Top Medical Affairs Terms Every Aspiring MSL Should Know in 2025

Breaking into a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role means stepping into a world with its own professional language. The most successful candidates are not just scientifically strong.  They understand how to communicate fluently in the language of Medical Affairs.

Whether you come from a clinical, academic, or research background, learning these key terms helps you sound confident during interviews, networking events, and conversations with hiring managers.

In this post, you will learn the most important Medical Affairs terms every aspiring MSL should know in 2025, how they are used in real-world situations, and why they matter for your future success.

1. Scientific Exchange

Definition: The two-way communication of scientific information between a company and external experts, such as Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). It focuses on education and insight gathering, not promotion.

💡 Example in Context:
During an interview, you might say:

“In my current role, I often present new clinical data to providers and gather their feedback on treatment barriers, which aligns with the principles of scientific exchange.”

💬 When It’s Used:
MSLs mention “scientific exchange” when discussing how they interact with physicians or how they ensure conversations stay unbiased and educational.

2. Key Opinion Leader (KOL)

Definition: A healthcare professional or researcher who influences clinical practice, guidelines, or peer education within a therapeutic area.

💡 Example in Context:

“I’ve built relationships with regional oncology KOLs by attending tumor board discussions and facilitating evidence-based dialogue about emerging treatments.”

💬 When It’s Used:
KOLs are central to most of the MSL conversations. You’ll hear this term when discussing relationship management, strategic planning, or field engagement.

3. Field Medical Team

Definition: A group of MSLs and other field-based professionals who represent the medical function externally by engaging with healthcare providers and collecting insights for the organization.

💡 Example in Context:

“As part of the field medical team, MSLs serve as scientific partners to clinicians, ensuring that feedback from the field is communicated back to internal stakeholders.”

💬 When It’s Used:
Used when describing how MSLs connect the field with the company’s internal Medical Affairs, Clinical, and Regulatory teams.

4. Insights Gathering

Definition: The process of collecting meaningful, scientifically based observations from the field that inform internal strategies.

💡 Example in Context:

“When several providers expressed uncertainty about biomarker testing in NSCLC, I documented this insight for the medical team to develop targeted educational materials.”

💬 When It’s Used:
Mentioned in interviews or medical planning discussions to show how MSLs help shape strategy through frontline feedback.

5. Investigator-Initiated Trial (IIT)

Definition: A research study initiated and led by an independent investigator rather than the company. The company may provide support through funding, drug supply, or consultation.

💡 Example in Context:

“In my academic role, I collaborated with investigators who submitted IIT proposals, which helped me understand the compliance and review process involved.”

💬 When It’s Used:
Often discussed when talking about research support, evidence generation, or how MSLs build scientific partnerships responsibly.

6. Real-World Evidence (RWE)

Definition: Clinical evidence derived from real-world data sources such as patient registries, electronic health records, or claims databases.

💡 Example in Context:

“I use real-world evidence to explain how study results translate into clinical outcomes, particularly when randomized data are limited.”

💬 When It’s Used:
Frequently referenced when discussing post-marketing data, patient outcomes, or how MSLs communicate the practical relevance of therapies.

7. Medical Strategy

Definition: The overarching plan that guides how the Medical Affairs team supports a product through evidence generation, data dissemination, and stakeholder engagement.

💡 Example in Context:

“Understanding the medical strategy helps me align my field interactions with company objectives, such as focusing on KOLs in priority centers.”

💬 When It’s Used:
Typically comes up when discussing alignment between field activities and corporate goals, especially in interview questions about how you prioritize engagement.

8. Compliance and Non-Promotional Role

Definition: MSLs operate under strict regulations that prohibit promotional behavior. Their conversations must remain balanced, unbiased, and data-driven.

💡 Example in Context:

“I always clarify that my discussions are scientific, not promotional, and avoid mentioning off-label uses or pricing information.”

💬 When It’s Used:
A must-use term when explaining your understanding of regulatory boundaries and professional ethics in the field.

9. Data Dissemination

Definition: The process of sharing clinical or scientific information through publications, posters, advisory boards, or presentations.

💡 Example in Context:

“I have presented data from our investigator-led study at national conferences, which strengthened my ability to communicate complex information clearly.”

💬 When It’s Used:
Common in resumes, interviews, or performance discussions when describing how you share evidence or contribute to scientific communication.

10. Cross-Functional Collaboration

Definition: Working with various teams such as Clinical Development, Regulatory Affairs, or Commercial (without crossing into promotional work).

💡 Example in Context:

“I regularly collaborate with regulatory and clinical operations teams to ensure consistent scientific messaging across functions.”

💬 When It’s Used:
Used in behavioral interviews or networking when explaining how you coordinate with internal teams to deliver field insights.

11. Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR)

Definition: A discipline that studies patient outcomes, cost-effectiveness, and quality of life related to medical interventions.

💡 Example in Context:

“Understanding HEOR allows MSLs to communicate the value of therapies beyond efficacy and safety, especially to payers or hospital decision-makers.”

💬 When It’s Used:
Appears in advanced discussions or interview questions about the evolving role of Medical Affairs in demonstrating value.

12. Launch Excellence

Definition: The coordinated effort of Medical Affairs teams to ensure scientific readiness before a product launch, including KOL engagement, data preparation, and training.

💡 Example in Context:

“In my previous role, I contributed to launch excellence by supporting pre-launch data reviews and ensuring KOLs were educated on the clinical rationale.”

💬 When It’s Used:
Often mentioned in interviews for new product teams or when describing experience with pre-launch planning.

Final Thoughts: Speak the Language Before You’re in the Room

Fluency in Medical Affairs terminology shows that you are ready to transition into the MSL role. Even without direct industry experience, using terms such as scientific exchange, insights, and medical strategy in your conversations demonstrates awareness and alignment with how field medical teams operate.

🎯 Next Step:
Join our Excel Into MSL™ Platinum Program at The MSL Academy to learn how to apply these terms effectively in interviews and networking conversations. The program includes weekly roadmaps, guided action plans, and real MSL examples that will help you sound confident and industry-ready.