MSL Talk
MSL Talk
MSL Talk, hosted by Tom Caravela, MSL Recruiter and Founder of The Carolan Group, offers insights for Medical Science Liaisons, aspiring MSLs, and Medical Affairs leaders.
Tom Caravela
PodcastAI
PodcastAI

The Strategic vs the Scientific MSL

E257 • Jun 10, 2025 • 26 mins

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Joy Morrell to explore the multifaceted role of Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) in medical affairs. They discuss the critical importance of dialogue over monologue in MSL communication, emphasizing the need for both scientific expertise and soft skills development. Joy highlights the significance of active listening and posing key questions to enhance engagement. The conversation shifts to MSLs as strategic advisers and the importance of ongoing training for excellence. They share insights on cultivating a high-performance MSL team and offer tips for strategic growth, while also considering the future impact of AI on the profession. The episode concludes with final advice for aspiring MSLs and leaders.

Key Points

  • MSLs must transition from merely sharing scientific data to providing strategic value by understanding and addressing broader healthcare ecosystem challenges. Active listening and engaging in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders are crucial skills that MSLs need to cultivate to be more effective. Organizations should focus on developing MSLs' human skills, such as emotional intelligence and strategic thinking, through intentional training and mentorship.
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