravela to explore the pivotal role of informational interviews in career advancement for MSLs. Joelle shares personal experiences and effective strategies to maximize these opportunities. The discussion covers best practices for reaching out, conducting interviews, and the importance of preparation and professionalism. Joelle emphasizes crafting thoughtful questions, researching the interviewee, and avoiding common pitfalls to leave a lasting impression. The episode highlights the value of gratitude, maintaining relationships, and building a supportive MSL community. Tom concludes with the importance of documenting interviews for future growth.

My guest today is Joelle Martin, PhD, Medical Science Liaison at Alimera Sciences and we discuss how you can advance your career through informational interviews

Joelle shares…

👉 What are informational interviews
👉 How can one go about getting informational interviews?
👉 Why are informational interviews helpful to your career
👉 What should you avoid doing in informational interviews
👉 Advice for people to make a good impression

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction and welcome to Joelle Martin (1:45) The role of informational interviews in career advancement (3:39) Joelle Martin's personal experiences and strategies (5:54) Best practices for reaching out and conducting informational interviews (9:09) The importance of preparation and professionalism (12:08) Crafting the right questions and researching the interviewee (15:06) Common pitfalls and how to leave a positive impression (20:35) The significance of gratitude and maintaining relationships post-interview (23:46) Building and managing relationships as an MSL (25:12) Self-reflection and final advice from Joelle Martin (27:05) Encouraging the MSL community to support each other (28:24) Tom's concluding thoughts and the importance of documenting informational interviews (29:08) Closing remarks and outro

COMP: How HR Determines Compensation and Titles for Job Offers Mar 29, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Chris Castin joins Tom Caravela to delve into the intricacies of compensation and negotiation processes for MSL roles. They explore how to prepare for job offer negotiations while emphasizing the importance of transparency and the risks of over-negotiating. Chris provides insights into HR perspectives and how offers are determined using formulas and data, highlighting the significance of internal equity. The discussion covers the role of job titles, leveling, and the impact of experience on role effectiveness. They also analyze written job offers, discuss sign-on bonuses, and offer advice on responding to offers with effective negotiation strategies. The episode concludes with practical advice for MSLs navigating job offers.

My guest today is Chris Castin, Senior Director, Talent Acquisition NKARTA Therapeutics and we discuss how HR departments determine compensation and titles for job offers

Chris shares…

👉 The HR formula for determining job offers
👉 What you need to know to negotiate an offer
👉 What information is expected in advance of the job offer
👉 How and why sign-on bonuses are used
👉 The way HR determines titles and leveling

The podcast is available through the links below:

️ ️ 〰️ Spotify: https://lnkd.in/dRrSEyn

️ ️ 〰️ Apple: https://lnkd.in/egSthAz

️ ️ 〰️ Stitcher: https://lnkd.in/eqB-2wb

📣 Now on YouTube 📣

Please subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS7XTUuk1XF5Tm5InADY6cA

📣 Now on Instagram 📣

Please subscribe:

https://www.instagram.com/msl_talk_podcast/

#msl #medicalaffairs #medicalscienceliaison #aspiringmsl #MSLTalk

(0:00) Introduction and guest overview (1:31) Guest background and experience (2:37) Overview of compensation and negotiation processes (5:29) Preparing for job offer negotiations (7:18) Importance of transparency in negotiations (9:10) Dangers of over-negotiating (11:28) Understanding HR's perspective on job offers (15:20) Determining offers: Formulas and data (18:36) Importance of internal equity (23:59) Job titles, leveling, and MSL role significance (27:01) Experience level and role effectiveness (30:24) Analyzing a written job offer (34:26) Sign-on bonuses and their negotiation (37:15) Responding to job offers: Timelines (39:14) Effective negotiation strategies (41:39) Closing remarks and final advice

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected