Ep 42: Navigating the MSL Journey Through Growth and Acquisition, Featuring Johnathan Pinkhasov, PharmD, MBA

In this episode of MSL 411, host Linda Eskew sits down with Johnathan Pinkhasov, PharmD, MBA, to discuss breaking into the MSL role, evolving career expectations, and navigating change, including company acquisitions. Johnathan shares honest reflections on career pivots, self-investment, and lessons learned from nearly a decade in Medical Affairs. A must-listen for aspiring and current MSLs looking to build a resilient, intentional career in a constantly changing industry.

Ep 41: How Commercial Experience Elevates the MSL Role, Featuring Corey Hicks, PhD

In this episode of MSL 411, host Linda Eskew has a conversation with Corey Hicks, PhD and seasoned Medical Affairs professional, whose path includes nearly two decades in commercial roles before transitioning into the medical side of the industry. Corey’s unique vantage point across both functions gives him a rare ability to articulate the strengths, challenges, and opportunities built into each.

Ep 40: The Continuum of Care: From Career to Calling, Featuring Christian Hommes

In this conversation of the MSL 411 podcast, host Linda Eskew is joined by Christian Hommes, a Physician Assistant turned Patient Diagnosis Liaison whose professional journey into Medical Affairs was inspired by his personal experience as a caregiver to his son, Silas, who lives with Angelman syndrome. This conversation explores how lived experience can shape a career in Medical Affairs, what the PDL role entails, and the power of empathy and advocacy in rare disease.

Ep 39: Making Science Stick: Storytelling in the MSL Role, Featuring Josh Wageman

Every great MSL knows science is only half the story. In this episode of MSL 411, host Linda Eskew is joined by Senior MSL Josh Wageman to discuss how storytelling, analogy, and authenticity can bridge the gap between complex data and human understanding… and why that skill might just be the most powerful tool in Medical Affairs.

Ep 38: Imposter Syndrome in the MSL Role (And Beyond)

In this episode of the MSL 411 podcast, host Linda Eskew interviews Tiffney Palmer, a PharmD and Senior MSL, who shares her professional journey from pharmacist to HIV specialist to MSL. Tiffany discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, the importance of mentorship and community, and her advocacy for women’s health. She emphasizes the need for confidence, the value of networking, and practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt in the medical field.

Ep 37: Breaking Into Medical Affairs: From Academia to Industry

In this episode of the MSL 411 podcast, Linda Eskew interviews Chris Heffner, PhD, a neuroscientist who transitioned from academia to an MSL role at Teva Pharmaceutical. Chris shares his journey, including the challenges and surprises he faced while breaking into Medical Affairs, the application process, and his onboarding experience. He emphasizes the importance of networking, understanding the industry, and leveraging transferable skills from academia. Chris also discusses the daily life of an MSL, the adjustments he had to make, and offers valuable advice for aspiring MSLs.

Ep 36: Keep it Human: Chad Fellers on Modern Medical Affairs Leadership

In this episode of the MSL 411 podcast, host Linda Eskew interviews Chad Fellers, PharmD, a seasoned Medical Affairs leader. Chad discusses his extensive career journey, his insights on leadership versus management, the importance of strategy in Medical Affairs, and how to define success in MSL teams. Chad shares his experiences in building teams and strategies from scratch, adapting leadership styles post-COVID, and the significance of servant leadership. This episode dives into the human aspect of leadership and offers valuable advice for aspiring leaders in the industry.

Ep 35: Mastering the Job Market: Insights from Tracy Johnson, RPh, CPC

In this episode of MSL 411, Linda and Ashley welcome Tracy Johnson, Senior Medical Affairs Recruiter at SEMbio, to discuss how candidates can stand out in a tight job market. Tracy shares her insights from recent conferences, highlights key qualities that successful candidates possess, and offers strategies for navigating the job market. This episode emphasizes the importance of preparation, authenticity, and follow-up in the interview process, while also addressing common pitfalls candidates face. Tracy remains optimistic about the job market, encouraging candidates to stay engaged and proactive in their job search.

Ep 34: Inside the MSL Training Program, featuring Shannon Colton, PhD

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda welcome Shannon Colton, PhD, to the podcast to share her extensive experience in MSL training, onboarding, and certification. Shannon discusses the importance of effective training methods and the significance of certification for field readiness. She emphasizes the art of storytelling in MSL engagements and highlights the importance of ongoing professional development. She also highlights the value of being involved in the hiring process to ensure that new MSLs are coachable and possess the necessary skills for success.

Ep 33: The Power of Presence: It’s More Than Just a Blazer, featuring Jill White, PharmD

In this episode of MSL 411, Lawrence Beck, CPC, Partner and Account Manager at SEMbio, dives into why DIY searches to fill your MSL roles might be holding you back from finding the best candidates. If you’re scratching your head over why your LinkedIn posts or career page aren’t attracting the right talent, this one’s for you. Plus, if you’re curious about what your friends at SEMbio are doing behind the scenes to support your hiring needs, you won’t want to miss this episode! Tune in for insights that could change the way you approach your MSL search process!

Ep 32: Why DIY Candidate Searches are Hurting Your Team, featuring Lawrence Beck, CPC

In this episode of MSL 411, Lawrence Beck, CPC, Partner and Account Manager at SEMbio, dives into why DIY searches to fill your MSL roles might be holding you back from finding the best candidates. If you’re scratching your head over why your LinkedIn posts or career page aren’t attracting the right talent, this one’s for you. Plus, if you’re curious about what your friends at SEMbio are doing behind the scenes to support your hiring needs, you won’t want to miss this episode! Tune in for insights that could change the way you approach your MSL search process!

Ep 31:  Learning the Lingo

Calling all Aspiring MSLs! In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda speak to those interested in exploring the MSL role and bring you some tips for building confidence through learning the MSL lingo.

Ep 30:  Inside the HEOR and RWE Role, featuring Joe DeMattei, PharmD, MBA

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda welcome Joe DeMattei, PharmD, MBA, to the podcast to talk about his experience in a field-based outcomes role. Joe offers great insights for anyone exploring this side of industry, or looking to pivot from field medical.

Ep 29: The Behavioral Interview

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda discuss how to approach an interview that prioritizes situational and behavioral questions over specific skill sets.

Ep 28: Networking for Career Growth, featuring Sonali Pandhe, PhD

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda welcome Sonali Pandhe, PhD, to the podcast to speak about navigating the world of networking. As a seasoned MSL and leader of the Dallas/Ft Worth chapter of a national networking organization, Sonali shares her unique perspective on pursuing professional and career growth in a remote role, where visibility within her company is mostly virtual.

Ep 27: “Sleighing” the End-of-Year Checklist

The year is drawing to a close, and in this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda discuss what MSLs should be thinking about as they look ahead and make their plans for 2025.

Ep 26: Effective Communication in a Networking Conversation

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda are piggybacking on their previous episode (Engaging MSLs Outside Your Network) to answer an important question: “Now what?” You’ve made the connection and they’ve agreed to speak with you, now how do you prepare yourself for a successful conversation? We’re covering top tips for effective communication and preparation for a networking conversation.

Ep 25:  Engaging MSLs Outside Your Network

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda discuss strategies for effective networking with MSLs outside of your network. Whether you’re looking to make new contacts with fellow MSLs or you’re an aspiring MSL seeking an informational interview, this one is for you!

Ep 24:  Territory Talk

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda talk about MSL geographies, what the differences between small and large territory sizes can imply for you as an MSL, and how to speak about this subject intentionally in your interview!

Ep 23: Laid Off, Now What?

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda talk about an inevitable part of working in industry – change! Layoffs can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime, big company or small! Check out this episode where we help you think through this very tough topic, before it happens to you.

 Ep. 22: Offers and Counteroffers, featuring Mary Morton

Navigating a job offer can be tricky. Most people find themselves in this situation only a handful of times throughout their entire career, so at those times it can be tough to know what to expect or where to turn for advice. In this episode, Mary Morton, Director of Recruiting & Business Development at SEMbio, joins Linda and Ashley to give the 411 on offers and counteroffers, and addresses several frequently asked questions on this topic.

 Ep. 21: Resume Roadmap: Fit for the ATS

I apply online for MSL roles but consistently get no response. Is my resume even getting through to the hiring manager? If this sounds familiar, this episode of MSL 411 is for you! Tune in as Ashley and Linda discuss how to ensure your resume is a fit for the Applicant Tracking System, a resume intake program often utilized by hiring authorities.

 Ep. 20: Resume Roadmap: The Professional Summary

How can aspiring (and experienced) MSLs write a resume professional summary that will entice MSL hiring managers to want to read more? In this episode of our MSL 411 “Resume Roadmap” series, Linda and Ashley cover the finer points of the professional summary section, and break down what a great summary should include.

 Ep. 19: Resume Roadmap: Translating Your Experience for the MSL Role

In today’s Medical Affairs industry, where many hiring managers require previous MSL experience, how can aspiring MSLs relate their background and experience as relevant for the MSL role? In this episode of MSL 411, Linda and Ashley talk about how to translate scientific expertise, research experience, or clinical background on your resume when applying for MSL roles.

 Ep. 18: Resume Roadmap: Marketing Your MSL Work Experience

Do you struggle with how to effectively communicate your personal achievements as an MSL on a resume? In this episode of MSL 411, Linda and Ashley go into detail about the experience section of the resume, and how best to market yourself and your accomplishments as an MSL.

 Ep. 17: Stepping Stone Roles

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda discuss a common question from candidates committed to transitioning into Medical Affairs: “Should I apply for stepping stone roles?”

 Ep. 16: Career Change vs Job Hop

What is the dividing line between a “job hop” and a career change? In this episode of MSL 411, Linda and Ashley discuss the topic of job changes, and provide some points to consider when making a move!

 Ep. 15: Should I Stay or Go? Passive vs Active Job Searching

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda discuss what to keep in mind, whether you’re actively searching for a new opportunity or passively listening.

 Ep. 14: Relocating for the MSL Role, featuring Zack Sessions

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda welcome a longtime friend and MSL to the podcast to talk about his experience with moving for an MSL role. We discuss challenges, opportunities, and whether being open to relocating might help you in your search for an MSL role.

 Ep. 13: Your First MSL Salary

In this episode of MSL 411, Ashley and Linda cover the different components of the MSL salary package. Tune in for an episode packed full of advice for navigating the offer stage.

 Ep. 12: The Art of Asking Great Questions Featuring Tracy Johnson, RPh

In this episode of MSL 411, Medical Affairs Recruiter Tracy Johnson, RPh, joins Ashley for a chat on the art of asking great questions, and how to answer the tough ones.

 Ep. 11: Captivating Your Audience in a Virtual Setting

In this episode of MSL 411, Linda interviews Ashley for her recruiter’s take on overcoming the challenges a virtual environment creates for captivating your audience, as opposed to in-person meetings or interviews.

 Ep. 10: Transitioning Into Leadership featuring Angela Valadez

In this episode of MSL 411, we’re joined by Angela Valadez, PharmD, Director of Field Medical in Ophthalmology at Regeneron. We’re digging deep into Angela’s journey from MSL to MSL Director, the steps she took along the way, and her tips for success in your own personal career story.

 Ep. 9: Perfecting the Presentation

In this episode of MSL 411, Linda and Ashley get into the nitty-gritty of MSL presentations.

 Ep. 8: Medical Affairs Strategic Summit (MASS) East Recap featuring Lawrence Beck

Recruiting and Account Management Team Lead Lawrence Beck, CPC, joins the podcast to recap hot topics from this year’s MASS East conference, and shares his take on identifying companies that place high value on Medical Affairs.

 Ep. 7: Staying Organized Through the Application Process

In this episode of MSL 411, Linda interviews Ashley about tips for staying organized in the application and interview process.

 Ep. 6: What’s in a Title with Rochelle Aguilera, CPC

In this episode we sit down with Principal Medical Affairs Recruiter Rochelle Aguilera, CPC, to discuss the different industry titles for MSL roles, and how to objectively weigh these titles during your job search.

 Ep. 5: Interviewing Tips for Aspiring MSLs featuring Cori Lattanzi, CPC

In this episode of MSL 411 we sit down with Senior Recruiter, Cori Lattanzi, CPC, to talk about interviewing tips for Aspiring MSLs.