Aspiring MSL Training
MSL Board-Certification for Aspiring MSLsExplore the Medical Science Liaison Role
As an MSL you are the scientific, clinical disease and medication expert within the medical (affairs) department of a pharmaceutical or biotech company. You will be working with the top clinical leaders (KOLs) in the field helping to bring innovative pipeline treatments to the market or help further enhance the quality use of medicine (QuM) of established products. Most MSLs either come from research, pharmacy or from the clinic (doctor or nurse).
As an MSL you will be the first point of contact for answers to complex questions such as: the mode of action (MOA) of the drugs, patient journeys, treatment algorithms, standards of care, side effect and toxicity management and clinical trials from your own and the competitor.
Salaries are pretty high (see our MSL global salaries page below). Starting salaries are: US ~$135,000, Australia ~AU$113,000, Canada ~CA$93,000, UK ~GBP57,000 and Germany ~EUR75,000.
Many people talk about the "Cull de sac" of the MSL career, meaning you get in and you are stuck there. But there is ample growth opportunities within the medical department as: senior MSL, MSL manager/director, Medical Advisor and (assoc) Medical Director. Quite some MSLs move into marketing or market access & pricing and/or health economics and outcome research. The MSL role is the start of a great, long and exciting career in the pharmaceutical industry.
Explore our online aspiring MSL training platform
" ...the MSL certificate generates visibility and gives you an advantage over the competition ... the interviewers were very impressed to say the least."
Dennis Kusters PhD MSL-cert, Medical Manager, The Netherlands
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Aspiring MSL Testimonials
Nicole Rawnsley MSL-Cert PharmD
MSL Dermatology
Ortho Dermatologics
UNITED STATES
"The FSTP team were extremely helpful throughout the entire process. As soon as I found out about my interview, they set up a phone call with one of the coaches and they helped to prepare me even more for my live interview. I am truly grateful for everyone at FSTP for all of their help in obtaining my dream job as an MSL. Obtaining a role as an MSL takes time and dedication, but FSTP truly helps you to stand out amongst the pool of candidates.”
Steven Matos MSL-Cert PhD
MSL CNS & Specialty
Purdue
CANADA
“from SCIENCE to PHARMA” was a valuable tool that helped me reach my goal of becoming an MSL. Their e-training platform doesn't just provide a comprehensive course to help job seekers understand the pharma industry, it also provides you with an opportunity to discuss with their team of experienced MSLs. They were always very approachable and always willing to offer valuable insights into the pharma world based on their previous experiences!"
Sammy Mohandas MSL-cert MD
MSL Ophthalmalogy
Novartis
AUSTRALIA
“Coming from a clinical (MD) background, the FSTP team coached me to better understand my strengths and weaknesses as an aspiring MSL candidate during our one-on-one phone coaching sessions. The FSTP team coaches gave me all the real-life MSL tricks on how to ask questions and to respond to questions during my MSL-doctor role play interview. The team is very experienced and the FSTP MSL course has helped me to get my first MSL job at Novartis in ophthalmology. Thank you FSTP team for your support!”
