Jump to content

PAs working in pharma, med device, healthcare technology?


Recommended Posts

11 hours ago, schrecky said:

I wrote this original post almost ten years ago, and I'm glad to see that others are still investigating this path. As I've posted before, the pharmaceutical industry has gone through a significant transformation and "rightsizing" since I left in 2009 and the unbridled marketing/sales tactics are checked. 

I still have friends working pharma and, aside from the typical complaints about corporate life (downsizing, budget issues, etc.), they still seem happy. One area that seems ripe for PAs is the role of "medical science liaison" (MSL). These roles represent products or disease states on behalf of the company, and from a research perspective. There is a firewall between the MSL and sales, although it used to be more porous in the past.

If anyone has worked this role for pharma/biotech, please share your experience vis a vis PA clinical roles. Are the pay and benefits close? Do you have to travel often? How often do you work clinically as well?

Thanks,

Tim

https://www.empoweredpas.com/2020/05/25/nonclinical-roles-for-pas-michelle-lim-pa-c-medical-science-liaison/

This blog post might help you. She has her contact info on the bottom. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/31/2020 at 5:44 AM, Mayamom said:

Where do you find these jobs?  I searched for years to get out of patient care but was unsucessfull.  

You need to look for keywords to search for. I didn't know about drug safety until my nurse friend (non-clinical) told me to apply for a drug safety position. These types of positions require clinical experiences and most are posted for nurses (since our profession has not moved to the non-clinical field..yet!). I think one entry level position PAs can apply for in pharma is 'Drug Safety Associate.' You can work outside the US with this position as well. You also will not need to be certified. Some PAs also became Clinical Research Managers, Study Coordinators (partly clinical), Health Insurance Specialist, and Regulatory Associates. Obviously, since you are moving to a different field you may need to start at the bottom. This works out for new grads building their foundation into their career. Im trying to get new grads and programs to look into this. We are pumping out so many PAs I don't think the demand will keep up. Nurses have already moved into these non-clinical roles and are much more aware what's out there. 

I have promoted joining the USPHS since they offer a lot of non-clinical and clinical work. However, this is a big commitment since you will be a Commissioned Officer. 

  • Upvote 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 8/3/2020 at 2:30 AM, MSPAC2 said:

https://www.empoweredpas.com/2020/05/25/nonclinical-roles-for-pas-michelle-lim-pa-c-medical-science-liaison/

This blog post might help you. She has her contact info on the bottom. 

Nice blog. Have you (MSPAC2landed a non-clinical job? How has your research in this position been? Still interested?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to the Physician Assistant Forum! This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn More