NEW PUBLICATION ALERT - MEDICAL AFFAIRS

I'm thrilled to share that our latest paper, "How Can General Managers Best Leverage Medical Affairs Now and in the Future?" led by Jon Zdon (who led this brilliantly) and co-authored by Greta James , David Henderson , Dr Sarah Tregenza , Nathalie McNeil , Dirk Otto , Josie Downey , and myself, has just been published in the journal Pharmaceutical Medicine. This paper marks a significant milestone in the evolving landscape of medical affairs.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40290-024-00528-9 - Open Access, just for you :)

The Changing Face of Medical Affairs

Traditionally, medical affairs have been viewed as a support function, primarily focusing on the provision of medical information, review and approval of promotional messages, and compliance activities. However, as the complexity of drug development and patient journeys has increased, so has the role of medical affairs. Today, it is no longer just a support function but a strategic partner and, in many cases, a leader in pharmaceutical companies.

The paper highlights the need for medical affairs professionals to possess increased business acumen, strategic thinking, innovation, and project management skills. These competencies are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern healthcare, including the higher burden of evidence required for medication reimbursement, the integration of digital and personalized healthcare, and the need for robust corporate reputation management.

Key Insights from the Paper

1. Higher Evidence Burden: The need to demonstrate the value of medications with real-world evidence and patient-relevant benefits.
2. Digital and Integrated Healthcare: Leveraging technology and data to improve patient outcomes and foster partnerships between technology and pharmaceutical companies.
3. Complex Therapeutics: Educating stakeholders on new therapeutic modalities and their applications.
4. Innovative Data Generation: Utilizing AI and other technologies to shape healthcare policies and improve treatment pathways. We need to truly put the AI into Medical AffAIrs.
5. Changing Stakeholder Engagement: Adopting a more personalized approach to engage healthcare professionals effectively across the MDT, patients and others
6. Focus on Corporate Reputation: Maintaining transparency, ethical behavior, and strong governance to uphold corporate reputation.

A Call for Modern Leadership

Our paper calls for a transformation in the leadership model of medical affairs. General managers and business unit directors must foster the evolving role of medical affairs by encouraging lateral moves for broader enterprise perspectives, shared governance responsibilities, and investment in training for future leaders. This approach will help cultivate innovative thinking and strategic leadership within the organisation. Also, I think we have smashed a glass celling or two in this regard - if you know, you know.

The Capability Framework for the Future of Medical Affairs

In alignment with these evolving needs, a group of medical affairs professionals under the leadership of Orin Chisholm have been diligently working on a capability framework designed to equip medical affairs professionals with the necessary skills and attributes for the future. This framework emphasizes strategic business acumen, innovative thinking, and cross-functional collaboration. It is part of our vision to elevate medical affairs from a reactive support role to a proactive leadership function that drives both patient and organisational outcomes. More to follow.

Upcoming Workshop

Based on the findings of our paper, we will be conducting a workshop focused on elevating medical affairs and implementing the crux of this paper in September in Sydney. Stay tuned for more details and the official flyer with all the specifics.

The future of medical affairs is bright, and by embracing a modern leadership model, we can navigate the complexities of healthcare, deliver better patient outcomes, and drive organizational success. I look forward to your participation in the workshop and to continuing this important conversation.

Together, let's lead the way to a brighter future for medical affairs.

PLEASE SHARE THIS WIDE AND FAR - also please comment..... What do you think about the findings of this paper ?

#MedicalAffairs #Leadership #Healthcare #PharmaceuticalMedicine #Innovation #StrategicThinking #CapabilityFramework MedWise Consulting Sara McLaughlin-Barrett Dianne Gill Christina Koniaras Huey Wen Lee, PhD Matthew Britland