187 - Infectious Ambitions: A Pharmacist's Career Pivot from Clinical to Industry

In this episode, we interview Morgan Anderson, PharmD, BCIDP, a graduate of the RFUMS College of Pharmacy, about her career path from a pharmacy resident, emergency medicine specialist, infectious diseases specialist, and now a medical sciences liaison.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely Dr. Anderson’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of her employer. This podcast is conducted in a personal capacity, and any reference to her professional background is for context only.

Key Concepts

1. Having a wide breadth of skills and making yourself marketable is important when transitioning between jobs or career paths. Skills like communication and teamwork can be improved and are applicable to a wide variety of careers within pharmacy.
2. Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) are a common role for pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry. MSLs are field-based roles within the medical affairs department of the company. MSLs are medical and scientific experts who build collaborative relationships with key thought leaders, facilitate exchange of scientific information and insights, and serve as a conduit between these thought leaders and other areas of the company.
3. Two common career paths to pharmacists becoming an MSL are via a fellowship program or after years in clinical practice. A fellowship program provides a more structured approach, including mentoring and networking, with access to a variety of areas of the company outside of medical affairs. A pathway after clinical practice is more self-directed with less structure, but provides pharmacists with a strong clinical background that can be helpful in an MSL role.
4. Being a scientific communicator, possessing strong emotional intelligence, and being adaptable are critical soft skills that are essential for success in an MSL role. These soft skills can be improved with practice!

References

• https://www.industrypharmacist.org/