Amplifying Field Medical-KOL Engagement Across HCP Tiers Using a Scientifically Tailored Approach

Author(s): Christopher Hansen and Sean Kazemi, MD, MSc, PhD

A New Frontier: Field Medical plays an integral role within the Healthcare Ecosystem

Medical affairs teams play a multifaceted role within healthcare. By definition, field medical (often referred to as medical science liaisons or MSLs) engage health care providers (HCPs) and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) at a peer level, provide guidance, and collect medical insights. Medical affairs communications are fair, balanced, and non-promotional. By fostering relationships throughout the medical ecosystem, these roles aim to improve patient care. As healthcare has evolved, opportunities to partner with field medical have only grown. It becomes clear that the advancement of medicine is inextricably linked with medical affairs activities.

As summarized in Figure 1, it is undeniable that the role of medical affairs is expanding. As the therapeutic landscape rapidly changes, field medical representatives have earned a seat at the table as a trusted scientific partner. They work to keep HCPs abreast of advancements in science, mechanism of action, and real-world evidence (RWE) in a manner that is digestible and clinically relevant. As new products launch, they address crucial product inquiries and continue to support the lifespan of a product by addressing data gaps and RWE. For rare and ultra-rare conditions, this function plays a crucial role in spreading disease state awareness for diseases that may not be on the radar for differential diagnosis.