RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC--(Marketwire - May 6, 2008) - New data recently released by
intelligence firm Cutting Edge Information reveals significant trends in
MSL job requirements. The study finds that 94% of companies require at
least a master's degree, while 80% of companies demand that an applicant
have a doctoral degree such as MD PhD, PharmD or PhD.
For applicants with a master's degree, the requisite amount of experience
sits much higher than for those with doctoral degrees. Many companies
require applicants with only master's degrees to have more than a decade of
experience. Those applicants with doctoral degrees are often still
required to have approximately five years experience, preferably as
investigators, practicing physicians or MSLs.
"MSLs that function as super-sales reps or strictly sales support still
exist, but such a role is no longer the norm," says Elio Evangelista, lead
author of the report. "With regulation severing the tie between medical
affairs and sales -- and by extension -- MSLs and sales, MSLs are now
relied upon for their scientific and clinical trial expertise. In many
cases, they fill a highly strategic educational role."
MSLs benefit their companies by educating doctors beyond facts learned on
cue cards. In fact, companies now look for personnel with the experience
to talk to physicians on a peer-to-peer basis. MSLs no longer make sales
calls, but come at physicians' requests for educational updates. They also
provide a link between the company and physicians for potential research
partnerships. In this way, MSLs foster a two-way relationship with the
medical community.
The 203-page report was developed from survey and interview data for 30
pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. Its findings enable companies
to improve their thought leader management by maximizing their MSLs' value,
scientific knowledge and relationship-building skills.
This study covers these key aspects of MSL programs:
-- Structure, Budgets and Staffing
-- MSL Qualifications and Performance Measurement
-- Field Force Strategies and Communication
The report contains 500+ metrics, including the following:
-- Number of thought leader relationships by company size
-- Degrees required by MSLs working with PCP thought leaders
-- Breakdowns of thought leader relationships by company size and
provider category
-- Ratio of MSLs to sales reps
Download a complimentary report summary here:
http://cuttingedgeinfo.com/mslperformance/PH115_Download.asp#body
Report Website:
www.MSLPerformance.com
Contact Information: CONTACT INFORMATION:
Elio Evangelista
919-433-0214