6 Common MSL Mistakes—and How to Avoid Them | Field Medical Career Advice

What separates a good MSL from a trusted scientific partner? In this episode of The Pharmaverse Podcast, Michael Pietrack sits down with Gerard Diesenroth, PharmD, a field medical leader with experience building high-performing MSL teams, leading MSL training, and supporting multiple drug launches. Gerard breaks down six common mistakes Medical Science Liaisons make—in KOL engagements, at medical conferences, and within their own organizations—and shares practical ways to improve. You’ll learn why MSLs should avoid the “data dump,” how to build long-term KOL relationships, how to approach conferences with a clear strategy, and why timely insight-sharing can help shape medical strategy across pharma and biotech. Key topics include: - Why field medical’s real currency is insight, not airtime - How to make KOL conversations more valuable and peer-to-peer - The importance of consistent, non-transactional relationship building - How MSLs can prepare strategically for medical congresses - Capturing and quickly sharing insights after conferences - Collaborating compliantly with medical, commercial, clinical, and R&D teams - Why MSLs are a critical feedback loop between physicians and headquarters - How aspiring and current MSLs can grow into strategic leaders Whether you are breaking into medical affairs, developing as an MSL, or leading a field medical team, this conversation offers practical guidance for creating stronger relationships, better insights, and greater impact. Subscribe to The Pharmaverse for more conversations with the leaders shaping pharma, biotech, and medical affairs.