Abstract
The traditional career path from MD Pharmacology to the medical
affairs(MA) within pharmaceutical industry is becoming increasingly
challenging and competitive. The MA role has evolved from a ‘medical-
knowledge-and-support-only’ role to a ‘strategic decision-making,
scientific partner’. Traditional MD Pharmacology background and related
knowledge are essential but may no longer be sufficient to ensure
‘Day-1-preparedness’ for an MA role. Transitioning from a medical
college environment to the corporate environment would become easier if
one develops certain additional soft and hard skills as elaborated in
this article. The objective of this manuscript is to recommend how to
better-equip the MD Pharmacology residents to be a confident,
resourceful and successful MA professionalS. We also elucidate on key
skill gaps and the suggested approaches to invest the residency time
more judiciously to bridge those gaps for developing more industry-ready
pharmacologists. A special segment on changes pertaining to COVID-19
pandemic is also included.