MSL Talk

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Mitch D'Rosario and Deanna Tucker to discuss the intricacies of switching therapeutic areas as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). They share personal experiences and address common concerns when transitioning into new therapeutic spaces. The conversation delves into strategies for gaining expertise, accessing Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and overcoming challenge...

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Sarah Snyder, MSL Recruiter at The Carolan Group and Co-Founder of MSL Mastery who discusses an ideal road map for new Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). They walk through the 4 stages of what a new MSL experiences in the first full year. Building the foundation in months 1 to 3, Gaining momentum in months 3-6, becoming a trusted partner in months 6-12 and...

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Jeff Vaughn and Dean McAllister to discuss the critical timing of Medical Science Liaison (MSL) involvement in drug development. They explore misconceptions and historical approaches, highlighting the impact and internal value of early MSL engagement. The conversation addresses challenges MSLs face, the adaptation to virtual engagement, and the importance...

In this episode, Tom Caravela hosts Amanda Lally to explore the growing impact of digital tools and social media in medical affairs. Amanda shares insights on leveraging social media for MSL effectiveness, greater KOL engagement, and improved insights. They discuss digital tools, social media guidelines and ethical considerations as well as strategic best practices. The episode emphasizes thought...

In this episode, Tom Caravela and Patrina Pellett discuss insights from a recent AI in Medical Affairs conference. Tom highlights the lively atmosphere and key AI topics like efficiencies, patient outcomes, and use cases. The conversation covers AI's role in content development, training, predictive analytics, and its impact on medical affairs and the patient journey. They explore AI's potential i...

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Cherie Hyder to discuss the critical topic of MSLs demonstrating VALUE. The conversation delves into defining value and effectively showcasing it to key stakeholders, including KOLs, with an emphasis on patient-centricity. The role of internal collaboration in enhancing value is examined, along with methods for measuring and communicating this value within or...

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Ralph Rewers to explore the history and evolution of Medical Affairs. They discuss the origins and progression of Medical Affairs, including the significance of the first MSL deployment. The conversation highlights the relevance of a medical background for MSLs and factors contributing to their deployment amidst modern scientific complexities. Key milesto...

In this episode, Tom Caravela explores the transformative power of self-commitment, focusing on the importance of making promises to oneself. He delves into the concept of promises and plans, examining the psychological underpinnings that drive effective self-promises. Listeners are guided on how to craft a strategic plan to ensure promises are kept, emphasizing the crucial role of execution in th...

In this episode, Tom Caravela and guests Sarah Snyder and Patrina Pellett discuss the common frustrations faced by Medical Science Liaisons, exploring the top challenges and offering practical solutions. The panelists delve into frustrations such as access to KOLs, information overload, role clarity, and impostor syndrome, with an additional focus on time management and communication challenges. T...

In this episode, Tom Caravela delves into the significance of eliminating filler words in professional as well as personal communication. He highlights the impact of these verbal fillers on perceived competence and interview performance, supported by revealing statistics. Tom explores the demographic differences in the use of filler words and their effects on audience engagement. He provides pract...

Carsten Schnatwinkel and Jeanna Cooper join Tom Caravela to discuss the evolving landscape of KOL access in medical affairs. They address challenges in securing KOL access and the role of AI and digital tools in overcoming these barriers. The conversation explores the hybrid model's significance, the impact of virtual engagement on key performance indicators, and strategies for building strong KOL...

In this episode, Greg Auclair from Cytokinetics shares his journey into medical affairs and insights into the MSL role. He discusses his transition, the evolving career paths for MSLs, and the importance of personal branding and networking. Greg offers valuable advice for aspiring MSLs, emphasizing persistence and the creation of a personal development plan. He also highlights non-doctorate paths...

This week is a solo episode, Tom Caravela, Founder and Managing Partner at The Carolan Group presents a special Thanksgiving episode on the ONE word. Tom introduces the concept of choosing a single word to guide personal and professional growth in the New Year. He provides examples of impactful words and their significance, encouraging listeners to establish their own word for the year and explore...

This week’s guest is Sarah Snyder, MSL Recruiter with The Carolan Group who discusses the importance of surrounding yourself with a motivational network.

This week's guest is Elizabeth Pash, Medical Affairs Executive Leader who shares insights on how to leverage real-world evidence (RWE) in MSL activities.

This weeks guest is Jim Hahn, Senior Business Director, Thought Leader Engagement at EMD Serono who discusses the role of the Thought Leader Liaison and how it fits into the pharma world.

This week's guest is Juan Daccach, MD, VP Global Product Safety at Merz Aesthetics who discusses Safety and its role in Medical/Product Safety and the interaction between safety physicians and medical affairs physicians (for both pharma and device)

This week’s guest is Stephanie Otis, Vice President Global Medical Excellence at Ferring Pharmaceuticals discusses future trends in the MSL field including the skills and competencies that will be essential for success.

This week's guest is Nandini Sabharwal, Director, Migraine and Women's Health, Field Medical Group at Pfizer and we discuss the role of artificial intelligence in every day MSL life.

This weeks guest is John Pracyk, Chief Medical Safety Officer, at Olympus who discusses the importance of continuous learning for professional growth and development

This week is a solo episode, Tom Caravela, Founder and Managing Partner at The Carolan Group discusses the concept of what you practice in private, is rewarded in public.

In this episode, Patrina Pellett joins Tom Caravela to dive into time management strategies for MSLs and medical affairs professionals. They introduce the concept of time audits, a practical tool for enhancing productivity by identifying and eliminating time-wasting activities. Patrina shares personal experiences and outlines a step-by-step guide to conducting a time audit, emphasizing the importa...

In this episode, Michelle Offner shares her journey from her previous roles to becoming a clinical educator. She delves into the responsibilities and importance of clinical educators, highlighting the skills and value they bring to the medical field. Michelle discusses the challenges faced in this role and offers insights into the future of clinical education. She provides practical advice for tho...

My guests this week are Vandana Grover, Sr Director, Head of Digital Strategy and Innovation at Eisai and Stevan Tomich, Lead Omni Channel Strategist at AbbVie who discuss the value of social listening for MSL success.

My guest this week is Ike Ogbaa, Vice President and Head of Medical Affairs who discusses How to Build Scientific Credibility for Continuous Career Development.