MSL 411: The Medical Science Liaison Career Podcast

MSL 411 is the official podcast of SEMbio, hosted by Linda Eskew, an actual SEMbio recruiter with years of insider knowledge to share. If you're an MSL, or you're trying to become one, this is your audio trade journal. Follow and listen for the latest on industry trends, career transitions, salary, and networking strategies.

Browse Episodes

What We Cover

Insider knowledge from actual recruiters

Every episode draws on years of MSL and medical affairs recruiting. Here's the kind of thing you'll hear.

Career Transitions

Moving into an MSL role, or from one therapeutic area to the next.

Resume & Interview Tips

What hiring managers actually look for, from the people who screen for them.

Salary Insights

Real numbers and how to think about compensation across the field.

Industry Trends

Where pharma and biotech hiring is heading and what it means for you.

Interview Preparation

How to prep for every stage of a medical affairs interview.

Networking Strategies

Building the relationships that move a medical affairs career forward.

Latest Episodes

Recent from MSL 411

EP 45

Episode 45

The Fellowship Path: Not Your Average Rotation

In this episode of MSL 411, Linda sits down with Obinna Ekechukwu, PharmD, Senior Medical Science Liaison in Oncology, to explore the fellowship pathway into the MSL role, and why it’s definitely “not your average rotation.” Whether you’re a PharmD student, fellow, aspiring MSL, or simply curious about nontraditional pharmacy careers, this episode offers practical insight into building a meaningful career in field medical.

EP 44

Episode 44

The Contract MSL Route to Industry: One PharmD’s Path Out of Retail Pharmacy

In this episode of MSL 411, host Linda Eskew sits down with Rupesh Patel, PharmD, to unpack one of the most realistic (and often misunderstood) pathways into Medical Affairs: the contract MSL role. Coming from a retail pharmacy background, Rupesh shares the challenges of breaking into industry, why most retail pharmacists struggle to make the transition, and what it actually takes to stand out. We’ll dive into how contract MSL roles work, why they can be a powerful entry point, and how to leverage them into long-term career success. Along the way, we’ll share insights about networking, LinkedIn strategy, and the mindset required to make the leap. If you’ve ever wondered whether breaking into Medical Affairs is possible from a nontraditional background, this episode is for you.

EP 43

Episode 43

AI: Friend, Frenemy, or Field Partner?, Featuring Nathaniel Boutté, PharmD

AI isn’t coming to Medical Affairs – it’s already here. The real question is: are you using it… or avoiding it? In this episode of MSL 411, host Linda Eskew sits down with Nathaniel Boutté, PharmD, to break down what AI actually looks like in the day-to-day life of an MSL. From practical ways to save time to the gray areas around compliance and KOL trust, this conversation explores how to use AI effectively, without crossing the line. If you’ve been curious (or cautious) about where AI fits into your role, this episode will give you a clear, real-world perspective on how to start using it, and what to watch out for.

Your Host

Linda Eskew

Linda is an actual SEMbio recruiter, not an outside voice. She sits down with veterans of the field to hear their career journeys, the insights they've gathered along the way, and how to find the right role. If you're in medical affairs or working your way here, this is the conversation to listen in on.

Never miss an episode

Follow MSL 411 wherever you listen, and get insider career insight from the people who recruit for these roles every day.