Pharmacists who want to break into medical affairs often feel stuck. They know they want a change, but they’re unsure how to make the transition—especially when they have zero industry experience. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to start over. You don’t need another degree. And you don’t need years of industry work under your belt.

Vincent had the same doubts. He wanted a remote job in medical affairs, but every attempt led to dead ends—no interviews, no callbacks. He had the qualifications, but he wasn’t getting the traction he needed. The problem wasn’t his knowledge; it was his approach. And once he changed that, everything else followed.

Medical affairs is the bridge between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers. It’s where research meets real-world application. It includes roles like Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs), who engage with providers, and Medical Information Specialists, who answer complex drug-related questions. There’s also pharmacovigilance, where experts analyze medication safety and adverse events. The beauty of medical affairs? Pharmacists already have the skills to thrive in these roles. But most don’t realize it.

The biggest challenge isn’t the job market—it’s recognizing that the skills you’ve built over years of patient care translate directly into these positions. The ability to break down complex clinical data, explain it to different audiences, and critically evaluate research? That’s exactly what medical affairs professionals do. The problem is, many pharmacists don’t know how to position themselves for these roles.

That’s where strategy comes in. Applying to every medical affairs job out there won’t work. Neither will blindly networking with everyone on LinkedIn. The key is to focus. Identify the exact role you want. Connect with professionals in that space. Research their backgrounds. When you reach out, be specific—ask a meaningful question that shows you’ve done your homework. And if they don’t respond, don’t just send a generic follow-up. Provide value. Engage with their content. Build relationships, not just connections.

Most pharmacists spread themselves too thin. They don’t want to box themselves into one career path, so they apply to everything—and end up making no real progress. But success comes from specializing. If you want to break into medical affairs, pick one role, double down on it, and become an expert in that space. The more focused you are, the faster you’ll gain traction. It’s like going to the gym for the first time and trying every machine—you won’t get stronger. But if you dedicate yourself to one exercise, you’ll see progress quickly.

Once you’ve narrowed your focus, communication becomes the next hurdle. Many pharmacists think they need to demonstrate the full breadth of their knowledge in every interaction. Long-winded messages, exhaustive interview answers—it all works against you. In medical affairs, the ability to communicate complex information concisely is crucial. The more precise and impactful your communication, the better.

Vincent’s success came when he realized that networking wasn’t just about meeting people—it was about building trust. He focused on quality over quantity, changed how he engaged with industry professionals, and demonstrated his expertise through meaningful interactions. That shift made all the difference.

Breaking into medical affairs isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy, focus, and execution. And for pharmacists who are willing to take the right steps, the transition is absolutely achievable.