Links or Patties? How the Sausage is Made in Medical Affairs

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Michael Kahn to delve into decision-making within medical affairs. Michael shares his expertise on how organizational silos and internal politics can affect decisions, offering strategies for dismantling these barriers. They discuss the critical role of medical affairs in decision-making, alongside insights into hiring, team building, and adding value beyond traditional job roles. Michael provides advice on managing tough personnel decisions and emphasizes the importance of being undeniable in one's professional role. The episode concludes with some lighthearted thoughts and a unique discussion on sausage preferences.

In this episode of MSL Talk, Tom Caravela is joined by Vera Kutsenko to explore the AI gap in medical affairs. They discuss the challenges and resistance faced in adopting AI technologies and the current state of AI integration in the industry. Vera shares her insights on the role of culture, governance, and the necessary skills for medical affairs professionals to effectively work alongside AI. The conversation touches on the fear of job replacement by AI and strategies to overcome these concerns. They also emphasize the importance of building a relationship with AI tools and the characteristics of successful AI implementations. The episode concludes with thoughts on leveraging AI for prompt generation and the iterative nature of AI adoption.

In this week’s episode of MSL Talk, we dive into a major pillar of Medical Affairs that is often misunderstood and overlooked... publications. And for the first time on the show, we’re breaking it all down with an expert who lives and breathes this world. My guest, Jolan Rosenthal, is the Executive Director of Publications at Mirum Pharmaceuticals and a 20+ year industry veteran. We explore: - Why publications are essential to credibility, transparency, and scientific exchange - How MSL insights directly influence publication strategy - How publications enhance KOL engagement and support field medical impact - Career pathways: how MSLs can transition into pubs, med comms, training, or strategic roles - Common misconceptions about the publication process - The role of AI today and what the future may look like in the publications landscape

In this episode of MSL Talk, Tom Caravela is joined by Jason Howard to explore the transformative role of omnichannel strategies in medical affairs. They cover how personalized engagement is reshaping interactions and the current adoption of these strategies across the industry. The conversation highlights the importance of digital and social channels, discussing how they integrate throughout the product lifecycle and their unique roles in various therapeutic areas. Jason emphasizes the significance of social monitoring for competitive intelligence and the networking potential for healthcare professionals on social media. The episode concludes with insights into the future of omnichannel strategies and the concept of next best action.

In this episode of MSL Talk, Tom Caravela is joined by Cathy Andorfer who shares her insights on the impact of changing times on MSL roles and the skills that are becoming increasingly important. They examine the current MSL job market, highlighting key qualities sought in candidates, and delve into the role of emotional intelligence and soft skills in performance evaluations. The conversation also touches on balancing foundational skills with emerging trends, the influence of AI in medical affairs, and the irreplaceable value of human MSLs. Cathy concludes with predictions for the future of medical affairs and promotes her book.

Tom Caravela sits down with Ramin Farhood to discuss the intricacies of product launches within the pharmaceutical industry. They explore indicators of a successful launch and lessons learned from past challenges. The conversation delves into market access, reimbursement, and the critical impact of team alignment. Ramin highlights the balance between speed and safety, the importance of compliance, and the dangers of siloed operations. They also consider the role of digital and AI, patient insights, and provide practical advice for companies preparing for their first launch.

In this episode of MSL Talk, host Tom Caravela sits down with India Scales, Medical Science Liaison at AstraZeneca, for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation about authenticity in the MSL role. India shares her inspiring journey from clinical pharmacist to MSL — including the setbacks, self-reflection, and growth that shaped her success. From navigating her first sign-off presentation to mastering the art of storytelling, she opens up about how vulnerability, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence have fueled her professional development. Together, Tom and India explore what it truly means to “be your human self” in Medical Affairs — balancing authenticity with professionalism, building trust and credibility, and finding your unique voice in a regulated environment. Whether you’re a new MSL finding your footing or a seasoned professional looking to reconnect with purpose, this episode offers invaluable insight into why authenticity isn’t just a trait — it’s a superpower.

In this episode, Tom Caravela is joined by Kirk Shepherd to explore the importance of patient voices in clinical decision-making, addressing access, equity, and diversity in oncology. They discuss balancing corporate pressures with a sense of purpose, and how patient feedback can shape clinical outcomes. The episode examines the evolving role of patients in clinical research and anticipated changes in oncology innovation, including technological advancements affecting participation. Ethical progress in the field is emphasized, concluding with thoughts on legacy in medical affairs and closing remarks.

In this episode, Tom Caravela welcomes Maria Urso for her third appearance, focusing on the art of scientific storytelling. Maria shares insights from her amazing medical affairs career and emphasizes the importance of engaging audiences through storytelling. She recounts her journey in mastering this skill, offering tips on crafting compelling scientific narratives. Maria illustrates storytelling in action with a memorable party story and an MSL example on the mechanism of action. Tom shares a personal story on confidence, and they discuss common storytelling mistakes, compliance, and building trust. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of medical affairs and MSLs, along with closing remarks and gratitude.

In this episode, Tom Caravela explores the role of AI in the job search process and key factors that could lead to critical mistakes. The discussion begins with an overview of how AI can aid in resume optimization and the potential consequences of relying on these tools. Tom addresses the issue of age discrimination in resumes, offering insights into how AI can help mitigate this challenge. The episode also covers AI tools for interview preparation, highlighting common pitfalls to avoid. The conversation extends to AI's influence on compensation and offer negotiation, emphasizing the importance of using these tools responsibly. The episode wraps up with closing remarks and a call to action for listeners.