Day in the Life of a Medical Science Liaison: What to Expect in This Role

If you have ever wondered what it’s really like to work as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL)–what the day-to-day looks like, how much travel is involved, and how MSLs interact with healthcare professionals–this blog is for you.

The MSL role is one of the most dynamic and in-demand careers in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. But unlike traditional 9-to-5 jobs, the MSL daily routine is constantly evolving, with each day offering new challenges, opportunities, and interactions.

In this article, we’ll walk you through:

• A full day in the life of a Medical Science Liaison
  
• What MSLs actually do
  
• Tools, skills, and systems they use daily
  
• Travel expectations and schedule flexibility
  
• How the MSL work life compares to other roles in pharma
  

And most importantly, we’ll help you decide if the MSL lifestyle is right for you.

What Does a Medical Science Liaison Do?

Before diving into the daily routine, it’s essential to understand the core purpose of an MSL.

MSLs are scientific and clinical experts who engage with healthcare professionals–particularly Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs)–to share evidence-based insights, support clinical trial initiatives, and gather field-based feedback to inform internal strategy. Unlike sales representatives, MSLs operate in a non-promotional capacity, meaning they don’t sell, they educate.

Their role sits within the functional area in pharma or biotech called Medical Affairs, acting as a bridge between pharma/biotech companies and the medical community.

Key responsibilities include:

• Conducting field visits with KOLs and HCPs
• Presenting and discussing peer-reviewed literature and clinical trial data
• Supporting investigator-initiated trials (IITs)
• Attending medical congresses and symposia
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams (clinical, regulatory, commercial)
• Gathering and reporting scientific insights back to HQ

A Day in the Life of a Medical Science Liaison

Let’s walk through what a day as an MSL might look like. Keep in mind: every company, therapeutic area, territory, and week is different. However, this example reflects a realistic scenario for a field-based MSL.

🕕 7:30 AM – Morning Routine & Email Check

Most MSLs begin the day early. If traveling, you may be in a hotel room, prepping for a KOL meeting. If home-based, your day starts with a check-in on email and messages.

Tasks:

• Review your calendar for the day’s meetings
• Scan overnight emails for urgent updates
• Check internal platforms (like Veeva, Salesforce, or MedInformatix) for meeting notes and field medical updates

Tip: MSLs are expected to be proactive, responsive, and highly organized.

🕗 9:00 AM – Territory Planning & Prep

MSLs manage a regional or national territory. The early morning is often used to prep for KOL meetings, particularly reviewing:

• HCP/KOL background (research interests, affiliations, publications)
• Meeting objectives (e.g., discuss a recent clinical trial, gather insights, support an IIT)
• Product or disease-state materials, including new publications or competitor data

💻 Tools commonly used:

• PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov, or internal platforms for literature review
• Veeva CRM for logging activity
• Zoom or Teams for virtual meetings

🕘 10:30 AM – Field Visit with a KOL

This is the heart of MSL work: scientific exchange with a thought leader. You may meet the KOL at a hospital, academic center, or virtually.

Meeting flow:

1. Re-introduction or rapport-building
2. Presentation or discussion of relevant data
3. Insight-gathering–what’s their feedback on trial design, unmet needs, or competitive therapies?
4. Discussion about potential collaboration or advisory opportunities

These conversations are non-promotional and highly strategic. MSLs must know their data cold–and also know when to listen.

🕚 12:00 PM – Administrative Work

After the KOL meeting, you’ll take time to:

• Log the interaction in your CRM system
• Report actionable insights to HQ (e.g., unmet needs, trial interest)
• Follow up with any requests for publications, trial protocols, or slide decks

This documentation is essential. It informs:

• The medical strategy team
• Clinical development pipelines
• Commercial partners (non-branded insights only)

🕐 1:00 PM – Lunch & Learning

Many MSLs use lunchtime to:

• Catch up on recent publications in their therapeutic area
• Review company training modules or attend internal webinars
• Join journal clubs or regional team meetings

Learning never stops. Staying scientifically sharp is crucial for credibility.

🕒 3:00 PM – Internal Collaboration Call

MSLs are the eyes and ears of the field. You're often invited to meetings with:

• Medical directors or therapeutic area leads
• Clinical trial managers for site feedback
• Regulatory or compliance teams for clarification on interactions

These touchpoints help align field medical efforts with overall company goals.

🕓 4:00 PM – KOL Follow-Up or Virtual Meeting

Depending on your schedule, you might have another meeting with:

• A community HCP new to the pipeline
• A clinical pharmacist or nurse practitioner in your territory
• A KOL following up on an IIT or speaking engagement

Some meetings happen in person, others via Zoom–depends on the day and the KOL. 

🕕 6:00 PM – End-of-Day Wrap-Up

The day wraps with:

• Logging final notes
• Reviewing goals for the next day
• Planning travel or prepping materials

Some MSLs attend evening webinars or advisory boards, especially if they support a product launch.

The MSL Work Life: Myths vs. Reality

💬 Myth 1: “MSLs are just glorified sales reps.”
✅ Reality: MSLs operate under medical affairs, not sales. They are judged by scientific credibility and KOL relationships, not prescriptions or revenue.

💬 Myth 2: “It’s a 9-to-5 job.”
✅ Reality: MSLs have flexibility, but the role is demanding. Time zones, conference calls, and travel can extend the workday.

💬 Myth 3: “It’s all fun and travel.”
✅ Reality: While travel is common, MSLs spend significant time on literature review, clinical trial support, and high-level scientific discussion.

MSL Daily Routine: Office vs. Travel Days

Many MSLs travel 2-4 days/week, though this varies by territory size and therapeutic area.

What Makes a Successful MSL?

MSLs must balance scientific credibility with emotional intelligence and autonomy. Traits of high-performing MSLs include:

• Strong communication skills (verbal + written)
• High self-motivation and time management
• Curiosity and continuous learning
• Ability to build trust with HCPs
• Comfort with ambiguity and cross-functional collaboration

A Day as an MSL: Is It Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Do I enjoy translating complex science into digestible insights?
• Can I build rapport quickly with physicians and researchers?
• Am I comfortable with frequent travel and working independently?
• Do I thrive in dynamic, evolving environments?

If you said “yes” to most of these, the MSL role might be your calling.

Final Thoughts: Life as an MSL Is Rewarding

The Medical Science Liaison role is one of the most intellectually stimulating and professionally flexible roles in the pharmaceutical industry. Each day is different, each conversation matters, and your contributions can directly impact patient care and the future of medicine.

But success requires more than just a passion for science-it demands strategic thinking, communication finesse, and the ability to navigate a highly regulated industry with grace.

Want to Become an MSL?

If you're ready to take the next step toward this exciting career path, The MSL Academy can help.

Explore our Excel Into MSL Platinum Program, which includes:

• Cover letter, resume & LinkedIn profile optimization
• 1:1 coaching for mock interviews & scientific presentation prep
• Access to coaches who work full-time as an MSL and mentor clients in the program
• Board certification as a Medical Science Liaison to stand out in applications 
• Direct feedback from industry MSLs and hiring managers

Start learning what it really takes to succeed as a Medical Science Liaison–today!