Career as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) | Skills & Career Path | Biopatrika
Career Konnect brings forward diverse and evolving career paths for life science professionals. In this edition, we feature Dr. Karthik Angara, a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Caris Life Sciences. With a background spanning psychiatry, neurology, and immuno-oncology, Karthik transitioned from academia to a highly dynamic and people-centric role in the pharmaceutical industry. His journey highlights how PhDs can move beyond traditional research roles to positions that bridge science, medicine, and real-world patient impact.
Career Konnect Interview
Q1. Karthik, what exactly does a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) do? Is it truly a bridge between science and medicine?
Karthik:
Yes, absolutely. The MSL role is very much a bridge—not just between science and medicine, but more broadly between the pharmaceutical industry and clinical practice or academia. As the title suggests, a Medical Science Liaison connects these domains by communicating scientific insights to clinicians while also bringing back real-world clinical perspectives to the company. Regardless of whether the title is MSL or Molecular Science Liaison, the essence remains the same—you are facilitating a two-way exchange of knowledge between industry and healthcare professionals.
Q2. Since the role is highly people-centric, what key skills are required to succeed as an MSL?
Karthik:
The most important skill is communication. During graduate school or postdoctoral training, we are already trained to communicate science through presentations, posters, and discussions. However, in an MSL role, communication takes on a different dimension—you must tailor your message depending on whether you are speaking with clinicians, researchers, or internal stakeholders.
Another crucial but often overlooked skill is emotional intelligence. You need to be able to read situations and understand how people are feeling without them explicitly telling you. For example, when interacting with physicians or key opinion leaders (KOLs), you must recognize their time constraints and adjust your communication accordingly. Being aware of subtle cues, such as body language or urgency in their schedule, is extremely important in ensuring meaningful and respectful interactions.
Q3. Are these skills innate, or can they be developed through training?
Karthik:
Many of these skills are inherently present in individuals, but they can definitely be developed and refined. Everyone has the capacity to communicate and connect with others—it’s just a matter of how much they choose to cultivate those abilities.
There are also structured resources and training programs available. Platforms like the Medical Science Liaison Society or Cheeky Scientist provide valuable insights into the role, required skills, and preparation strategies. Ultimately, if someone is genuinely interested in the role, they will naturally work on honing these skills.
Q4. How did you decide to transition into the MSL role instead of traditional roles like R&D?
Karthik:
I was initially interested in both R&D and MSL roles. The R&D path appealed to the scientific side of me—the part that enjoys working at the bench and exploring molecular mechanisms. However, during my research, I often found myself wondering how my work would translate into real-world clinical applications.
This curiosity led me to explore roles that connect research with patient outcomes. The MSL role stood out because it allows you to understand both sides—the science behind the drug and its application in clinical settings. After speaking with experienced MSLs and researching the role in detail, I realized that this was the perfect fit for my interests.
Q5. What does a typical day in the life of an MSL look like?
Karthik:
A typical day is quite dynamic and involves a mix of external and internal engagements. I may have scheduled meetings with KOLs that were planned weeks or even months in advance, given how busy physicians are. Preparing for these meetings requires significant effort, including creating presentations, getting approvals, and aligning with internal teams.
In addition to external meetings, I also participate in internal discussions where I provide scientific insights to commercial or cross-functional teams. There is also a logistical aspect to the role—planning travel, scheduling meetings, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Overall, the role requires constant preparation, adaptability, and execution.
Q6. How important is travel in this role?
Karthik:
Travel is a significant component of the MSL role. I primarily cover a specific region—in my case, the state of Georgia—and travel extensively within that area to meet healthcare professionals. Occasionally, I may also travel outside my region to support colleagues.
While travel can sound exciting, it is important to understand that it is work-driven. You are visiting clinics, hospitals, and medical centers, not tourist destinations. So while it can be enriching, it is not necessarily a “vacation.”
Q7. What about compensation and workload? Is it a balanced role?
Karthik:
The compensation is quite competitive and generally higher than many academic roles. However, it comes with significant responsibilities. You are expected to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and maintain high levels of engagement with stakeholders.
That said, the work-life balance can be quite good, depending on how you manage your time. Unlike academia, where work often extends unpredictably, the MSL role provides more structure. However, personal work habits also play a role—if you are someone who enjoys working extensively, you might still find yourself spending extra time on learning and preparation.
Q8. Do you miss being in the lab? How do you deal with that transition?
Karthik:
Yes, I do miss being at the bench because research has been a significant part of my journey. However, I channel that scientific curiosity into my current role by deeply understanding the therapeutic areas I work in.
I stay engaged with the science by learning about new developments, analyzing clinical data, and interacting with experts. This helps me stay connected to the scientific aspect while contributing in a different way.
Q9. What is the career growth trajectory for an MSL?
Karthik:
There are multiple growth opportunities within medical affairs. Typically, one can progress from an MSL to a senior MSL role and eventually to leadership positions such as MSL Director or Medical Director.
As you move up the ladder, your responsibilities shift from fieldwork to strategic roles, including managing teams, building collaborations, and contributing to business development. The role evolves from execution to leadership and strategy.
Q10. What advice would you give to PhDs considering an MSL career?
Karthik:
My advice would be to focus on understanding whether you genuinely enjoy communicating science and interacting with people. The MSL role is not just about knowledge—it is about how effectively you can share that knowledge and build relationships.
Do not pursue the role solely for financial reasons. While it is well-compensated, it also demands responsibility and adaptability. If you enjoy the work, the role can be incredibly fulfilling. If not, it may not be the right fit.
Dr. Karthik Angara’s journey illustrates how PhDs can leverage their scientific expertise in dynamic, high-impact roles beyond the lab. The MSL career path is ideal for those who enjoy communication, collaboration, and translating science into clinical practice.
Watch full interview here:
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