Our Podcast

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 46

Episode 46

Making It Work: Parenting, Travel, and Life as an MSL

In this episode of MSL 411, we’re talking about something that doesn’t always make it into conversations about field medical careers, and that’s what it actually looks like to be a parent while doing this job. Host Linda Eskew is joined by Lille Tidwell, PhD, an MSL who has lived nearly every stage of that experience. We’ll talk candidly about the practical realities of parenting as an MSL, the experiences that are especially challenging for mothers, how territory size and company culture can change the equation, and the systems Lille has developed over the years to make both career and family work. Whether you’re already an MSL with children, considering starting a family, or wondering whether a travel-heavy Medical Affairs career can fit the life you want outside of work, this conversation offers a realistic look at what’s possible.

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.

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.

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