MSL Talk

Latest Episodes:

SSP: Why Shameless Self-Promotion Is A Career MUST Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

Tom Caravela and Amy Everitt explore career progression strategies for Medical Science Liaisons, focusing on self-advocacy and its critical role in career development. Amy shares her experiences and insights on effectively utilizing performance reviews and documenting achievements to advance professionally. They discuss the importance of building relationships and maintaining confidence, while also addressing the potential pitfalls of over-promotion. Practical techniques for self-promotion are examined, including leveraging LinkedIn and creating content, with attention to overcoming common discomforts. The episode concludes with strategies to enhance meetings and resumes, closing with expressions of gratitude. (0:00) Introduction to the episode and guest Amy Everitt (0:36) Amy's background and career progression strategies (2:48) The importance of self-advocacy in career development (5:57) The role of performance reviews and documenting achievements (10:38) Building relationships and workplace confidence (14:38) Avoiding over-promotion and shifting mindsets (21:20) Implementing self-promotion techniques (24:20) Using LinkedIn for professional self-promotion (26:11) Content creation and overcoming discomfort in self-promotion (27:46) Enhancing meetings and resumes with self-promotion strategies (28:20) Closing remarks and gratitude

Ideal Job Search Timing: When Is The Right Time To Find A New Job? Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

Tom Caravela welcomes Sandy Ponzek to discuss the nuances of job search timing for MSLs. Sandy shares her extensive background, setting the stage for a deep dive into factors influencing career moves. The conversation covers the importance of timing and mindset, evaluating market readiness, and the role of networking. They explore distinguishing temporary challenges from genuine signs to move on, considering tenure, incentives, and common job search mistakes. Sandy highlights the risks of leaving a job without a backup plan and the dangers of career comparison. The episode concludes with strategies for proactive job searching and advice for new graduates and fellows, offering listeners practical insights for their career journey. (0:00) Introduction of Sandy Ponzek (0:13) Overview of episode topic: Ideal job search timing (0:35) Sandy Ponzek's background and experience (1:57) Sponsor: AI in medical affairs conference (2:53) Timing and mindset for a job search (5:06) Factors to consider before making a career move (7:06) Market readiness and networking (8:10) Evaluating your skills and readiness for the next role (9:00) Distinguishing a rough patch from a sign to move on (11:12) Importance of tenure in job search decisions (15:36) Considering bonus payout and incentives (20:35) Common mistakes in job search decisions (23:08) Dangers of comparing your career to others (24:00) The risks and benefits of leaving a job without another lined up (28:17) Proactive job searching strategies (29:54) Job search timing for new graduates and fellows (33:27) Recognizing when it's time to consider making a move (34:44) Closing remarks and call to action

How To Attract Success In Your Life and Career Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Tom Caravela delves into the principles of the law of attraction, offering insights into its application in both personal and professional contexts. He clarifies common misconceptions and provides strategies for managing negative events, highlighting the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. Tom shares daily practices to shift vibrational frequency and underscores gratitude's role in enhancing the law of attraction's effectiveness. The episode wraps up with his reflections on these principles, a preview of the next episode, and expressions of gratitude for the audience's engagement, encouraging listeners to integrate these concepts into their daily lives. (0:00) Introduction and episode overview (0:18) Announcements and promotion details (1:35) Understanding and applying the laws of attraction (5:00) Addressing misconceptions about the law of attraction (9:18) Strategies for handling negative events (12:57) Daily practices for shifting vibrational frequency (18:32) Techniques for maintaining a positive outlook (22:40) The role of gratitude in the law of attraction (26:26) Closing thoughts and next episode preview (27:05) Conclusion and appreciation for listeners

How To Get A Seat At The Medical Affairs Table Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

Tom Caravela is joined by Sanaz Cardoza to discuss the significance of medical affairs and what it means for MSLs to "get a seat at the table." They explore various strategies for career growth and how MSLs can maximize their impact once they achieve this pivotal position. The episode features inspiring stories of successful MSLs and emphasizes the crucial role of leadership in facilitating these achievements. Sanaz shares practical tips for MSLs to stand out and make a significant impact in the new year, offering listeners valuable insights into enhancing their professional journey within the medical affairs landscape. (0:00) Introduction with guest background (1:19) Importance of medical affairs and defining "getting a seat at the table" (5:29) Career growth strategies for MSLs (9:08) Maximizing impact after getting a seat at the table (12:39) Stories of successful MSLs and leadership's role (22:31) Tips for MSLs to stand out in the new year

One Question That Can Change Your Life Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela provides updates on upcoming changes and highlights an AI in Medical Affairs Conference, along with recommending the book "Job Search Mastery." He introduces a transformative question designed to enhance both life and career, demonstrating its versatile application across different scenarios. The discussion emphasizes the importance of empathy and emotional exchange in professional interactions, offering strategies for effectively managing feedback dynamics. Tom explores how this pivotal question can be utilized during interviews and social interactions, concluding with closing remarks and encouragement for listeners to engage and reflect on the episode's content. (0:00) Introduction and upcoming changes (1:00) AI in Medical Affairs Conference details (1:29) Book recommendation: "Job Search Mastery" (2:18) Recap of announcements (3:35) The most important question for life and career (5:08) Application of the key question in various scenarios (10:29) Feedback dynamics in professional interactions (13:05) Utilizing the key question in interviews and beyond (16:17) Closing remarks and encouragement

MSL vs. MOL - ALL You Need to Know Dec 16, 2025

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In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Mahesh Tawney to explore the evolving role of Medical Outcomes Liaisons (MOLs). They delve into the distinctions between MSL and MOL positions, highlighting the unique value narrative MOLs bring to the table. The discussion covers collaboration with market access and reimbursement specialists, as well as the metrics used to gauge MOL success. Tom and Mahesh emphasize effective communication strategies and the importance of both IQ and EQ in liaison roles. The conversation also touches on the collaborative mindset necessary for MSLs, strategies for transitioning from MSL to MOL, and networking. The episode concludes with insights into the future of MOL roles. (0:00) Introduction to Mahesh Tawney and Episode Theme (1:13) Sponsor: Momentum events (2:01) Defining Medical Outcomes Liaison (MOL) (3:26) Key Differences Between MSL and MOL Roles (7:28) Value Narrative for MOLs (10:22) Collaboration with Market Access and Reimbursement Specialists (11:00) Metrics for Measuring MOL Success (17:17) Communication Strategies for MSLs and MOLs (19:11) Importance of IQ and EQ in Liaison Roles (20:56) Collaborative Mindset in MSL Roles (21:44) Transitioning from MSL to MOL (27:42) Networking and Building Relationships (31:58) Future of MOL Roles (35:15) Episode Wrap-up and Sponsor Mention

The Rise of Bluesky – What MSLs Need to Know Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

Tom Caravela and Lauren Dwyer explore the emerging social media platform Bluesky, examining its potential impact on the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) community. They discuss how Bluesky compares to other platforms and its role in enhancing medical dialogue and MSL activities. The conversation delves into the factors influencing Bluesky's adoption by MSLs and offers strategies for monitoring and engaging on social media. They highlight the importance of adapting to evolving digital trends and provide guidelines for effective social media engagement. The episode also touches on AI's role in shaping the future of MSLs and emphasizes the need for embracing technology and digital proficiency in the field. (0:00) Introduction and explanation of Bluesky (0:54) Sponsor: Medical Watch (2:29) Comparing Bluesky with other social media platforms (4:27) MSL community engagement on Bluesky (7:22) Role of social media in MSL activities (12:03) Bluesky's potential impact on medical dialogue (14:30) Influences on the adoption of Bluesky by MSLs (17:13) Strategies for MSLs to monitor social media (19:09) MSL social media engagement guidelines (20:58) Digital platform trends in medical affairs (22:49) MSL adaptation to digital changes (25:28) Tools for effective social media monitoring (26:19) MSL training for digital and social media proficiency (28:34) AI and the future of the MSL role (29:33) Embracing technology in the MSL field (30:08) Episode conclusion and acknowledgments

Links or Patties? How the Sausage is Made in Medical Affairs Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Michael Kahn to delve into decision-making within medical affairs. Michael shares his expertise on how organizational silos and internal politics can affect decisions, offering strategies for dismantling these barriers. They discuss the critical role of medical affairs in decision-making, alongside insights into hiring, team building, and adding value beyond traditional job roles. Michael provides advice on managing tough personnel decisions and emphasizes the importance of being undeniable in one's professional role. The episode concludes with some lighthearted thoughts and a unique discussion on sausage preferences. (0:00) Introduction and welcome (0:16) Guest introduction: Michael Kahn (0:30) Michael Kahn's background (1:04) Host Tom Caravela's insights (1:46) Detailed introduction by Michael Kahn (2:27) Episode's title and relevance (4:15) Decision making in medical affairs overview (7:30) Influencing factors in organizational decision making (10:21) The impact of silos in decision making (13:44) Breaking down silos with examples (16:34) The role of internal politics (19:59) The role of medical affairs in decision making (23:36) Hiring and team building strategies (26:19) Value addition beyond job descriptions (27:58) Difficult personnel decisions (31:17) Being undeniable in your role and unspoken truths (33:31) Closing thoughts and sausage preferences

The AI Gap in Medical Affairs: Why 95% of Gen AI Projects Fail Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of MSL Talk, Tom Caravela is joined by Vera Kutsenko to explore the AI gap in medical affairs. They discuss the challenges and resistance faced in adopting AI technologies and the current state of AI integration in the industry. Vera shares her insights on the role of culture, governance, and the necessary skills for medical affairs professionals to effectively work alongside AI. The conversation touches on the fear of job replacement by AI and strategies to overcome these concerns. They also emphasize the importance of building a relationship with AI tools and the characteristics of successful AI implementations. The episode concludes with thoughts on leveraging AI for prompt generation and the iterative nature of AI adoption. (0:00) Introduction and guest welcome (0:53) Topic introduction: The AI gap in medical affairs (1:12) Vera Kutsenko's background and experience with AI (2:08) Tom's encouragement for job seekers and defining the AI gap (6:31) Overcoming resistance to AI adoption and project failure reasons (8:34) Current state and challenges of AI in medical affairs (13:00) The role of culture, governance, and people in AI adoption (16:49) Skills and capabilities needed for medical affairs professionals (20:15) Human vs. AI in job roles and fear of job replacement (24:15) Strategies for overcoming resistance to AI (30:31) Building a personal relationship with AI tools (32:31) Characteristics of successful AI implementations and importance of iteration (36:19) Leveraging AI to improve prompt generation (39:34) Final thoughts and appreciation

The Publication Playbook- Turning Science into Strategy Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode of MSL Talk, we dive into a major pillar of Medical Affairs that is often misunderstood and overlooked... publications. And for the first time on the show, we’re breaking it all down with an expert who lives and breathes this world. My guest, Jolan Rosenthal, is the Executive Director of Publications at Mirum Pharmaceuticals and a 20+ year industry veteran. We explore: - Why publications are essential to credibility, transparency, and scientific exchange - How MSL insights directly influence publication strategy - How publications enhance KOL engagement and support field medical impact - Career pathways: how MSLs can transition into pubs, med comms, training, or strategic roles - Common misconceptions about the publication process - The role of AI today and what the future may look like in the publications landscape (0:00) Introduction and guest Jolan's background (1:34) Welcome to new listeners and MSL Talk overview (2:35) Role of publications in medical affairs (6:52) MSL insights on publications (9:16) MSL career paths in publications (14:41) Overview of publication types in medical affairs (19:51) KOL engagement and publications (22:26) Misconceptions in the publication process (25:11) AI's impact on publications and ethics (28:09) Journals and AI: Policies and hallucination risks (29:14) AI at medical congresses and Tom's book-writing experience (32:07) Closing remarks and thanks to Jolan and audience

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