A Medical Science Liaison (MSL) Dedicated to Changing Patient Lives in the United Kingdom.
26 August 2024
The script of the video.
• Could you please introduce yourself?
My name is Zohra Butt. I’m 32 years old and I’m from the UK. I’ve been a Medical Science Liaison in Pierre Fabre for just over two years; in this role I cover a large area of the UK and Ireland.
• What is your professional background before being an MSL?
In my previous life, I was a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Liverpool in the UK, which is where I also completed my PhD. In my academic career I was immersed in cancer research, particularly thoracic malignancies such as mesothelioma and lung cancer.
• How would you define the MSL role?
An MSL is the external face of the wider medical team. We MSLs are the medical and scientific experts on the company’s therapeutic areas and medicines.
• What do you like about being an MSL?
I really enjoy meeting and talking with healthcare professionals. I love travelling all over the UK and Ireland to meet with them to discuss science and clinical data, and to educate the clinical teams on our company’s medicines. It’s a huge privilege really.
• What is the most difficult thing for you about being an MSL?
Forging strong relationships with healthcare professionals in a post-COVID world where the virtual environment is often preferred over a face-to-face meeting.
• What is the essential quality of an MSL for you?
Excellent communication skills and an enjoyment for meeting new people.
• What motivates you to get up in the morning as an MSL?
The knowledge that my contributions to the learning and education of healthcare professionals can have a positive impact on the care that their cancer patients receive. The medical team makes a difference to patient’s lives through communication with the clinical teams, and I am privileged to be a part of that.
• What is your most beautiful emotion experienced as an MSL?
A memorable experience for me was during a meeting with a healthcare professional who wanted to feedback some patient comments, who wanted to thank the medical team for fighting to improve patient care and outcomes.
• Any words or advice for someone wanting to become an MSL?
You absolutely must enjoy communicating on science and medicines. You should feel comfortable working in a team environment and try to be flexible in your day-to-day as Medical Affairs is fast paced, you never know how your week might change!