MSL 411

In this episode of MSL 411, Linda sits down with Obinna Ekechukwu, PharmD, Senior Medical Science Liaison in Oncology, to explore the fellowship pathway into the MSL role, and why it’s definitely “not your average rotation.” Whether you’re a PharmD student, fellow, aspiring MSL, or simply curious about nontraditional pharmacy careers, this episode offers practical insight into building a meaningfu...

In this episode of MSL 411, host Linda Eskew sits down with Rupesh Patel, PharmD, to unpack one of the most realistic (and often misunderstood) pathways into Medical Affairs: the contract MSL role. Coming from a retail pharmacy background, Rupesh shares the challenges of breaking into industry, why most retail pharmacists struggle to make the transition, and what it actually takes to stand out. We...

AI isn’t coming to Medical Affairs - it’s already here. The real question is: are you using it… or avoiding it? In this episode of MSL 411, host Linda Eskew sits down with Nathaniel Boutté, PharmD, to break down what AI actually looks like in the day-to-day life of an MSL. From practical ways to save time to the gray areas around compliance and KOL trust, this conversation explores how to use AI e...

What does a long-term career in Medical Affairs really look like? In this episode of MSL 411 , host Linda Eskew sits down with Johnathan Pinkhasov, PharmD, MBA, to discuss breaking into the MSL role, evolving career expectations, and navigating change, including company acquisitions. Johnathan shares honest reflections on career pivots, self-investment, and lessons learned from nearly a decade in...

In this episode of MSL 411, host Linda Eskew has a conversation with Corey Hicks, PhD, a seasoned Medical Affairs professional whose path includes nearly two decades in commercial roles before transitioning into the medical side of the industry. Corey's unique vantage point across both functions gives him a rare ability to articulate the strengths, challenges, and opportunities built into eac...

In this conversation of the MSL 411 podcast, host Linda Eskew is joined by Christian Hommes, a Physician Assistant turned Patient Diagnosis Liaison whose professional journey into Medical Affairs was inspired by his personal experience as a caregiver to his son, Silas, who lives with Angelman syndrome. This conversation explores how lived experience can shape a career in Medical Affairs, what the...

Every great MSL knows science is only half the story. In this episode, host Linda Eskew is joined by Senior MSL Josh Wageman to discuss how storytelling, analogy, and authenticity can bridge the gap between complex data and human understanding... and why that skill might just be the most powerful tool in Medical Affairs. Have feedback for us? Click here text to your hosts Connect with SEMbio on Li...

In this episode of the MSL 411 podcast, host Linda Eskew interviews Tiffney Palmer, a PharmD and Senior MSL, who shares her professional journey from pharmacist to HIV specialist to MSL. Tiffany discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, the importance of mentorship and community, and her advocacy for women's health. She emphasizes the need for confidence, the value of networking, and...

In this episode of the MSL 411 podcast, Linda Eskew interviews Chris Heffner, PhD, a neuroscientist who transitioned from academia to an MSL role at Teva Pharmaceutical. Chris shares his journey, including the challenges and surprises he faced while breaking into Medical Affairs, the application process, and his onboarding experience. He emphasizes the importance of networking, understanding the i...

In this episode of the MSL 411 podcast, host Linda Eskew interviews Chad Fellers, PharmD, a seasoned Medical Affairs leader. Chad discusses his extensive career journey, his insights on leadership versus management, the importance of strategy in Medical Affairs, and how to define success in MSL teams. Chad shares his experiences in building teams and strategies from scratch, adapting leadership st...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Linda and Ashley welcome Tracy Johnson, RPh, CPC, Senior Medical Affairs Recruiter at SEMbio, to discuss how candidates can stand out in a tight job market. Tracy shares her insights from recent conferences, highlights key qualities that suc...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of the MSL 411 podcast, Ashley and Linda welcome Shannon Colton, PhD, as she shares her extensive experience in MSL training, onboarding, and certification. Dr. Colton discusses the importance of effective training methods that blend scientific content...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda are joined by Dr. Jill White for a conversation that’s all about executive presence - what it is, why it matters, and how MSLs can sharpen theirs. From nonverbal communication and color psychology to using your personal styl...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Lawrence Beck, CPC, Partner and Account Manager at SEMbio, dives into why DIY searches to fill your MSL roles might be holding you back from finding the best candidates. If you're scratching your head over why your LinkedIn posts or car...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  For this episode of MSL 411, we went straight to the source, surveying MSL friends about the language they ought to know to feel confident going into an interview and into that first day on the job. This is a must-listen episode for those interested in exploring the MS...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda welcome Joe DeMattei, PharmD, MBA, to the podcast to talk about his experience in a field-based outcomes role. Joe offers great insights for anyone exploring this side of industry, or looking to pivot from field medical. Hav...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda discuss how to approach an interview that prioritizes situational and behavioral questions over specific skill sets.  Have feedback for us? Click here text to your hosts Connect with SEMbio on LinkedIn  to continue the conve...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda welcome Sonali Pandhe, Ph D to the podcast to speak about navigating the world of networking. As a seasoned MSL and leader of the Dallas/Ft Worth chapter of a national networking organization, Sonali shares her unique perspe...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda discuss what MSLs should be thinking about as they make their plans for 2025.  Have feedback for us? Click here text to your hosts Connect with SEMbio on LinkedIn  to continue the conversation! 

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda are piggybacking on their previous episode (Engaging MSLs Outside Your Network) to answer an important question: "Now what?" You’ve made the connection and they’ve agreed to speak with you, now how do you prepare y...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda discuss strategies for effective networking with MSLs outside of your network. Whether you are looking to make new contacts with fellow MSLs or are an aspiring MSL seeking an informational interview, this one is for you!  Ha...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda talk about MSL territories, what the differences can imply for you as an MSL, and how to speak about it intentionally in your interview. Have feedback for us? Click here text to your hosts Connect with SEMbio on LinkedIn  to...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda talk about an inevitable part of working in industry - change! Layoffs can happen to anyone, anywhere anytime, big company or small company! Check out this episode where we help you think through this very tough topic, befor...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  Navigating a job offer can be tricky.  Most people find themselves in this situation only a handful of times throughout their entire career, so at those times it can be tough to know what to expect or where to turn for advice.  In this episode, Mary Morton, Director of...

MSL 411 is a Medical Affairs podcast exploring the topics that matter to aspiring and experienced MSLs, brought to you by SEMbio.  In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda discuss how to be sure your resume is a fit for the Applicant Tracking System often utilized by the hiring authority.  https://sembiogroup.com/podcast/ Have feedback for us? Click here text to your hosts Connect with SEMbio...