A Day in the Life of a Medical Science Liaison – What to Expect and How to Thrive

A Day in the Life of a Medical Science Liaison – What to Expect and How to Thrive

Introduction: Curious what a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) really does each day? While no two days are exactly the same, MSLs consistently juggle a blend of scientific exchange, strategic planning, and field-based relationship building. In this post, we’ll walk you through a typical day in the life of an MSL—and share practical tips to thrive in this dynamic role.

Morning: Planning, Learning, and Internal Collaboration

The day often starts early. Many MSLs begin by reviewing emails from KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders), colleagues, or medical directors. You might spot a request for clinical data, updates on a new publication, or meeting invites for an upcoming medical conference.

Next comes preparation. If you have external meetings, you'll review notes from previous visits, clinical trial updates, or recent publications relevant to each KOL. Internal team calls might also happen in the morning—sharing field insights, aligning on strategy, or receiving medical updates from headquarters.

Midday: Field Visits and Scientific Exchange

Most MSLs spend the heart of their day in the field, meeting with healthcare professionals. These meetings could take place at hospitals, private practices, or over virtual platforms. A typical interaction might involve:

  • Presenting new clinical trial data
  • Answering off-label scientific questions (within compliance guidelines)
  • Discussing unmet needs or treatment challenges
  • Identifying potential investigators for future research

Each meeting is an opportunity to educate, gather insights, and build long-term relationships with medical experts.

Afternoon: Documentation and Insight Reporting

After meetings, MSLs document key discussion points in their CRM or medical affairs systems. This includes questions asked, feedback received, and any relevant medical insights. These insights are valuable—they inform strategy, support clinical development, and influence educational initiatives.

Some afternoons involve more desk work: preparing for tomorrow’s meetings, reviewing publications, or planning advisory boards and scientific events.

Evening: Travel or Recharge

If you’re a field-based MSL, travel is part of the job. Some days end in an airport or hotel room; others wrap up at home with a final email check or presentation prep. When not traveling, evenings are often spent recharging. Maintaining work-life balance is crucial to long-term success in the role.

What Makes the MSL Role Unique?

  • Autonomy: MSLs manage their own schedules and territory planning
  • Continuous Learning: The science never stops evolving
  • Collaboration: MSLs liaise between internal teams and external experts
  • Field Impact: Your scientific conversations directly support better patient care

Tips to Thrive as an MSL

  • Master your therapeutic area and stay on top of the literature
  • Polish your presentation and communication skills
  • Be organized with time, travel, and follow-ups
  • Listen actively and ask thoughtful questions
  • Balance flexibility with discipline—no one’s managing your calendar but you!

Conclusion

The MSL role is one of the most rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical industry—combining science, strategy, and real-world impact. While it’s fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable, many MSLs thrive on the variety and autonomy it offers. If you're exploring this career path, now you know what to expect—and how to prepare for success.

Want to explore the MSL career in more depth? Download The MSL Blueprint eBook to get real-world insights, field-tested strategies, and tools to help you break into and succeed in this exciting role.