Bridging Scientific Knowledge

About the Book

Field-based Medical Science Liaisons are flourishing in today's pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and have a variety of roles within their organizations.  The Medical Science Liaison position was recently named one of the best jobs on CNN.com.  Yet, many people do not know about this role, or if they have heard of it, are unclear about it.  The purpose of this book is to provide a general overview of the Medical Science Liaison role in the pharmaceutical /biotech industry. For those working in these companies, this book will help understand about an important role in the scientific communications area.  This book will also help those who collaborate with the biotech/pharma industry, including the physician, the clinical researcher, managed care professionals, and others in the healthcare professional arena, understand this role and position. Furthermore, it will provide a career overview as an option for pharmacists and other healthcare professionals or researchers.

This book covers three distinct areas:   Medical Science Liaison role and responsibilities, Medical Science Liaison operations, and Medical Science Liaison involvement in Investigator Sponsored Trials (ISTs).  Not only does this role provide a challenging career, MSLs are well-compensated, and have the rewarding opportunity to positively contribute to the development of  therapeutic options for patients.

About the Author

Susan E. Malecha, PharmD, MBA

Susan Malecha has over sixteen years of pharmaceutical/biotechnology industry experience in medical affairs, new product development, managed markets, medical education, medical science liaison and management experience. She graduated with a BS in Pharmacy from Butler University, completed her Doctor of Pharmacy at University of Illinois at Chicago, and earned her Masters of Business Administration from Keller Graduate School of Management.  She is currently is in management for field-based Medical Science Liaison teams.  She was Senior Director, Field Based Liaisons at a smaller biopharmaceutical company.  Prior to her biotech positions, Susan was the Director of Managed Care field based medical team and the Director of Medical Education at a large pharmaceutical company, in addition to holding various positions at other mid-size and small companies.  She has held adjunct faculty positions at University of Illinois at Chicago and Midwestern College of Pharmacy.  She is an active presenter/lecturer on medical affairs topics for pharmaceutical industry.  She participates on the Board of Visitors for Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences and on the Editorial Board for the MSL Institute.  She has published papers in Pharmacotherapy, Drug Information Journal, MSL Quarterly, DIA Forum, and American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education.  She has contributed a chapter to Erin Albert’s book, “Medical Science Liaisons A to Z”.

Susan lives in San Diego with her husband and two children.