Podcast
MSL Talk
Hosted by MSL Talk Podcast · EN
MSL Talk, hosted by Tom Caravela, MSL Recruiter and Founder of The Carolan Group, offers insights for Medical Science Liaisons, aspiring MSLs, and Medical Affairs leaders.
32episodes
Episodes
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The Proactive MSL: A Skill That Defines Top Performers
4d ago00:29:19Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tom Caravela and Laura Mease explore the concept of proactive versus reactive Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). They discuss the characteristics of proactive MSLs and the importance of building trust and overcoming a reactive mindset. The conversation includes early proactive approaches, growth mindset strategies, and a real-world example of proactive MSL success. They examine the risks of being reactive, emphasize the importance of pre-call planning, and highlight the need for anticipating healthcare provider needs. The episode also covers building internal partnerships, strategic use of insights, and habits of proactive MSLs, concluding with advice for reactive MSLs. (0:00) Introduction, podcast collaboration, and Laura Mease’s background (1:56) Listener shoutouts (2:26) What is a proactive MSL? (3:13) Proactive vs. reactive MSLs (4:36) Building trust and overcoming a reactive mindset (7:57) Early proactive approaches and growth mindset (10:42) Real-world example of proactive MSL success (12:56) Risks and consequences of being reactive (15:59) Pre-call planning and anticipating HCP needs (18:39) Building internal cross-functional partnerships (20:51) Time, effort, and strategic use of insights (24:49) Habits of proactive MSLs (26:51) Advice and final words for reactive MSLs (28:48) Closing remarks
Transcribe →Interview Blunders And Fails That Cost You The Job
2w ago00:46:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tom Caravela and Deanna Tucker delve into crucial job interview strategies and common pitfalls. They emphasize the significance of thorough research and preparation, and discuss avoiding first impression errors. The conversation includes practical advice for digital interviews and how to effectively answer the "Tell me about yourself" question. They explore the importance of enthusiasm, the impact of negative remarks, and how to balance confidence with arrogance. Nonverbal cues and dressing appropriately for casual settings are also covered. The episode concludes with guidance for those who've made mistakes and offers final encouragement and advice for job seekers. (0:00) Introduction, Deanna Tucker’s background, and episode topic (3:13) Common interview mistakes (5:32) Importance of research and preparation (8:02) First impression blunders (10:07) Digital interview tips (14:21) Importance of enthusiasm and energy (20:56) How to answer "Tell me about yourself" (27:15) Tips for answering "Tell me about yourself" (29:08) The impact of negative comments in interviews (30:50) Balancing confidence and arrogance (33:48) Importance of nonverbal cues (39:09) How to dress for interviews in casual environments (43:12) Advice for candidates who have made interview mistakes (45:44) Final advice and encouragement for job seekers (46:22) Conclusion and appreciation
Transcribe →Interactive Treatment Algorithms: The Future is HERE
3w ago00:40:43Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tom Caravela talks with Dr. Simon Chowdhury, a GU oncology expert, about the evolving cancer treatment landscape and challenges in keeping up with new data. They discuss differences between community and academic practices, limitations of traditional information sources, and the delay in clinical application of new data. Dr. Chowdhury shares a personal story about his mother's care and discusses managing the influx of oncology data. They explore designing an ideal physician learning experience, the role of user experience in medical platforms, and how Open Medicine is transforming physician learning and patient care. Opportunities for MSLs and pharma collaborations are also covered. This episode is sponsored by Open Medicine. Open Medicine is where leading doctors post Living Algorithms to share their knowledge. Instead of static diagrams in PDFs, Living Algorithms are mobile-first, interactive, and updated in real time as new clinical evidence emerges. Check it out at myopenmedicine.com (0:00) Introduction and guest background (1:23) Sponsor: Open Medicine (2:10) Dr. Chowdhury’s expertise in GU oncology (2:59) Evolution of cancer treatment and community vs. academic practice (5:29) How leading physicians stay updated with new data (8:56) Traditional information sources and their limitations (13:02) Lag between data release and clinical application (16:03) Personal story: Dr. Chowdhury’s mother’s care (21:21) Managing the volume of new oncology data (22:22) Simplifying information for younger generations (22:54) Designing an ideal physician learning experience (24:10) Importance of user experience in medical platforms (25:48) Introduction to living algorithms and benefits (28:58) How Open Medicine transforms physician learning (33:09) Impact of Open Medicine on patient care (35:33) Opportunities for MSLs and medical affairs with Open Medicine (37:56) Collaborating with pharma for impactful data (38:17) Invitation to visit myopenmedicine.com for more information
Transcribe →The 1 Habit That Changed Kobe Bryant's Life
4w ago00:25:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tom Caravela extends Mother's Day wishes and draws inspiration from Kobe Bryant to introduce free thinking. He explores meditation, quiet time, and managing distractions, emphasizing imagination, planning, and emotional processing. Tom discusses handling criticisms, recurring thoughts, and preparing for future events. He offers approaches to meditation, exercise, and integrating gratitude while avoiding negativity. Tips for starting quiet time and breathing exercises are shared. Tom underscores the importance of consistency, self-listening, and achieving breakthroughs for intentional living, concluding with reflections on finding peace. (0:00) Introduction, Mother's Day wishes, and inspiration from Kobe Bryant (0:54) The concept and benefits of free thinking (1:46) Overcoming intimidation about meditation (2:55) Personal benefits and impact of quiet time (3:52) Managing overstimulation and distractions (5:05) Imagination, planning, and emotional processing (8:14) Addressing criticisms and recognizing recurring thoughts (10:15) Anticipating and preparing for future events (11:23) Approaches to quiet time, meditation, and exercise (14:26) Integrating gratitude and avoiding negative thinking (18:39) Getting started with quiet time and breathing exercises (20:38) Consistency, self-listening, and achieving breakthroughs (23:06) Finding peace, intentional living, and closing remarks
Transcribe →300 Episodes of MSL Talk: 10 Truths Every MSL Should Know
May 500:28:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tom Caravela marks the milestone of episode 301 by delving into the evolving landscape of the Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role. He outlines 10 essential truths, highlighting the strategic shifts in the profession. Tom discusses how curiosity can serve as a competitive edge and stresses the importance of creating value before requesting time from stakeholders. The episode emphasizes gathering and reporting insights, taking ownership of one's territory, and the pivotal role of relationships. Communication is presented as a career multiplier, while adaptability is underscored as a core competency. Tom also explores the intentionality required for career growth, concluding with appreciation for the listeners. (0:00) Milestone episode introduction and significance of episode 301 (1:47) Overview of 10 MSL truths (2:46) The strategic evolution of the MSL role (4:39) Curiosity as a competitive advantage (6:35) Creating value before asking for time (8:54) The importance of gathering and reporting insights (11:41) Taking ownership of your territory (12:53) The critical role of relationships (15:29) Communication as a career multiplier (17:52) Metrics don't always equal value (20:00) Adaptability as a core competency (22:09) Career growth requires intention (25:26) Closing remarks and gratitude to listeners
Transcribe →From Stuck to Standout: The Real Path to Growth in Medical Affairs
Apr 2800:33:27Tap to summarizeIn this milestone 300th episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Rachel Kennedy from Moderna to discuss her journey into medical affairs. Rachel shares her experiences as an MSL and highlights the role of curiosity in career advancement. They explore common causes of feeling stuck in the field, emphasizing patience and internal equity. Rachel stresses the importance of self-advocacy and effective communication in driving career growth. The conversation offers insights on standing out in a competitive market, handling frustration, and skill building during plateaus. Rachel provides advice for navigating challenging times and underscores the value of feedback and self-awareness. The episode concludes with gratitude to listeners. (0:00) 300th episode milestone, thanks to listeners, and guest introduction (1:16) Rachel Kennedy's background and role at Moderna (1:50) Rachel's career journey and transition into medical affairs (4:04) Rachel's experience as an MSL and career progression (7:38) The role of curiosity in career advancement (8:48) Causes of feeling stuck or plateaued in medical affairs (12:22) Importance of patience and internal equity (16:57) Advocating for oneself and the impact of communication (18:41) What drives career advancement beyond doing a good job (21:40) How to stand out in a competitive market (25:21) Handling frustration and the importance of taking a pause (28:36) Growth and skill building during career plateaus (30:31) Advice for navigating difficult times in career and life (32:36) Importance of feedback and self-knowledge (33:10) Closing remarks and gratitude to listeners
Transcribe →Best Athlete Available: How to Become the BEST in Your Field
Apr 2100:26:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tom Caravela and Jeff Durr delve into the characteristics that distinguish top-performing athletes. They explore the "best athlete available" concept, examining the balance between innate talent and the development of consistent habits within structured systems. The discussion highlights the daily routines of high achievers, the acceptance of failure, and the role of resilience in building discipline. Jeff offers insights on avoiding mediocrity and living a regret-free life. The conversation further investigates the path to achieving elite status in any field, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and hard work. The episode concludes with reflections and future aspirations. (0:00) Introduction and Jeff Durr's background (3:08) Common traits of top-performing athletes (4:31) The "best athlete available" concept (5:59) Talent vs. habits, consistency, and systems (10:01) Daily habits of high performers (11:36) Accepting, overcoming failure, and building resilience (16:01) Building discipline (17:58) First steps to becoming the best athlete available (20:04) Avoiding mediocrity (22:07) Living a life with no regrets (24:51) What it takes to become elite in any field (26:09) The importance of perseverance and hard work (26:23) Closing remarks, future aspirations, and personal notes
Transcribe →How to Systematize KOL Engagement and Advocacy
Apr 1400:33:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tom Caravela and Melanie Sillam explore the intricacies of establishing a formal Key Opinion Leader (KOL) engagement process for Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs). They address the complexities involved in tracking KOL relationships and emphasize the need for a customized CRM system tailored to medical affairs. The discussion covers the architecture of a KOL engagement system, including team involvement and necessary infrastructure. They delve into identifying KOLs, setting annual goals, and the concept of a KOL advocacy score. The episode also examines the evolution of KOL relationships, gathering structured insights, and sharing them with leadership. It concludes with advice for medical affairs leaders and closing remarks. (0:00) Introduction, guest background, and shoutout (1:04) Sponsor: Fierce Pharma Engage (2:03) The need for a formal KOL engagement process (2:33) Challenges with tracking KOL relationships and data (3:13) Building and customizing a CRM for KOL engagement (5:04) Differences between commercial and medical CRM needs (5:42) Architecting the KOL engagement system and team involvement (7:03) Infrastructure and support for system implementation (7:42) Four-part KOL engagement system: Overview (8:05) Identifying KOLs and the role of expert mapping tools and vendors (10:22) Customizing data sources for organizational needs (11:15) Setting annual goals with KOLs and aligning expectations (13:08) Documenting goals in CRM and MSL accountability (16:08) KOL advocacy score: Definition, tracking, and prioritization (19:16) Evolution of KOL relationships and predefined advocacy categories (21:32) Structured insights, guided surveys, and challenges in insight gathering (23:27) Organizing, sharing, and measuring insights with leadership (26:39) Adoption, acceptance, and impact of the new CRM system (29:52) Progress, improvements, and advice for medical affairs leaders (32:30) Final thoughts, closing remarks, and audience thanks
Transcribe →Crazy Career Blunders That RUIN Your Reputation
Apr 700:26:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tom Caravela explores the critical aspects of reputation management and common career blunders for Medical Science Liaisons. He addresses the importance of appropriate attire at conferences and cautions against misusing family emergencies or fabricating job offers. The discussion includes inappropriate interview tactics and the influence of social media on personal branding. Emphasizing accountability and professionalism, Tom advises on the correct approach to withdrawing from interviews. He further examines pitfalls in salary negotiations and offers guidance on dealing with recruiters and unexpected job offers. The episode wraps up with strategies for career protection and closing remarks. (0:00) Episode introduction and overview (0:18) Sponsor: Fierce Pharma Engage (1:17) Common career blunders introduction (2:29) Attire, professional appearance, and first impressions (4:33) Misuse of family emergencies and honesty concerns (6:58) Unprofessional interview tactics and etiquette (8:46) Social media, personal branding, and online presence (10:22) Accountability and responsibility in job seeking (13:46) Interview abuse from companies (16:23) Salary negotiation pitfalls and strategies (19:38) Going around recruiters and communication issues (22:43) Last-minute surprises and managing expectations (24:23) Closing thoughts on maintaining reputation
Transcribe →Inside The Mind Of A Medical Affairs Hiring Manager
Mar 3100:41:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Tom Caravela and Stefanie Cribb explore building successful Medical Science Liaison (MSL) teams. They discuss how candidates can showcase their value in interviews, stressing the importance of conversation skills and aligning career goals with the role. The episode covers the screening and interview process, highlighting key skills, behaviors, and presentation significance. They identify interview deal breakers, traits for promotion, and standout resume features. The discussion also touches on changes in the MSL job market, AI's impact on hiring, and the vital role of networking and referrals in job searches. (0:00) Introduction and guest background (1:45) Building and hiring cohesive MSL teams (5:27) Demonstrating value during interviews (7:44) Screening and interview process overview (10:15) Importance of conversation skills in interviews (14:16) Commitment to the position and career goals (17:54) Key skills and behaviors for MSL candidates (20:10) The role of presentations in interviews (22:01) Interview deal breakers and what not to do (24:39) Characteristics for promotion consideration (27:56) Key skills and resume standouts for MSLs (31:09) Changes in the MSL job market (33:50) Impact of AI on hiring processes (37:49) Networking and referrals in job seeking (41:10) Episode wrap-up and final thoughts
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