Medical Science Liaison and the Call to Put Yourself Out There

Name: Nicole Kasica (she/her)

PhD: Neuroscience, Wake Forest University, 2021

What was your main area of research?

My PhD focused on drug development for Alzheimer’s Disease, specifically new targets in animal models.

What is your current job?

I am a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) for Alzheimer’s Disease & Brain Health at Eisai US in Atlanta, GA. I work remotely.

I am field-based and provide medical education to healthcare providers who treat patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. I meet with providers to discuss their questions and concerns about a medication as well as share new data from my company. I can also provide disease state education. It is a non-promotional role, so these discussions are fair and balanced based off of scientific data.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love getting to have a more direct impact on patient care and helping physicians get the information they need.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

Presentation skills

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

I took any opportunity to present or lead discussions about science (i.e., journal clubs, seminar courses, conferences, etc.).

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

Networking and LinkedIn

PhD graduate ➡️ short post doc ➡️ MSL

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

Network with current MSLs!

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

I enjoyed talking about and discussing science rather than actually being in the lab.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Keep an open mind and don’t be scared to put yourself out there!