Influence Without Authority: The Future Skill Set for Medical Science Liaisons

Published 25 June 2026

Author(s): Keith Willis

The Medical Science Liaison (MSL) role has relied on influence rather than authority. MSLs rarely control budgets or formal decisions, yet they play a critical role in shaping how organizations understand clinical practice, emerging research, and the needs of healthcare professionals.

What is changing is the environment in which MSLs operate. Healthcare systems are more complex. Scientific information is expanding at an unprecedented pace, driven by the use of real-world data and the increasing emphasis on outcomes data. At the same time, artificial intelligence and advanced analytics are transforming how organizations interpret information and generate insights. As a result, the MSL role is evolving from a scientific role to a more strategic one.

The MSL role will still require deep scientific credibility, but success increasingly depends on the ability to interpret insights, communicate them clearly, and influence decisions across the organization.