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Medical Affairs: The Navigation System Pharma Doesn't Talk About
Episode 6116th March 2026 • Drug Diaries • Kaushik Trivedi
00:00:00 00:59:17

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In this conversation, Kaushik Trivedi speaks with Dr. Reinhard Berkels,, a seasoned leader in medical affairs, about the critical role of medical affairs in the pharmaceutical industry. They discuss the navigation system that medical affairs provides for drug launches, the importance of real-world evidence, and the evolving role of MSLs. Dr. Berkels shares insights from his extensive experience, emphasizing the need for collaboration, empathy, and effective communication in medical affairs. The conversation also touches on the impact of digital transformation and the importance of understanding cultural differences in global medical affairs.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Complex World of Medical Affairs

02:00 The Journey into Medical Affairs

11:48 Understanding the Role of Medical Affairs

14:09 First Impressions in Medical Affairs

15:42 Myths and Misconceptions about Medical Affairs

17:21 Cultural Differences in Medical Affairs

19:18 The Role of MSLs in Clinical Trials

24:49 Redefining the MSL Role for Today

28:02 Challenges in Deploying MSLs Early

32:40 Post-Pandemic Changes in Engagement

36:25 The Omnichannel Approach in Medical Affairs

39:39 Digital Transformation in Medical Affairs

40:08 Harnessing AI in Medical Affairs

43:04 Transformative Power of AI in Research

48:03 The Role of Medical Affairs in Drug Launches

51:52 Collaboration and Communication in Medical Affairs

56:12 Real-World Evidence and Its Impact

01:00:01 Core Values and Leadership in Medical Affairs


If you'd like to sponsor the show and elevate your brand with our audience, reach out to show host Kaushik Trivedi on LinkedIn and his team will reach out to fix up a chat to explore.


Connect with Kaushik Trivedi:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drugdiaries_/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaushiktrivedi/

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