Why More Professionals Are Transitioning into Medical Affairs
Medical Affairs has become one of the most sought-after career paths for healthcare professionals, scientists and academics in Australia. Clinicians are increasingly drawn to the industry for improved work-life balance. Pharmacists are seeking broader impact and scientific influence. PhD graduates are exploring roles where research translates directly to patient outcomes.
While the opportunities are substantial, entering the pharmaceutical sector can feel complex without clear direction. This guide provides a practical framework to help professionals in Australia understand the industry, evaluate potential career paths and make informed career moves into Medical Affairs.
What Is Medical Affairs and Why Does It Matter?
Medical Affairs operates at the intersection of science, clinical practice and commercial strategy. It is a non-promotional function that plays a vital role across the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors.
Common Roles Within Medical Affairs:
Medical Science Liaison (MSL)
Medical Advisor
Medical Affairs Associate
Real World Evidence (RWE) Lead
Associate or Medical Director
Core Responsibilities Include:
Providing scientific expertise to internal and external stakeholders
Supporting clinical, regulatory and commercial strategy
Engaging with key opinion leaders and healthcare professionals
Reviewing promotional and non-promotional materials for compliance
Generating and disseminating clinical and real-world evidence
Medical Affairs professionals ensure that patient safety, scientific integrity and evidence-based decisions are embedded into every stage of a product’s lifecycle.
Who Typically Enters Medical Affairs in Australia?
Professionals come from a range of backgrounds. The table below outlines common entry points and why each background translates well to Medical Affairs roles.
Background | Why It Fits Medical Affairs |
Hospital Pharmacists | Strong therapeutic area knowledge and clinical context |
Clinicians | Experience engaging with HCPs and interpreting patient-level outcomes |
PhD Graduates | Expertise in literature review and data synthesis |
Clinical or Regulatory Staff | Understanding of protocol, compliance and trial execution |
Starting Your Medical Affairs Career in Australia
Step 1: Understand the Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the local regulatory and commercial environment. Key areas include:
Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) – Australia's pharmaceutical regulator
Medicines Australia Code of Conduct – Governs promotional and ethical standards
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) – Informs access, pricing and reimbursement strategy
A foundational understanding of the above is critical for any Medical Affairs role.
Step 2: Build Industry-Relevant Skills
Hiring managers look for a mix of scientific credibility and stakeholder engagement ability. Relevant skills include:
Clinical communication and scientific storytelling
Literature analysis and publication review
Stakeholder engagement with healthcare professionals
Compliance knowledge (TGA and Medicines Australia)
Use of systems such as PubMed, CRM tools or reference management software
Step 3: Consider Targeted Upskilling
Short courses from providers like Medwise Academy can help bridge knowledge gaps for those transitioning from clinical or academic roles. Key topics include Medical Affairs fundamentals, code compliance and stakeholder engagement.
Step 4: Engage with a Specialist Recruiter
Specialist recruiters in Medical Affairs understand both the technical requirements and strategic expectations of the function. At HPG, we assist candidates with market orientation, interview preparation and highlighting transferable experience.
Entry-Level Roles in Medical Affairs
1. Medical Affairs Associate
Typically the first step into the industry
Supports content development, literature review and event coordination
Offers exposure to compliance, stakeholder communication and scientific projects
2. Medical Science Liaison (MSL)
A field-based role focusing on KOL engagement and scientific exchange
Requires high-level scientific knowledge and excellent communication skills
Suited to individuals with PhDs or strong clinical backgrounds
3. Medical Advisor
Office-based, cross-functional role
Works closely with regulatory, marketing and market access teams
Reviews materials, engages with external stakeholders and contributes to medical strategy
Each role has different demands and expectations, but all offer a pathway toward leadership within Medical Affairs.
What Hiring Managers Look For
Medical Affairs hiring is not just about academic qualifications. The most competitive candidates demonstrate a balance of technical, interpersonal and strategic capabilities.
Trait | Why It Matters |
Curiosity | Ability to engage with complex data and apply it meaningfully |
Communication | Translating science into accessible insights for various audiences |
Integrity | Commitment to ethical, accurate and compliant medical guidance |
Collaboration | Cross-functional teamwork with regulatory, commercial and R&D |
Strategic Thinking | Contributing to product strategy, evidence planning and field input |
Candidates who can combine scientific depth with practical communication and teamwork are highly valued.
Real-World Candidate Example
"As a hospital pharmacist, I wanted to influence healthcare beyond the dispensary but had no idea how to access industry roles. A recruiter helped me identify MSL as a strong match and guided me through compliance requirements and stakeholder expectations. I started as a Medical Affairs Associate and now work on advisory boards and content development."
— Medical Affairs Candidate (placed by HPG)
Career Progression in Medical Affairs
Medical Affairs roles typically follow this path:
Clinician, pharmacist or scientist
→ Medical Affairs Associate
→ MSL or Medical Advisor
→ Associate Medical Director
→ Medical Director or Head of Medical Affairs
Some professionals also move into adjacent specialties such as Real World Evidence, Ethics and Compliance or Market Access. Cross-functional visibility and demonstrated impact are essential for upward movement.
Final Recommendations for Breaking into Medical Affairs
Emphasise transferable skills such as patient education, data interpretation or compliance knowledge
Network actively through LinkedIn, medical congresses and advisory boards
Practice interview questions focused on stakeholder influence, literature review and ethical scenarios
Align with a Medical Affairs-focused recruiter to gain guidance on interview style, systems exposure and career navigation
Stay informed about TGA guidance, product approvals and clinical trends in your area of interest
Conclusion
Medical Affairs in Australia continues to grow as a critical function that shapes evidence, engagement and patient access. Whether you are a clinician, academic or pharmacist, this sector offers structured career progression and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to public health without working at the bedside.
The first step is to understand the landscape, evaluate where your experience fits and take action toward building the right skills and connections.
Interested in current opportunities in Medical Affairs?
Explore our open roles now or request a personalised consultation.
Article Specifications:
Audience: Clinicians, pharmacists and scientists exploring a move into the pharmaceutical industry
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