Page 52 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 4 | April - May 2024

What are some of your main love for interacting with people,
responsibilities as a Medical whether in the role of a caregiver or
Science Liaison? as a patient advocate. That human
I work as a Medical Science Liaison for connection has always been at the
Grifols Asia-Pacific in alliance with IQVIA, heart of my professional journey.
a company focused on health information The main factor in establishing
technology and clinical research. As the a relationship in healthcare
primary mode of contact for Albumin, is building trust, integrity and
which is a blood plasma derivative product, maintaining professionalism. I
I have to stay updated on the latest research, believe that my background as
clinical trials and any data available in my a doctor helps instill credibility
therapeutic area. I then relay this information with HCPs, as they recognise that
to Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) – healthcare I have walked in their shoes and
professionals and researchers – serving as a can relate to their experiences.
scientific expert in my company’s products. Thus, we have a mutual
Additionally, I am also responsible for training understanding that helps with
teams of medical sales representatives, building relationships and allows
advising clinical research, and collaborating for open communication and collaboration. knowledge, patient care, and public health.
with the government’s regulatory body to get
new drugs approved for the market. Do you prefer the flexibility of your What challenges do you face in your
current hybrid research job to the day-to-day work?
Can you tell me your educational more physically involved years of your Since I joined medical school at a young age,
journey up to this point? training? this is my first corporate job. Adjusting to the
I attended NIST International School, While the transition has been a shift in focus, norms, policies, and dynamics of a corporate
where I received my IB diploma. I went and I may not be directly involved in patient environment can take time, especially since
on to pursue medicine in the UK at the care, I believe that working a hybrid role it differed from my previous clinical setting.
University of Central Lancashire, where I enables me to have a work-life balance as well Balancing all the responsibilities, adapting
got my Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor as an opportunity to interact with healthcare to and learning new information, as well as
of Surgery (MBBS) degree in 2022. During professionals and engage in meaningful trying to navigate regulatory advancement
my studies, I was also involved in clinical discussions that ultimately impact patient for new drugs, were all things I had to
research which was published in the British outcomes. I believe taking on the role of figure out on the fly. Moreover, going to an
Medical Journal. After completing my degree, an MSL has been instrumental to my self- international school and a university abroad
I came back to Thailand and interned in a development before I eventually go back created a cultural barrier for me when I
government hospital called BMA General into clinical practice in the future. entered the Thai workforce. I think you have
Hospital (Klang Hospital) for a full year, to be a little bit more cautious, and a bit more
completing my foundation. Currently I’m How does Grifols Asia Pacific support mindful to prove yourself, in a way. But now,
working on getting my full license, so I am your professional development and I feel fully confident in my ability to not only
gearing up for my license exams. growth as an MSL? Are there any do my job but excel at it.
training or learning opportunities
How does your background in provided? It’s no secret that being in the medical
medicine contribute to your Grifols Asia Pacific and IQVIA provided field is a demanding job. On a more
effectiveness as an MSL? me with a month of training in December personal note, how do you like to
My medical school education and foundation 2023 before starting my role in hepatology unwind?
as a doctor equipped me with a deep and critical care. This was done in the form I love listening to music, traveling to exotic
understanding of clinical practice and patient of mentorship programs and field rotations, places, and spending time with my loved ones.
care. While I thrived in the clinical setting, I where we were given market access strategies, Years ago, I regularly practiced taekwondo,
was drawn to the convergence of medicine, and insight into regulatory affairs and earning a black belt before enrolling in
science, and industry. Transitioning to an framework. Of course, the key thing they medical school. I still do boxing classes from
MSL role allows me to leverage my clinical educate you on is the clinical data relating time to time, as I think martial arts are a great
expertise while pursuing my passion for to the drug they want to launch or promote. way to blow off steam and stay active. That
research, education, and collaboration. We also have access to continuous support said, these days I have been playing more
Moreover, my prior research experience at and information regarding the latest medical tennis than anything else.
university honed my ability to communicate advancements at our fingertips. They have
complex scientific findings. This, combined been very supportive, and still provide me Looking to the future, what specialties
with my patient interaction skills, enables me with many opportunities to grow and climb in medicine are you most interested
to effectively engage with KOLs, and build the corporate ladder. in pursuing? What is on the horizon
trust through shared knowledge and a deep for you?
understanding of their research needs. What do you find most rewarding Currently, I am eyeing dermatology, internal
about your role as an MSL? medicine, and psychiatry, which are my top
How do you establish and maintain The most rewarding aspect of my role as an three specialities. But I would also love being
relationships with healthcare MSL is the opportunity to continually learn a General Practitioner, because as a GP, you
providers (HCPs) and other and grow. Every day brings new insights, see a little bit of everything, and to be honest,
stakeholders in the medical challenges, and opportunities for professional that’s something that appeals to my insatiable
community? development. I feel proud that my work desire to keep learning more!
Qualifying as a doctor was driven by my contributes to the advancement of medical

52 | MASALA MAGAZINE APR-MAY 2024