The Limited Awareness and Understanding of Medical Affairs: A Barrier to Entry

This is the first article in a series where I will be exploring the challenges that aspiring Medical Affairs professionals face when trying to join the biopharmaceutical industry. Here we explore the general lack of awareness and understanding of what Medical Affairs is and what physicians do in the industry. This article was originally published on LinkedIn. 

Medical Affairs is a critical component of the life sciences industry, ensuring that the communication and application of medical and scientific information align with patient needs, healthcare systems and regulatory requirements. Professionals in this field play a vital role in bridging the gap between research, development, commercialisation, healthcare providers and patients. I have been in Medical Affairs for over a decade and I firmly believe that the function is a key strategic leader and driver in the industry and the best Medical Affairs professionals have a combination of technical and “soft” skills (although the term “soft” is misleading in that these skills are essential, tangible and teachable). Despite the high demand for skilled individuals and the considerable value Medical Affairs professionals bring to organisations, breaking into this career path can be challenging. This article series aims to explore the various hurdles faced by individuals aspiring to enter the industry and provide insights into overcoming these obstacles. This first article will delve into the reasons behind the limited awareness and explore strategies for increasing understanding and appreciation for Medical Affairs as a viable career path.

Limited Awareness and Understanding of Medical Affairs

One of the primary challenges faced by individuals looking to enter Medical Affairs is the limited awareness and understanding of the field itself. Although it is an essential function within the biopharma industry, it remains a lesser-known career path for clinical practitioners when compared to other more clearly defined roles, such as clinical development, medical writing, clinical trial monitoring etc. This can make it difficult for potential candidates to fully grasp the scope and significance of Medical Affairs, leading to misconceptions about the role and its responsibilities.

Medical Affairs is unique in its position where the function interacts with almost every other function in the business, from “obvious” ones such as Marketing & Sales, Clinical Development and Regulatory Affairs to less prominent interactions with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Licensing and Acquisitions. The wide variety of activities that Medical Affairs professionals lead, and are involved in, make it an exciting and dynamic career to embark on but it can also make it difficult to fully explain the extent of the work that is carried out by professionals in the field.

Additionally, the term Medical Affairs actually encompasses a variety of different roles in a company, the breadth of which will also vary depending on the respective organisational design. These can include Medical Information, Medical Science Liaisons, Medical / Scientific Communications, Real World Evidence etc. each of which require different skill sets and capabilities. Even within these “sub” roles you will find a diverse group of individuals with varying backgrounds, skills and capabilities. You will find physicians, pharmacists, academics working in highly technical roles or people leadership roles or strategic roles (or a combination of), with most of them externally facing, you can see the potential for a unique and varied career.

Related to the externally facing nature of the role, an added misconception is the idea that Medical Affairs is a sales function and driven by increasing usage of product rather than appropriate prescribing of medicines, focused on the science and patient outcomes. This is a misconception and there is a clearly defined difference between Sales and Marketing, and Medical Affairs. In my experience, the most successful Medical Affairs leaders have a strong understanding of the relationship between the various functions in what is ultimately a commercial business. However, the motivating factors, the way the function is assessed and measured, the activities and the regulations in place all contribute to making sure there is a clear focus on patients, outcomes and not sales.

One of the key barriers to understanding is the lack of representation and awareness in academia and clinical medicine. I experienced this myself during my time in hospital medicine. Nobody is able to help aspiring professionals because there is no structure in place for them to do so and Medical Affairs is typically not part of the core curriculum in medical, pharmaceutical, or life sciences programs. Even in parts of the world where there are recognised career paths in Pharmaceutical Medicine, these are not prominently advertised and can be difficult to navigate. For example, in the United Kingdom, The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Medicine (part of the Royal College of Physicians of the UK) oversees a specialty training programme for eligible physicians to gain a Specialty Registration on the GMC register (equivalent of Board Certification in other countries). This programme gives an end-to-end understanding of drug development, from discovery to commercialisation, from the point of view of a Pharmaceutical Physician. It isn’t specifically for Medical Affairs professionals and it covers many aspects of medicines development but it is one of the few recognised training paths, globally, for physicians who enter the industry. Even then, as I was exploring my career options at an early stage, it wasn’t highlighted within medical programmes, a contributory factor likely being the unwillingness to lose physicians from clinical practice into the private sector.

Lack of Understanding of the Breadth of Skills Required

At this stage it’s worth mentioning another aspect of the knowledge gap within aspiring professionals in Medical Affairs. The function requires professionals to possess a diverse range of skills, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the roles. Although individuals in Medical Affairs often come from a strong scientific or clinical background, their responsibilities extend beyond scientific expertise, encompassing communication, problem-solving, and strategic leadership skills. Those unfamiliar with the industry may undervalue this broad skill set, potentially underestimating the complexity and importance of Medical Affairs roles.

Scientific knowledge is the foundation of Medical Affairs, with professionals needing a deep understanding of medical, pharmaceutical, and life sciences concepts. They stay abreast of the latest research, advancements, and regulatory requirements to ensure that their organisations are meeting the requirements of the industry as well as the needs of healthcare professionals, the healthcare system and, most importantly, the patients they serve.

Effective communication & storytelling is critical in Medical Affairs, as professionals liaise with various stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare providers, regulatory agencies, and internal colleagues. They must be adept at translating complex scientific information into clear, concise, and accessible language, as well as engaging in meaningful dialogue with diverse audiences. This ability to simplify complex information into clear narratives is not restricted to scientific information. The art of storytelling is an incredibly important skill when interacting with internal colleagues, especially very senior members of management. The ability to understand something incredibly deeply and then explain it in a compelling narrative is not to be underestimated and can be the difference between good and great.

Problem-solving skills and strategic leadership are essential for Medical Affairs professionals, who must navigate complex challenges from defining unmet needs to managing global safety alerts to providing guidance for marketing strategies. They must be resourceful, analytical, and adaptable to find innovative solutions and make informed decisions that align with their organisation's goals and patient needs. The most effective Medical Affairs leaders are able to adapt their thinking in order to develop an effective strategy based on the underlying problem statement. Whether this is related to functional strategy, therapy area strategy or product strategy, a truly “strategic” Medical Affairs leader needs to be able to pivot appropriately in order to maximise their impact. Medical Affairs leaders need to understand strategy in order to become leaders across an organisation, not just within the function.

Leadership skills in general are essential for all individuals in an organisation and this is no different in Medical Affairs. Professionals who excel in their roles understand the various types of leadership, when to "dial up" and "dial down" on the various styles and they are able to lead within their roles regardless of the specifics of the role and the hierarchy of the organisation. Leadership isn't a single, nebulous concept that you are either born with or not. It is something that is teachable and can be cultivated. It is tangible, measurable and an essential part of any role regardless of whether you line manage people or not.

The idea that strategy and leadership are innate skills is outdated and the current "best and brightest" have worked hard and continuously to cultivate these capabilities. I currently also still work with a coach to further enhance my own skills in these and other areas.

The broad skill set required for Medical Affairs roles is not always fully appreciated by those unfamiliar with the field (and I have only scratched the surface), leading to an undervaluation of the complexity and significance of these positions. Recognising and promoting the diverse skills needed for success in Medical Affairs can help raise awareness and appreciation for this vital function within the industry.

Strategies for Increasing Awareness and Understanding of Medical Affairs

Industry Perspective

I personally believe we can do more as a professional group and as industry to address the limited awareness and understanding of Medical Affairs. Several strategies can be employed to promote the field and highlight the essential, varied and complex role it plays in the industry. By leveraging these strategies, aspiring professionals, industry stakeholders, and the general public can gain a better appreciation for the multifaceted nature of Medical Affairs and its significant contributions to healthcare. Below I have outlined a few but I would encourage readers to suggest others.

1. Educational Initiatives: Introducing the concept of Medical Affairs to students and early-career professionals in medical, pharmaceutical, and life sciences programs would be transformational for the industry. By incorporating Medical Affairs topics into relevant curricula, educational institutions can provide students with foundational knowledge of the field, its functions, and potential career paths. This early exposure can help cultivate interest and understanding of Medical Affairs among future industry professionals at an earlier stage, giving full awareness of the requirements and what is expected. Had I understood some of the challenges I would face early on, I might not have chosen predominantly surgical specialties to work in as a hospital physician. By the time I was aware of the roles in industry and Medical Affairs as a function, I had progressed a little to far down the line in surgical posts to subsequently revert to a more relevant clinical speciality for the biopharma industry. I, therefore, had to develop strategies to demonstrate the value I would bring beyond my clinical experience.
2. Industry Conferences, Webinars, and Workshops: Hosting and participating in industry events such as conferences, webinars, and workshops can provide valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, and professional development. These events can offer insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities in Medical Affairs while fostering a sense of community and collaboration among professionals in the field. This is a difficult hurdle to overcome as without funding these events won’t happen; but the funding won’t come without awareness! This is why events like these, whilst extremely valuable tend to be relatively small affairs compared to wider medical and clinical events. This is understandable and they provide valuable events for aspiring professionals.
3. Coaching and Networking Programs: Establishing coaching and networking programs can facilitate connections between experienced Medical Affairs professionals and those seeking to enter the field. These relationships can provide aspiring professionals with guidance, support, coaching and practical advice while offering established professionals opportunities to share their expertise, experiences, and passion for the field.
4. Thought Leadership and Publications: Encouraging Medical Affairs professionals to contribute to industry publications, blogs, and social media platforms can help raise the field's profile and demonstrate its value. By sharing insights, case studies, and success stories, these thought leaders can showcase the impact of Medical Affairs on patient care, product development, and overall industry advancement.
5. Collaborations with Industry Associations and Organisations: Partnering with industry associations and organisations can help amplify the message and reach of Medical Affairs initiatives. These collaborations can provide resources, support, and networking opportunities for professionals in the field while fostering advocacy for the importance and value of Medical Affairs roles.
6. Highlighting Real-World Impact: Demonstrating the real-world impact of Medical Affairs through success stories, patient testimonials, and case studies can help convey the tangible impact individuals and teams can have. By illustrating how Medical Affairs professionals contribute to improved patient outcomes, product innovation, and regulatory compliance, the broader community can better understand its significance.

Strategies for Individuals

For individuals aspiring to break into the Medical Affairs field, it is essential to develop more than a passing understanding and awareness of the profession. Below I have outlined strategies that can help enhance your knowledge and familiarity with Medical Affairs, ultimately improving your chances of finding a career in Medical Affairs.

1. Self-Education: Take the initiative to learn about Medical Affairs through available resources such as books, articles, and research papers. Understanding the history, functions, and key responsibilities of Medical Affairs professionals will help you gain a solid foundation in the field.
2. Online Courses and Certifications: Pursue online courses and certifications that are specifically tailored to Medical Affairs. These courses can help you acquire industry-specific knowledge, develop relevant skills, and demonstrate your commitment to potential employers.
3. Attend Industry Conferences, Webinars, and Workshops: Participating in industry events can provide valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities in Medical Affairs. Networking with professionals in the field can also help you gain practical advice and learn from their experiences. Some companies hold events for aspiring professionals as do some recruitment agencies.
4. Engage with Medical Affairs Professionals on social media: Follow and engage with Medical Affairs professionals on social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter. This can help you gain insights into their work, learn from their experiences, and stay updated on industry news and developments. Don’t be afraid to seek them out, ask questions, request meetings etc. Many are willing to help or at least point you in the right direction.
5. Gain Practical Experience: Look for internships, co-op placements, or volunteering opportunities related to Medical Affairs. Gaining hands-on experience can help you better understand the requirements and improve your chances of securing a job in the industry. I have personally been contacted several times by people asking to meet me and my colleagues and I was happy to arrange some time for them to do so. Not everyone will be willing to help in this way but it’s always worth asking.
6. Stay Informed About Industry Developments: Regularly read industry publications, blogs, and news articles to stay updated on the latest developments in Medical Affairs. This will help you understand the current landscape, identify emerging trends, and maintain an informed perspective during job interviews.
7. Participate in Relevant Online Forums and Communities: Join online forums and communities dedicated to Medical Affairs and engage in discussions with other members. This can help you learn from their experiences, ask questions, and share your own insights and perspectives. LinkedIn has several relevant groups that would be of use to widen knowledge.
8. Network with Professionals in Related Fields: Connect with professionals in related fields such as clinical research, regulatory affairs, and pharmacovigilance. Understanding the broader context of the life sciences industry and the interconnected nature of these functions can help you appreciate the unique role of Medical Affairs professionals.

By employing these strategies, individuals looking to break into Medical Affairs can increase their understanding and awareness of the profession, better positioning themselves for a successful career in the industry. 

Joshi Life Sciences is a coaching and strategic advisory consultancy for the Life Sciences industry set up by Dr Mayur R. Joshi (LinkedIn Profile).

Joshi Life Sciences specialises in career coaching for aspiring and current Medical Affairs professionals to maximise their potential and enhance their impact. We also advise companies looking to enhance their Medical Affairs functions, scale up their teams, build their organisations and we partner with companies that have shared values and vision.

Follow Joshi Life Sciences here to stay updated with latest developments, new partnerships and initiatives and the next article in the series.