Interview with Will Soliman on Medical Science Liaisons

On the latest HealthBiz podcast, Will Soliman and I discuss the impact of 9/11 on the pharmaceutical industry, the role of medical science liaisons, and the importance of establishing uniformity in medical affairs competencies. Will is CEO of the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA), which he founded after a career as a pharma sales person, MSL and manager. We also explore the challenges of implementing standardization in the pharmaceutical industry, the role of pharmacy benefit managers in drug pricing, and the potential for unethical behavior in the industry. Join us as we delve into these topics and more, including a book recommendation.

Chapters:

(0:00:10) - 9/11 Impact on Pharma

(0:07:33) - Medical Science Liaisons

(0:12:13) - Establishing Uniformity in Medical Affairs Competencies

(0:17:58) - Barriers to Standardization

(0:21:13) - PBMs and Drug Pricing

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:10) - 9/11 Impact on Pharma (7 Minutes)

In this episode, I speak with Will Soliman, CEO of the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA), about his background, the influence of his father, and the role of the pharmaceutical industry. Growing up in Jersey City, Will was encouraged by his parents to pursue a career in STEM, leading him to major in biochemistry in college. He discusses the impact of 9/11 on immigration policies and scientific output, as well as his early career as a pharmaceutical sales rep before transitioning to a medical science liaison role.

(0:07:33) - Medical Science Liaisons (5 Minutes)

In this chapter, we delve into the role of a medical science liaison (MSL) and the transition to managing MSLs. MSLs are the "Navy SEALs" of pharmaceutical companies, responsible for educating doctors about disease states and various products. They often have advanced degrees, such as MDs, PhDs, or pharmacy degrees. The conversation also highlights the move towards a more formal medical affairs function within pharmaceutical companies in the last couple of decades. The discussion then shifts to the entrepreneurial journey of founding a specialty pharmacy called US Pharmacy Lab, focusing on personalized service and compounding for high-end customers.

(0:12:13) - Establishing Uniformity in Medical Affairs Competencies (6 Minutes)

In this chapter, we explore the origins of the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs (ACMA) and the need for a uniform competency standard in the medical affairs industry. The lack of consistency and potential compliance nightmares within pharmaceutical companies led to the creation of the ACMA, which now works with around 200 pharmaceutical companies to provide board certification and establish uniformity within organizations. We also discuss the importance of maintaining the integrity of the medical affairs profession and ensuring that medical affairs professionals have the proper competencies to interpret and present data accurately'

(0:17:58) - Barriers to Standardization (3 Minutes)

We discuss the challenges faced in implementing standardization in the pharmaceutical industry, including resistance from the "old guard" who feel their existing qualifications are sufficient. Despite this, there has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the push for standardization, as it is seen as vital to the industry's future. We also touch on the implications of the Inflation and Reduction Act, which requires drug manufacturers to pay the federal government if their prices increase faster than inflation. This could impact innovation, favor biologics over small molecule drugs, and increase the use of biosimilars in the market'

(0:21:13) - PBMs and Drug Pricing (5 Minutes)

In this chapter, we examine the role of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and the potential for unethical behavior in the pharmaceutical industry. We also introduce reportpharma.org, a new site allowing healthcare professionals to report unethical practices. Finally, we discuss a book recommendation.

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