Celebrating the MSLs on International MSL day!

To celebrate International MSL Day, we asked some of our MSLs to share their insights and show what a day in their shoes looks like.

Here’s what our colleagues said:

Life as an MSL …

Leisl Packer

For me personally, I come from an academic research background, with the highlight being my time spent at the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) in London investigating BRAF and MEK inhibitors in melanoma.

After 5 years at ICR, the MSL role appealed to me as it enables me to use my scientific expertise in a clinical setting and to continue working at the forefront of cancer treatments, just in a different capacity. 

I love the diversity in my role – from data analysis, science communication, having in-depth conversations with clinical experts, planning educational events, and the role we play in shaping local medical strategy. 

Throughout my time as an MSL, I’ve learned so many valuable lessons. I think emotional intelligence is the most important thing I’ve learned. Being able to ask open questions and actively listening to what the clinicians have to say is the most important part of the MSL role. These skills are key in understanding the clinical unmet need and help us understand how our trials are standing up to local expectations, as well as understand how they align with treatment practice.

Dennis Ruder

My early career was heavily focused on pre-clinicaltranslational research before I transitioned to a private oncology biotech company, eventually helping pharma companies develop their lead candidate drugsas a project manager/pharma liaison. From this experience, I wanted to bridge my pre-clinical knowledge with the clinical development phase of novel drugs, so I transitioned into the MSL role with AstraZeneca, which allows me to continuously support important medicines, and most importantly, impact patient lives through my discussions with healthcare providers.

Working with the goal of impacting patients is what motivates me, but there are lots that I love about my job. I’ve been able to build great relationships with oncologists over the years; it’s so gratifying to get a phone call from an HCP, regardless of what the topic is, because they know they can count on me, and they know I will do everything I can to support. All these tie into putting patients first!

 If there’s one thing I’ve learned as an MSL: emotional intelligence goes a long way! It also helps to be kind, aware, and flexible.

Rita Cordeiro

My biggest inspiration is my big sister and best friend, Ana, who is a pediatrician specializing in primary immunodeficiencies. I grew up seeing her passion and dedication to her patients – the effort, focus, and above all commitment to never give up on our dreams.

 In late 2017, I was given the opportunity to join AstraZeneca’s Medical Department as an MSL in the women's cancer field. My time working as a clinical research associate in breast cancer research helped me to realize that it was a disease area I’m very passionate about. Working inside the hospitals with all the investigational team members, oncologists, nurses, pharmacists, and data coordinators also made me keenly aware of the important machine that is behind treating patients. The dedication they had to all patients and family members increased my awareness of the impact the pharmaceutical industry has and how I could potentially become a part of that world. 

Now, being part of that world, I get up every day with a smile on my face. There are few people who get to say this along their professional path. I always say how lucky I am to be able to work in an area and function that I love and that allows me to be able to contribute to the lives and well-being of people; breast cancer research is a truly fascinating world and one I adore. It is so gratifying to know that what we all do on a daily basis has such an impact on patients and their families. 

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Thank you, MSLs, for everything you do to help patients and transform science to care.

If you would like to join the MSL team or would like to know more about the roles available, please contact Amy Spencer.