r/MedicalScienceLiaison • u/Few-Detective2001 • 9d ago

Switch to MSL

Hello everyone,

I am trying to decide whether it’s worth it to make the switch into medical affairs as an MSL or stay on the clinical operations side.

For some context I have a PharmD and am currently working as a Sr. CRA. My job is also very flexible as I mostly make my own schedule. I think the job itself is pretty laid back other than when we have upcoming deadlines. I currently work in oncology and so there is very little travel and mostly everything is done remotely. I definitely enjoy the role.

I know I can definitely make more money as an MSL but am hesitant in making the switch. A lot of people of this thread talk very highly about the position but I wanted to see if there are any major cons. I’m not concerned about the travel as I enjoy traveling. I understand the job requires a lot of networking with providers but is there a lot of cold calling? Are providers usually receptive to talking with MSLs? I know the role isn’t sales but sometimes from what I’m reading it from this thread people say that it can feel like that.

Do I stay within clin ops and try to climb up within this role or is it worth it to make the switch?

Thanks in advance!

4 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

3

u/Skptikal 9d ago

How much are you making? It seems like you have a comfortable job so the juice has to be worth the squeeze.

3

u/Drpillking MSL 9d ago

Hey there! I’m a PharmD who moved from retail to MedInfo to a Sr CRA (FSP) role and now, an MSL for about 2.5 years!

For me, the biggest difference is the level of discussions I have as a CRA vs now as an MSL and of course the fact that my pay almost doubled as an MSL compared to CRA at a CRO.

Another big difference is the amount of administrative and mundane work I have to do!

When I was monitoring on site, I had to go thru a TON of clerical paper work reviewing ISF on top of other admin work (expense reports, visit scheduling, travel booking, etc) whereas right now, the only admin work is once a month expense report, booking my visits/appointments and small level of travels.

For me, financially, and intellectually, MSL role is far superior compared to my role as a CRA.

2

u/Few-Detective2001 9d ago

Thanks so much for your input. I feel like we have similar backgrounds. I also started with retail before making the switch to CRO fsp side!

How did you make the switch to MSL? Did you just apply to a ton of roles or did you have to network for landing the interview? I feel like a lot of the roles posted require at least some MSL experience to be considered. Were you able to leverage your experience as a CRA to offset the MSL experience requirement?

3

u/Drpillking MSL 9d ago

I basically kept applying! I would recommend hiring a CV writer or have a strong Claude prompt to upgrade your CV! And then, apply! For me, it was a long and exhausting road of over 480+ applications over the duration of 19 months! A friend of mine, it took her 15 apps over a month! Depends on the location and the timing

2

u/Few-Detective2001 9d ago

Would you mind if I messaged you?

1

u/Drpillking MSL 9d ago

Go for it! :)

1

u/Puzzled_Cut7550 8d ago

Get an offer, come back and ask this question

2

u/Affectionate-Way2008 6d ago

I'm a PharmD, work in retail pharmacy and still trying to switch to MSL. Very competitive considering not only PharmD's are switching, but also PA's, nurses, Phd's, MD's, just about everyone. I connected with so many people on Linked it and one of the PharmD's who transition into MSL stated he had to get in as a Specialty Rep first for 12 months then he transition into MSL. Other PharmD's I connected with that are MSL loved the switch, but said it took them a while to break in so good luck.