Medical science liaisons

An increasing number of infectious diseases pharmacists have found a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Some initially take positions in pharmaceutical sales. Others may be hired as research associates, where they assist in the collection and analysis of data for clinical studies. More often, they are hired as medical science liaisons. These individuals interact with physician and pharmacist practitioners, where they provide drug information, grant support for research and educational efforts, assist in medication use evaluations, and give in-services to medical and pharmacy staff. 

Psychiatric pharmacy specialists are vigorously recruited by industry to serve as medical science liaisons, neuroscience managers, members of advisory boards, and resources of drug information for physicians and other health care professionals. ... 

Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Texas at Austin, College of Pharmacy, Medical Science Liaison, Amylin Pharmaceuticals,... 

About the Author Dr. West is an Associate Professor at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy. She received a B.S. in pharmacy and a Ph.D. in pharmacy administration from the University of Mississippi. She coordinates the community pharmacy management course and teaches pharmaceutical policy in the health care system. Dr. West serves as a pharmacy consultant for the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care and the Arkansas State Employee Insurance Group and is the faculty liaison for the National Community Pharmacists Association student chapter. Her research interests pertain to understanding provider and patient behavior to improve medication use and advance community practice. 

News Events Planning and Priorities of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, August 2, 2001. Available on request from Office for Communication and Public Liaison, NIGMS. 

Substantive review of cases of faculty who have sought opportunities to combine academic and commercial roles. Materials are included on (1) the history and functioning of the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) (2) Indiana University and Crest Toothpaste (3) MIT s Industrial Liaison Program (4) two cases in econometric forecasting— Otto Eckstein s Data Resources Incorporated and Laurence Klein s Wharton Econometric Forecasting Association (5) medical school clinical practice plans, including income sharing plans for basic science faculty. 

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