Embracing "Desirable Difficulties" In the MSL Role
George Limen, PharmD, ACCA
2023 MSL Rookie of the Year (USA) | Senior Medical Liaison @ Novo Nordisk, Facilitating Scientific Exchange on the Disease of Obesity | Les Avis Sont Les Miens
Medical science liaisons #MSLs navigate a complex world - bridging the gap between scientific innovation and clinical practice, demanding deep scientific knowledge, effective communication, and adaptability. But did you know these very challenges can be a secret weapon? That is why they are called "Desirable Difficulties".
Desirable difficulty is a term that was introduced by Robert Bjork in his 1994 to refer to a theory of learning in which challenge is seen as the key to long-term learning. Desirable difficulties are those challenges that stretch us, foster learning, and ultimately lead to growth.
For #MSLs, desirable difficulties might present themselves as challenges in deciphering intricate clinical data, translating complex science for diverse audiences, navigating the challenges of building relationships even with unwilling HCPs or tackling ethical dilemmas in drug development, and societal misunderstanding of clinical research.
While these "difficulties" can be daunting, they're an anvil we can all use to hone scientific expertise, refine communication skills, and become invaluable assets to healthcare teams. By embracing these challenges, #DesirableDifficulties, MSLs not only contribute to better patient outcomes but also cultivate a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction.
Here are some #MSL traits and how #DesirableDifficulties might show up…
?So, the next time you face a seemingly insurmountable hurdle in your #MSL role, remember it might be a #DesirableDifficulty in disguise. Embrace the challenge, push your boundaries, and watch yourself and your impact flourish!
领英推荐
#MedicalScienceLiaison #DesirableDifficulties #PurposeAndImpact
Read more about desirable difficulties:
Bjork, R. A. (1994). Memory and metamemory considerations in the training of human beings. In J. Metcalfe & A. P. Shimamura (Eds.), Metacognition: Knowing about knowing (pp. 185–205). The MIT Press.
Also, read Keely O'neil's LinkedIn post on #DesirableDifficulties
?
Field Medical Director, Malignant Heme
11 个月Another great read! Embrace the “desirable difficulties,” or even better, seek them out and continue to grow.
Medical Account Director, Managed Markets at Novo Nordisk
11 个月Love this George!
Manager of Scientific Content and Engagement Strategy | Scientific Trainer | Content Creator | Medical Affairs Career Consultant
11 个月What a positive way to frame our everyday work challenges! Thanks for the mental reset this morning, George!
Nehmen Sie auch am MSL Exzellenz Experten Treffen (M.E.E.T.) teil? Hier treffen sich MSL/-Teamleiter zum gegenseitigen Austausch und Lernen I Folgen Sie mir für Tipps in der Arztkommunikation → Folgen + ??
11 个月George Limen, PharmD, ACCA that is an interesting topic as I just spoke to a MSL lead who said "my team is always in firefighting mode. Anything challenging other teams can't achieve we need to solve". Interestingly, in many situations MSL are able to solve a situation, but feel stressed never the less. According to your post it might be helpful if MSL can reframe those moments as #DesirableDifficulty in disguise. In any case they will train their flexibility ??