Welcome to the MSL Mastery Blog

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn) 

Rejection is inevitable in the Medical Affairs world. Whether it's a job rejection, a KOL who won’t meet with you, or an internal opportunity that slips through your fingers, the sting is real. But the most successful MSLs don’t just survive rejec...

By Sarah Snyder

"Isn't she a little old to be moving into a new role?"

Someone seriously asked me that.

That question stopped me in my tracks – not because it was surprising, but because it reflects an

outdated mindset that has no place in today's pharmaceutical industry.

The Reality of Modern Ph...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

When Tom Caravela hosted Samantha Buckley on his MSL Talk podcast, they expected her story of transitioning from clinical pharmacist to MSL to inspire listeners. But what happened was totally unexpected: Episode 195, What's the ULTIMATE Checklist f...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Whoop whoop! You landed your first MSL role! 🎉

First things first. Take a moment to celebrate. Getting an MSL position is a huge accomplishment, and you should be proud! But now that the excitement is settling let's talk about what's ahead.

That ...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

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2025 is YOUR year. It’s the year to elevate your impact, refine your craft, and prio...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Let me ask you something: who’s responsible for your career growth? Is it your boss? Your company? A magical hiring manager with a secret roadmap to your dream job?

Spoiler alert: it’s you.

Here’s the thing. Waiting for someone else to hand you o...

By Sarah Snyder

Setting your sights on becoming a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) is an exciting career path! 

MSLs hold some of the most impactful roles in the life sciences, spanning across pharmaceutical, biotechnology, diagnostics, and medical device industries. If you’re passionate about ...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Most aspiring MSLs walk into an interview as their personable, engaging selves and then something strange happens. They switch to “robot mode,” giving overly formal, rehearsed answers. The warmth and authenticity that make them memorable vanish, an...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

“Network,” they say. “It’s the best way to get a job,” they say. But let’s be honest networking is the worst. Awkward small talk, reaching out to strangers, and getting rejected. It's really cringey.

But there is no way around it! Whether you'r...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

You know that feeling when you absolutely crush a presentation? You walk out of the room or hit 'Leave Meeting' feeling like a million bucks.

There are several presentations in my career where I know I just CRUSHED it. One was in person at a la...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

The MSL job search process can feel like an endless uphill climb. You send out application after application, only to be met with silence. You finally get an interview, but then you’re ghosted. Or worse, you make it to the final round, only to be t...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

Have you noticed how almost every MSL job description mentions insights? That's because insights are one of the core responsibilities of the MSL role and a central way that Medical Affairs teams deliver value. Without a doubt, if someone wants to m...