The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly had a profound impact on Field Medical Affairs. Has the Medical Science Liaison role changed forever? What new titles, trends and opportunities might emerge as a result of the new age for Field Medical and the evolution of the Medical Science Liaison?

Is virtual engagement truly here to stay?

While the jury is still out on what percentage of KOL interaction and general business practice will be virtual, I am of the opinion that Field Medical Affairs will indeed go back to a predominantly live, face-to face-role with some – but limited – virtual engagement. The key to success for MSLs is to establish strong peer-to-peer relationships with KOLs and be seen as a true partner. It becomes significantly more difficult to achieve this virtually, so while it is certainly possible to perform the role through digital engagement, there is no real substitute for live face-to-face interaction. That said, virtual engagement and digital tools enhance the MSL role, and  are certainly here to stay. To what degree and extent is still to be determined, but I expect the top performing MSLs will know how to find the proper balance.

The REAL paradigm shift

While the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a dramatic paradigm shift for the entire world to navigate through, perhaps the most important trend facing the pharmaceutic