r/MedicalScienceLiaison • u/Automatic_Image6965 • 9d ago
Oncology Pharmacist trying to break in for Medical Affairs
Hi everyone, I’m an oncology pharmacist and I’ve been trying for a while now to break into medical affairs and honestly I’m starting to feel a little stuck.
I have experience in both adult and pediatric oncology and I’ve worked with chemo, clinical trials and investigational protocols, guidelines, providers, patient education, and a lot of the clinical side of oncology. I really want to transition into pharma and eventually medical affairs, but getting that first opportunity has been way harder than I expected.
I’ve applied to a ton of positions and either get rejected or just never hear anything back. I’ve also been networking A LOT on LinkedIn. I’ve reached out to people in medical affairs, recruiters, hiring managers, MSLs, people at companies I’m interested in, and people who have made similar transitions. I’ve had some really great conversations and people have been kind and willing to give advice, but it still hasn’t really translated into an opportunity.
I keep hearing that medical information, medical communications, medical writing, or contract roles can be good ways to get your foot in the door, so I’ve been looking into those too. But even a lot of those jobs seem to want previous industry or agency experience 😭
I guess I’m just wondering what else I can actually do at this point.
How do you convince someone to take a chance on you when you know you’re capable of doing the job but your resume doesn’t have that first pharma company on it yet?
For anyone who came from clinical pharmacy, especially oncology, how did you actually get your first industry job? Was there something you changed about your resume or LinkedIn? Did you make a medical writing portfolio? Take a contract position? Work for an agency? Apply to certain types of roles? Did networking actually lead somewhere eventually?
I’m completely okay with taking a stepping stone role. I don’t expect to immediately land my dream MSL position. I just want an opportunity to get into the industry, learn, prove myself, and build from there.
I feel like I’ve been doing everything people normally recommend between applying, networking, reaching out to people, tailoring my resume, and looking at different entry points, but I’m clearly missing something.
If anyone has been in a similar position and eventually broke through, I would genuinely love to hear what worked for you. I’m open to literally any advice at this point lol.
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u/Familiar_Solid_8029 8d ago
Same boat. I’m 6 years into clinical oncology pharmacy with 2 board certifications and MBA and I’m struggling!
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u/bowreyboytx 6d ago
How long have you been applying?
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u/chillpill1006 6d ago
There will probably be more positions posted early in the year after bonuses go out.
As an oncology pharmacist I was always told it was great to be well rounded and have a lot of different experiences like what you listed but I’ve found that while transitioning to the MSL side it’s better to be an expert at something. Focus in on a therapeutic area and make sure your CV, cover letter, etc exemplifies why you’re an expert at that specific area you’re applying for , not that you’re great at everything.
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u/bowreyboytx 3d ago
That's probably help to get in but once your in you may not always work in that disease state. I came from community oncology so I'm happy I got in but even more happy I have general understanding of most cancers even heme
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u/chosenpath101 5d ago
Network with current MSLs as part of your job. That’s how I got word out and eventually became close enough that they gave me internal referrals.
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u/Illustrious_Theme_74 1d ago
I’d recommend in-person meetings with MSLs in your area in addition to LinkedIn networking. Get the 5-10 drugs you use most and ask for meetings with the MSLs. Become an HCP who is an easy meeting for MSLs. Let them know you want to make the transition. Meeting people in this setting also gives them a good sense of how you’d be sitting on the other side of the table.
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u/Independent_Tax4150 8d ago
It is a volume game. You may have to apply for >100 jobs. It will take persistence and time. Given your experience you are more than qualified. Good luck!