How Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) Master Scientific Communication

Do you know the term "Medical Science Liaison?" Until recently, I had not heard of this role. Because we work with a lot of scientists on their communications, it intrigued me. I met a medical science liaison earlier this year. Here is our conversation.

The bottom line: You may or may not have encountered this title; don't let its unfamiliarity fool you—MSLs are key to patient care (you and me) and are among the elite in the scientific community.?

In our exclusive interview with Tiffany MacKenzie, PhD, we’ll unpack the role of the MSL.?

What is an MSL?

An MSL - or Medical Science Liaison - is a highly specialized expert who takes the most complex, high-stakes data and distills it into actionable insights for healthcare providers, researchers, and executives. (When I heard the word “distill”, I was hooked straight away - helping executives distill complex ideas is my passion.)??

Once MSLs distill, they have to disseminate. Then, it’s a “both-and.” The MSL role demands both scientific expertise and exceptional communication skills, a blend that makes them indispensable in a fast-paced scientific landscape.?

Distilling any information down to its essence is hard enough.?

Distilling scientific information is another level entirely.

Recently, I sat down with Tiffany MacKenzie, PhD to explore how her role is redefining how scientific exchange happens in real time. Dr. MacKenzie is a Senior MSL with a breadth of experience - from small biopharmaceutical start-ups to large pharmaceutical companies - she has seen a lot over her career.

Whether you’re leading a team, developing new technology, or presenting to a board, the lessons she shares can help you elevate your own approach to executive communication.

The Origin Story of MSLs

Cindy: ?Tiffany, it’s great to meet you. I’m always curious about origin stories. How did the MSL role originally begin???

Dr. MacKenzie: The MSL role emerged in the late 60s, early 70s, at Upjohn Pharmaceuticals. At first, MSLs were sales representatives with valuable scientific backgrounds, but the role has evolved significantly since then.

Cindy: It sounds like MSLs carry a big responsibility for educating. How do you see this role?

Dr. MacKenzie: Absolutely. As an educator, I engage in what's called “scientific exchange” with thought leaders and stakeholders. My job is to provide balanced information, particularly to healthcare providers, like doctors and pharmacists.?

Take drug approvals. If a drug is approved for adult use only, and someone requests it for a 17-year-old, I share the conditions and potential risks involved. I never tell physicians how to practice, but I provide high-level data that could inform their decisions. We support them at a deeper level.

Reader Tip: How can you simplify technical details without losing accuracy? Aim to share select insights that help decision-makers versus overwhelming them with jargon.

Do MSLs get involved in Drug Releases?

Cindy: That’s so interesting. Can you give an example where your role might prevent something from going wrong, like with a drug release?

Dr. MacKenzie: Definitely.? I'm consistently responding to requests for medical information which help health care providers (HCPs) make informed decisions, especially for special patient populations.?

A special population may include potential patients who have a health condition which is not contraindicated in the prescribing label (PI) but is listed as a warning in the PI. I can discuss relevant, up-to-date data with the HCP regarding special patient populations, so they have access to balanced scientific information to best manage their patients.

Reader Tip: In your work, how do you anticipate challenges before they arise? Is there a way you can provide insights earlier in the decision-making process?

MSLs: The Mechanics of Scientific Comms

Cindy: I’m always curious to hear about the mechanics of communications in a science environment. When you meet with clinicians, how do scientific conversations usually go? What do they ask you about?

Dr. MacKenzie: Honestly, it varies. In a typical 30-minute virtual meeting, I might start with rapport-building—asking how things are going in their practice. Then, I present a short overview of a therapeutic area, and we spend most of the time gathering their feedback.?

My job is to listen, and the insights I gather can actually lead to changes in how a drug is prescribed or labeled. These insights are critical for executive teams.

Reader Tip: When was the last time you focused more on listening than presenting? Sometimes the most valuable information comes from listening closely to what your stakeholders are saying—or not saying.

Cindy: You mentioned changes to drug labels—do you have the power to influence big decisions?

Dr. MacKenzie: Yes, though it’s subtle. By gathering insights from the field, I represent the voice of healthcare providers. These insights can influence everything from prescribing information to drug labels. It’s about creating a feedback loop between the clinicians and the pharmaceutical company.

Reader Tip: How often do you create feedback loops with your team or clients? What insights could you gather that would help shape your next big decision?

The MSL Industry: Trends and Challenges

Cindy: How do you stay updated on trends in your industry? Are there communities or professional societies you’re part of?

Dr. MacKenzie: Yes, several. For example, the Medical Science Liaison Society and the Medical Affairs Professional Society (MAPS) offer a wealth of resources. I’m also looking forward to a Technology Summit focused on integrating AI into our highly regulated field.

Reader Tip: Are you staying plugged into industry trends? Joining professional groups or attending key events can provide fresh insights to keep you ahead of the curve.

Cindy: This is so interesting, I did not know a lot about this industry. Thank you for cracking it open! What’s the biggest challenge in your field right now?

Dr. MacKenzie: I’d say one consistent challenge has to do with MSL’s ensuring that we demonstrate value. Meaning, we don’t have direct sales metrics to show our impact. Instead, it’s about quality—how well we gather insights and build trust with clinicians. For instance, a quick exchange at a conference might lead to valuable feedback, but it’s tough to quantify that.

Reader Tip: How do you measure success in areas where metrics are less obvious? Are you focusing on the quality of your relationships and the value of insights gathered?

Cindy: Fascinating. This was an insightful discussion! Thank you for your time, Dr. MacKenzie!?

Dr. MacKenzie: My pleasure!

Consider yourself educated now, about Medical Science Liaisons! You are not well-positioned for your next cocktail party.

In all seriousness, Tiffany's story is a powerful reminder that elite communication isn’t just about what you say, but how you say it.?

Our conversation reveals that clear communication, particularly in technical fields, is not just a nice-to-have —it’s the edge that sets top-tier professionals apart.?

In roles where the stakes are high and the details complex, mastering this skill is what sets leaders apart. As you refine your own communication, remember that clarity, trust, and insight are your greatest tools.

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