A Brief History of Field-Based Medical Programs
a.k.a. Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs)

Many pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and device companies are now relying on a group of field-based scientists to provide high quality scientific information to the health care community, especially to key thought leaders. Originally called Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), these teams are known by many different names: Regional Scientific Managers; Scientific Affairs Managers; Clinical Liaisons; Professional Development Scientists; or simply Medical Liaisons. For the past four decades, this important role has continued to evolve.

In 1967, Upjohn created the first field-based medical program for professionals and called them Medical Science Liaisons - MSLs for short. Upjohn had recognized the need for a group of professionals, based regionally in the field, who could build rapport with academic thought leaders on a peer-to-peer basis. These first MSLs were drawn from the ranks of experienced sales professionals to bring therapeutic and educational expertise to the local medical community. Other companies soon recognized the value of the Upjohn MSL program and added field-based medical programs to their own corporate structures.

Over the years, although field-based medical programs have become defined by advanced-degree professionals (PharmDs, PhDs, and MDs), roles and responsibilities have remained much the same as in 1967. These groups - whatever their preferred nomenclature - are still the highly effective, primary clinical communicators and educators on behalf of their companies. As "the face of the company," MSLs are experts ready to respond to healthcare practitioners' requests for local resources that can provide accurate, fair balanced, and cutting-edge clinical and scientific information.

Scientific Advantage, LLC is the industry leader in medical liaison department architecture, MSL training, and MSL strategy development.

For more information please contact Scientific Advantage, LLC at or call (908) 204-0995.