MSL Talk

Latest Episodes:

Diversity in Medical Affairs and the Power of Networking Jan 05, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes guests Rachel Kennedy, Lashondra Taylor, and Nirav Shah to discuss the formation and mission of DEMA. They explore the transformative power of networking, sharing Rachel's inspiration behind DEMA and how to engage with the organization. The conversation includes networking success stories and valuable advice for new MSLs and job seekers. The guests outline DEMA's current initiatives and future plans, highlighting upcoming events. The episode concludes with updates from Tom and expressions of appreciation for the listeners' support.

My guests today are Rachel Kennedy, LaShaundra Taylor, and Nirav Shah from DiMA (Diversity in Medical Affairs) and we discuss the story of DiMA and the power of networking.

In this episode we discuss:

Intro of Rachel, LaShaundra, and Nirav
The story of how the DiMA group was formed
What is the mission and how can people join or get involved?
Their advice for medical affairs professionals on networking and how it can advance their career
Examples of how networking has helped them in their careers.
Other advice to those that are looking to build a career in Medical Affairs

(0:00) Welcome and guest introductions (3:05) Formation and mission of DEMA (6:30) The power and impact of networking (9:18) Rachel's inspiration behind DEMA (13:22) Goals and how to engage with DEMA (18:28) Networking success stories and advice (27:49) Tips for new MSLs and job seekers (31:47) DEMA's initiatives and future plans (34:32) Upcoming events and host updates (35:17) Closing remarks and listener appreciation

"The Road Less Traveled: Leveraging an Unconventional Career Path" Dec 15, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Marc Bernarducci to explore the evolving role of Medical Science Liaisons. Marc shares insights from his educational journey and transition into the industry, highlighting the significance of networking and tenacity. He emphasizes patience and coachability during job searches and new roles, and discusses the complexities of the MSL position, including learning from mistakes. The conversation shifts to adapting to digital platforms and preparing for the post-COVID landscape, stressing the importance of adaptability. Marc concludes with valuable advice for aspiring MSLs, followed by closing remarks and holiday wishes.

Marc Bernarducci, Sr Medical Science Liaison shares ideas on leveraging an unconventional career path to find success.

In this episode we discuss:

Marc’s education and where his career began
What made him want to transition to industry and how did he go about it
How he landed in medical affairs and why he wanted to be an MSL
His perspective on “unconventional” career path
His advice for others who are looking to break into their first MSL role
His other advice to those that are looking to build a career in Medical Affairs

(0:00) Introduction to the podcast and guest Marc Bernarducci (0:36) Marc Bernarducci's background and educational journey (4:18) Transition to industry and evolution of the MSL role (12:05) Career advice and the importance of networking and tenacity (25:28) Patience and coachability in job search and new roles (27:17) Understanding the complexities and learning from mistakes in the MSL role (29:03) Adapting to new digital platforms and preparing for 2021 (31:13) Discussing the new normal post-COVID and the importance of adaptability (34:01) Final thoughts and advice from Marc Bernarducci (34:36) Closing remarks and holiday wishes

How a "Non Traditional" background can lead to success as an MSL Dec 08, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Robert Rosti shares his unique journey from medical information to becoming a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). He provides insights into the transition process, emphasizing the importance of networking and professional etiquette. Robert discusses how to leverage diverse backgrounds and offers tips for breaking into the MSL industry without prior experience. He highlights the significance of preparation, emotional intelligence, and mastering LinkedIn for effective networking. The conversation covers navigating the cultural shift from academia to industry and strategies for standing out with a nontraditional background. Robert also delves into interview techniques and the dedication required for a successful MSL career.

My guest today is Robert Rosti, Sr Medical Science Liaison at Biogen. He discusses how his "Non-Traditional" background led to great success as a Medical Science Liaison.

In this episode we discuss:

Rob’s background
His education and where his career began
What made him want to transition to the industry and how did he go about it?
How Rob landed in medical affairs and why he wanted to be an MSL?
His advice for others who may have a non-traditional background
What he feels is most important for ANYONE trying to transition into the industry and become an MSL?
His advice to those that are looking to build a career in Medical Affairs

(0:00) Introduction of guest Rob Roste (1:01) Rob Roste's journey to becoming an MSL (5:02) Transition from medical information to MSL (7:01) Networking strategies and professional etiquette (12:23) Leveraging diverse backgrounds in the MSL field (15:15) Tips for breaking into the industry without prior experience (17:25) The significance of preparation and emotional intelligence (23:18) Making the leap from academia to industry (26:05) Mastering LinkedIn for networking and research (28:18) Interview techniques and asking the right questions (29:01) The dedication required for a successful MSL career (30:08) Navigating cultural shifts from academia to industry (32:06) How to stand out with a nontraditional background

LinkedIn: Why you need it. How to use it! Dec 01, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Jill Vanak joins the discussion to explore the transformative role of LinkedIn in career development. Jill shares her journey into career coaching and emphasizes the importance of optimizing LinkedIn profiles to align with resumes. The conversation delves into effective networking and engagement strategies, offering insights on leveraging LinkedIn for niche career paths and enhancing visibility through active participation. Jill distinguishes between endorsements and recommendations, addresses challenges in content creation, and provides tips on personalizing LinkedIn features. The episode wraps up with final advice for advancing careers through LinkedIn, followed by closing remarks and expressions of gratitude.

My guest today is Jill Vanak, Clinical Research Practitioner at Janssen Oncology, Early Development. We talk about LinkedIn, why it is important, why you need it, and how to use it.

In this episode we discuss:

Who is Jill and what she does
LinkedIn - where do people start?
Tips and tricks to know as it relates to the profile
Mistakes or missing pieces she typically sees with LinkedIn profiles
Ways people should be engaging on LinkedIn
Developing content for LinkedIn - does everyone need to be posting articles, images, quotes, etc?
How much time should people be spending on LinkedIn in Jill’s opinion
Her advice as it relates to engagement, job search, and career development

(0:00) Introduction and welcoming Jill Vanek (2:02) Jill's background and transition to career coaching (4:06) LinkedIn's role in career development (7:00) Tips for optimizing LinkedIn profiles (11:39) Aligning LinkedIn with your resume (14:09) Networking and engagement strategies on LinkedIn (23:40) Leveraging LinkedIn for niche career development (25:22) Enhancing visibility through LinkedIn activity (27:35) Endorsements vs. recommendations on LinkedIn (28:40) Overcoming challenges of LinkedIn content creation (32:35) Tips for personalizing LinkedIn features (34:52) Final LinkedIn tips for career advancement (36:00) Closing remarks and thanksgiving

Gratitude: An absolute MUST for career advancement Nov 24, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela presents a Thanksgiving-themed discussion on gratitude and its impact on career advancement. He explores the significance of expressing gratitude in professional settings, supported by workplace statistics. Tom provides practical tips for incorporating gratitude into daily emails and meetings, as well as creative annual practices to show appreciation. The episode emphasizes the role of gratitude in enhancing workplace relationships and career growth. Tom concludes by expressing his own appreciation for the listeners and the importance of fostering a grateful mindset in both personal and professional life.

Tom Caravela discusses why gratitude is an absolute MUST for career advancement.

In this episode we discuss:

Good things come from gratitude
Connecting to people through gratitude
Time is currency
Going the extra mile to show others you appreciate them

(0:00) Introduction and episode overview, Thanksgiving greeting, and compliance disclaimer (2:35) Importance of gratitude in career advancement and workplace statistics (4:52) Expressing gratitude in daily emails and meetings (12:29) Creative ways to show appreciation and annual gratitude practices (21:14) Final thoughts and appreciation for listeners

How I landed my first MSL role... what works, what doesn't, and what you need to know Nov 17, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Julie Chen shares her journey and insights into the MSL role, emphasizing the importance of confidence, preparation, and overcoming challenges in the job search. She discusses strategies for tailoring CVs, leveraging mentorship, and building essential skills for aspiring MSLs. Julie highlights the significance of networking and managing job search frustrations while offering advice on interview preparation and the necessity of attention to detail. The episode concludes with Julie's reflections and gratitude, followed by a call to action for listeners to engage with the content.

My guest today is Julie Chen, Medical Science Liaison at Janssen Cardiology. We discuss how she landed her first MSL role and what advice she has for aspiring MSLs looking to break into the role.

In this episode we discuss:

Julie’s background
Why she wanted to be an MSL
The story of her job search
Steps she took to initiate her search and what worked well
The challenges she faced
Her mentors/coaches
Absolute MUSTs for anyone seeking to land an MSL role
Overcoming frustrations
The advice she can offer and what else aspiring MSLs should keep in mind

(0:00) Introduction and Background of Julie Chen (3:08) Julie's Motivation and Understanding of the MSL Role (7:09) Job Search: Confidence, Preparation, and Challenges (15:01) Tailoring CVs and Leveraging Mentors (21:52) Advice and Skill Building for Aspiring MSLs (24:29) Networking and Handling Job Search Frustration (29:31) Interview Preparation: Thinking Like an MSL (32:09) The Importance of Attention to Detail (34:19) Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude (36:09) Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Compliance 101-Most common issues and MSL-related gray areas Nov 10, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Jessica McLin and Melody Davis explore the intricacies of compliance and communication in medical affairs. Jessica shares her journey into entrepreneurship and discusses her work with Versant Learning Solutions. The conversation covers FDA standards, ethical collaboration with sales reps, and the importance of understanding company SOPs. They delve into strategies for navigating compliance gray areas and the role of training, especially in smaller companies. The episode also highlights the significance of professional development through conferences and the importance of leadership in enforcing compliance. Finally, they address key compliance rules and best practices for MSLs, including the Sunshine Act.

Today’s guests are Jessica McLin and Melody Davis of Versant Learning. We discuss MSL Compliance 101 and the most common issues and MSL-related gray areas.

In this episode we discuss:

Jessica and Melody intro
What Versant Learning does
Compliance and what people need to know
The most common gray areas to look out for
Where can an MSL find compliance information outside their current organization
The role of MSL Leadership in communicating compliance standards and how much of the effort lies on the MSL
The most important for the MSLs to keep in mind

(0:00) Introduction of guests Jessica McClint and Melody Davis (1:15) Guest backgrounds and Jessica's transition to entrepreneurship (5:24) Overview of Versant Learning Solutions and medical communications (6:15) Compliance in medical affairs and FDA standards (8:35) Collaboration with sales reps and ethical considerations (10:25) Understanding company SOPs and compliance training innovations (12:58) Navigating gray areas in MSL compliance (16:06) Communication strategies: Proactive vs reactive (20:48) Role of compliance training and resources for smaller companies (24:02) Professional development for MSLs through conferences and education (27:09) Leadership and compliance enforcement (31:06) Conducting internal vs. external audits (31:50) Recording MSL interactions and compliance best practices (35:55) Key compliance rules for MSLs and Sunshine Act navigation

How to Develop IDPs Individual Development Plans and Road Maps for Career Development Nov 03, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Elaine Nadeau to delve into the realm of field medical excellence and the significance of Individual Development Plans (IDPs). Elaine shares her career journey and transition into this field, highlighting the role of IDPs in fostering career growth. The discussion covers how to initiate an IDP, the process of crafting one, and examples of professional development activities. The episode emphasizes the manager's role and mentorship, distinguishing IDPs from performance reviews, and maintaining their relevance, especially during COVID. Elaine offers valuable advice for MSLs on professional growth, concluding with encouraging words and a call to subscribe.

My guest today is Elaine Nadeau, Director Field Excellence at EMD Serono. We discuss how MSLs can Develop IDPs (Individual Development Plans) and Road Maps for Career Development.

In this episode we discuss:

Who is Elaine and what she does
How she got into the medical affairs
Her role in Field Medical Excellence
What is IDP and its importance
MSLs starting on their own IDP
The timeframe in creating the plan
The pre-work and self-reflection of IDP
Examples of professional development activities
The manager’s involvement and role
The different contributions of a coach versus a mentor
New skills mandatory for MSLs during COVID
Elaine’s advice for MSLs and MSL Leaders as we look to the future

(0:00) Introduction and guest Elaine Nadeau's background (2:35) Elaine Nadeau's career and transition to field medical excellence (6:33) Understanding field medical excellence and individual development plans (IDPs) (12:45) How to get started with IDPs and their role in career development (17:11) Process of creating an IDP and examples of professional development activities (22:42) Manager's role and the importance of mentorship in the IDP process (29:19) Essential MSL skills during COVID and differentiating IDPs from performance reviews (33:33) Keeping your IDP current and advice for MSLs on professional growth (35:54) Final thoughts and encouragement for MSLs (36:32) Closing remarks and invitation to subscribe

Top Ten Tips: Improving Business Etiquette and Emotional Intelligence to Advance Your Career Oct 27, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela and Bridget Rasmusson explore business etiquette and emotional intelligence. Bridget offers insights on first impressions, elevator pitches, and focused conversations. They discuss the significance of genuine compliments, understanding one's 'why,' and the role of gratitude in networking. The conversation covers researching backgrounds, engaging questions, and the importance of emotional intelligence in professional settings. Bridget shares strategies for standing out in recruitment and emphasizes exercising judgment in interactions. Tune in for final thoughts and a call to action for listeners.

Today’s guest is Bridget Rasmusson, Client Services Lead at The Carolan Group offers great advice on how proper business etiquette and emotional intelligence can advance your career.

In this episodes we discuss:

The importance of first a first impression
Have your “elevator pitch” down before you need it
Remember names
Do as much research about the person’s background
Prepare engaging questions and be a good listener
Offer genuine compliments
Understand your “why”
The power of gratitude
Commit to look your best
Right or wrong: It’s not personal... it’s just business”?

(0:00) Introduction and Bridget Rasmussen's Background (1:34) Business Etiquette and Emotional Intelligence (2:47) Importance of First Impressions and Elevator Pitches (8:15) Focusing Conversations and Researching Backgrounds (15:53) Engaging Questions and Active Listening (18:39) The Role of Genuine Compliments (20:50) Understanding Your 'Why' in Networking (23:19) Embracing the Power of Gratitude (28:13) Judging a Book by Its Cover in Professional Settings (31:42) Emotional Intelligence in Business (34:00) Exercising Best Judgment in Professional Interactions (35:28) Differentiating Yourself in the Recruitment Industry (37:07) Conclusion and Final Thoughts (37:30) Closing Remarks and Call to Action

The Future of KOL Engagement and new strategies that will emerge Oct 20, 2020

Show notes

In this episode, Joan Cannon shares her journey into the MSL role and the operational shifts faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation covers adjustments in performance metrics, face-to-face interaction guidelines, and virtual engagement with KOLs. Joan provides insights into the evolving landscape of scientific congresses and the essential skills MSLs need post-COVID. She addresses travel hesitancy, meeting settings with HCPs, and offers comprehensive advice for MSLs and leaders navigating the current climate. The episode concludes with reflections on changes since 2020, end-of-year predictions, and the importance of taking mental breaks.

Today we have Joan Cannon, Senior Director Scientific Affairs at Lundbeck. Joan discusses the future of KOL engagement and what changes as well as new strategies will emerge.

In this episode we discuss:

Joan’s background and her current career
How she landed her first MSL role
Her MSLs and team in the midst of COVID
Their current plan for KOL engagement given the travel bans, etc
How she handled the lack of facetime
What adjustments did they make within their organization regarding metrics
What she anticipates the future to look like and the ideas that she and her team are working on to maintain and continue building KOL relationships
What new skills are now mandatory for MSLs given the effect of COVID 19
Her thoughts on travel hesitancy amongst her team
Her advice for MSLs and MSL Leaders as we look to the future

(0:00) Introduction and Joan Cannon's career background (3:29) Transition into the first MSL role (5:28) MSL team operations during COVID-19 (7:31) Face-to-face interaction guidelines during COVID-19 (10:31) MSL performance metrics adjustments due to the pandemic (13:10) Virtual engagement with KOLs (16:07) The future of scientific congresses and virtual events (18:12) Post-COVID essential skills for MSLs (21:42) Managing travel hesitancy among MSLs (24:15) Post-COVID meeting settings with HCPs (25:24) Comprehensive advice for MSLs and leaders in the current climate (28:34) Reflections on changes since early 2020 and end-of-year predictions (29:55) Emphasizing the importance of mental breaks (30:37) Final thoughts from Joan Cannon (31:00) Episode closing and listener call to action

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