By Sarah Snyder and Patrina Pellett

“I knew the science, but I still failed.”

A new Medical Science Liaison (MSL) spent 8 weeks preparing for her MSL field certification. She knew the two Phase 3 trials inside and out. But when she got in front of the panel, medical directors, senior MSLs, and ...

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.

Truth is, you'll never achieve perfect balance.

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

By Sarah Snyder

Search this: “personal branding for MSLs.”

You’ll find career advice. Resume tips. Generic LinkedIn optimization posts.

But here’s what’s missing:

While most MSLs are quietly ignoring their digital presence…

Digital Opinion Leaders (DOLs) are building influence in public.

They ...

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That question stopped me in my tracks – not because it was surprising, but because it reflects an outdated mindset that has no place in today's pharmaceutical industry.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 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)

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...

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...