Many of you probably think I just write stuff, go on Podcasts, and run around with kids, which is sort of true, but I do actually have a “Day Job.” And today is a “celebration” of my current vocation, as it’s International Medical Science Liaison Day!
Whenever people ask what I do for work and I tell them I’m a Medical Science Liaison, they typically just nod and say, “Oh that’s awesome!” while still possessing absolutely zero idea of my occupational responsibilities. Most people are familiar with the words “medical” and “science” and then a much lower percentage can spell or define “liaison,” so I generally just describe myself as a magical academic centaur of sorts who teaches, researches, and gets people to be my friend by buying them food on behalf of a BioTech company.
One time after a work trip, I was describing to the kids at church how I got caught in traffic and had to jump out of the car and run a sub-6-minute mile in a business suit to avoid missing my flight (true story). And as we were all laughing about what an abject disaster I am when traveling solo, my wife asked the kids, “Do any of you know what Josh does for work?”
And the answers were comical. One kid thought I was a construction worker (laughable since I can’t even change a light bulb). Another thought I was a personal trainer (getting a little closer). And yet another thought I was maybe some sort of a doctor…but ultimately, none of the various credentials for which I’m known in academic circles mattered at all to these kids. All they knew was that I cared about them. And at the end of the day, regardless of what you’ve accomplished or what titles, honors, and degrees you’ve accumulated along the way, truly loving and being loved in return matters more than anything else.
So to all the MSLs out there who embrace the privilege of helping clinicians optimize patient care and who care more about lasting friendships than superficial accolades, Happy MSL Day! And if you’re still not quite sure what an MSL is, it’s ok…feel free to celebrate anyway
