Welcome to the MSL Mastery Blog

By Sarah Snyder
 

Let's get real about this whole work-life balance thing as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). 

It's a myth. And honestly? 

It's making you feel worse, not better.

Here's the truth: You'll never achieve perfect balance.

That conference week where your kid gets sick, your workout ...

By Sarah Snyder

Personal branding for MSLs and Medical Affairs professionals isn't optional anymore.

Think about it.

What's the FIRST thing you do before meeting someone new? 

You have their name and...

You Google them. 

Don't pretend you don't - we all do it. 🙂 

I was chatting with a well-respected ...

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outdated mindset that has no place in today's pharmaceutical industry.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

"Don't bother applying to that MSL role directly - I can double your chances of getting an interview."

I used to think recruiters were just middlemen until I became one. Now, after placing hundreds of Medical Affairs professionals at top pharmaceutical companies, I've seen it al...

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 Sarah Snyder, PharmD

If your training program doesn't immediately connect to an MSL's daily reality, it's already failed. 

After 20 years as an MSL and daily conversations with field teams, I see this disconnect growing wider. While we're living in 2025's fast-paced medical landscape, our Me...

By Patrina Pellett, PhD (Follow me on LinkedIn)

“Hi Patrina, Happy Holidays! I just wanted to let you know that one of the best moments for me this year was when I printed all your blogs, made a binder, and read through them multiple times—they’ve been so inspiring and insightful.”
— Aspiring MSL

By Sarah Snyder, PharmD

A Medical Science Liaison candidate recently confided, “I miss the old days of interviewing in person. I’m just better that way. I can connect more easily.”

I understood. In-person interviews had a certain simplicity and immediacy. Sitting face-to-face, shaking hands, an...

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)

When you think of “presentation skills,” what comes to mind? Probably a big, formal event with a polished PowerPoint and an audience full of bigwigs, right? But here’s the truth: it’s not just the big moments that shape your career.

It’s the everyday...