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HEOR for MSLs: Enhancing Scientific Engagement and Impactful KOL Discussions

This training empowers MSLs with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to interpret HEOR data, engage KOLs in meaningful HEOR discussions, and integrate economic insights into strategic scientific engagements, ultimately enhancing their impact in Medical Affairs.

Live Virtual Training
Next Schedule TBD

WHY THIS PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, scientific exchange between MSLs and KOLs must extend beyond clinical trial data to include economic and real-world outcomes. Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR) is a key driver in drug reimbursement, formulary access, and treatment adoption, making it essential for MSLs to understand its principles and applications.

While MSLs may not be directly responsible for conducting HEOR research, being able to confidently discuss HEOR data and translate its implications into meaningful insights for KOLs strengthens credibility and enhances engagement. This program equips MSLs with the knowledge, communication techniques, and strategic insights needed to integrate HEOR into impactful KOL discussions.

WHO IS THIS PROGRAM FOR?

This training is designed for MSLs at all levels who aim to strengthen their scientific engagement by integrating HEOR into discussions with KOLs, payers, and healthcare stakeholders.
New MSLs

Those new to the MSL profession with limited exposure to HEOR.

MSLs looking to develop confidence in HEOR discussions with KOLs.

Experienced MSLs

MSLs seeking to refine their ability to interpret and communicate HEOR data.

MSLs engaging with KOLs who serve as payer advisors or formulary committee members.

MSL Leaders & Managers

Senior MSLs responsible for mentoring teams on HEOR communication.

MSL managers looking to integrate HEOR knowledge into medical affairs strategies.

TRAINING TOPICS

HEOR Fundamentals for MSLs

  • Core principles and why HEOR matters for scientific and economic decision-making.
  • How HEOR complements clinical trial data and supports value demonstration.

HEOR’s Role in KOL Engagement & Market Access

  • Why KOLs care about HEOR and how it influences drug reimbursement and access.
  • How MSLs can engage KOLs in HEOR discussions to enhance scientific credibility.

Interpreting HEOR Data & Metrics

  • Understanding key HEOR methodologies:
    Cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), ICERs, QALYs, and budget impact analysis.
  • Translating HEOR findings into clinically relevant insights for KOL discussions.

Generating and Utilizing HEOR Data

  • Common HEOR data sources:
    RWD, patient-reported outcomes, and registries.
  • How HEOR studies are designed and analyzed to inform decision-making.

Communicating HEOR Effectively to KOLs

  • Best practices for simplifying complex HEOR data while maintaining accuracy.
  • Addressing common misconceptions and concerns KOLs have about HEOR.

HEOR in Practice: Real-World Scenarios for MSLs

  • Case studies on how HEOR has impacted payer decisions and treatment adoption.
  • Role-playing exercises to practice HEOR discussions in real-world KOL interactions.

Regulatory & Ethical Considerations in HEOR Discussions

  • What MSLs can and cannot say about HEOR from a compliance perspective.
  • Best practices for ensuring regulatory adherence in HEOR discussions.

Strategic Utilization of HEOR in Medical Affairs

  • How HEOR supports long-term strategic scientific engagement.
  • Cross-functional collaboration with market access, HEOR, and commercial teams.

Scenario-Based Activities

Throughout the training, participants will engage in interactive exercises designed to improve HEOR communication skills:

Matching HEOR Terms & Definitions

Strengthen HEOR knowledge by defining and applying key terms (ICERs, QALYs, BIA).

RWD vs. RWE Role-Playing

Practice explaining the difference between RWD and RWE to a KOL serving on a payer advisory board.

KOL Engagement Simulations

Multiple role-play conversations where an MSL addresses HEOR-related questions from a KOL.

MEET OUR FACILITATORS

Samuel Dyer, MD, PhD
CEO and Chairman of the Board, MSL Society

White Medical Science Liaison Society logo medium transparent background.

Dr. Samuel Dyer is the CEO of the Medical Science Liaison Society and has over 26 years of international MSL experience. During his career, he has managed MSL teams and operations in over sixty countries across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Australia, and New Zealand. He has facilitated the successful launch of pharmaceutical and medical device products for both Fortune 500 pharmaceutical companies and small biotechnology companies.

Dr. Dyer has coached, interviewed, and reviewed the CVs of countless aspiring MSLs. His insights and guidance have resulted in hundreds of aspiring MSLs successfully breaking into their first roles.

While leading the MSL Society, he has conducted MSL training programs for over 80 pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device companies in more than 20 countries. Dr. Dyer has also written extensively on the Medical Science Liaison profession, including numerous published articles, benchmark studies, and reports. He has been the keynote speaker and moderated numerous international conferences on various MSL–related topics, including creating teams, management, MSL training, proper utilization of MSLs, global trends, and the KPIs and metrics used to measure MSL performance. Dr. Dyer has also served as a resource and consultant on a number of MSL–related projects for several organizations, including McKinsey & Company and Bain & Company.

Dr. Dyer has an MD from Washington University (Health & Science) School of Medicine, a PhD in Health Sciences from Touro University, a Master’s degree in Tropical Biology (where he studied in the Amazon) from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of the State of New York. Dr. Dyer also completed a certificate program for Executive Leadership and Strategy in Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology at the Harvard Business School.

He is also the author of the multi-award-winning and Amazon #1 Best Seller, The Medical Science Liaison Career Guide: How to Break into Your First Role. The book has received multiple prestigious awards, including:

  • 2024 Winner of the American Legacy Book Awards in the Business: Careers category.
  • 2024 “Gold Award” Winner – Literary Titan Book Awards in the Career category.
  • 2023 “Best Book” Winner – Pinnacle Book Achievement Award in the Career Development category.

He is also the author of the Medical Science Liaison Job Application Tracking & Interview Self-Evaluation Journal.

Read More

Mahesh Tawney, PharmD, MBA, MSPharm
Health Outcomes Field Medical Leader
A biotech leader at the intersection of science, access, and people, Mahesh has built and elevated high-performing medical affairs and outcomes teams that deliver both business impact and patient value. Mahesh is known for his servant leadership and learning agility, creating trust-driven cultures, accelerating launches, and helping the next generation of leaders thrive. He brings a rare blend of deep scientific expertise, real-world evidence strategy, and proven field leadership across small, mid-size, and large pharma.
Cherie Hyder, PharmD, MSL-BC
Director Medical Affairs
White Medical Science Liaison Society logo medium transparent background.

Cherie Hyder has more than 35 years of industry expertise including FDA, Pfizer, Lilly, Novartis and small to medium pharmaceutical companies. She has led multiple MSL teams and subscribes to holistic leadership in Medical Affairs’ diverse roles. She has dedicated her career to Medical Affairs over the past 22 years and has experience in Regulatory Affairs, R&D drug development, Clinical Research and Regulatory Compliance. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from University of Missouri and completed a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology at Iowa State University, where she was a research scientist in a genetics laboratory for 5 years. Cherie is active in the Medical Affairs community, participating in the Medical Science Liaison Society Advisory Board, as Editor in Chief of the MSL Society Journal, supporting and leading mentorship programs, and developing multiple Medical Affairs professional skills programs and workshops. She is an author of the first global MSL Activity Guidelines and has authored numerous publications in both Medical Affairs and within scientific disciplines during her research career. Cherie is passionate about continuous learning and development that evolves the vital role of Medical Affairs and is a thought leader among her colleagues.  Her most important goal is to advance patient care improvements that enhance outcomes for those suffering with medical conditions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

Understand the fundamentals of HEOR and its role in drug evaluation and healthcare decision-making.

Recognize when and how HEOR discussions arise in MSL-KOL interactions.

Interpret and effectively communicate HEOR metrics such as ICERs, QALYs, and budget impact analyses.

Differentiate between Real-World Data (RWD) and Real-World Evidence (RWE) and explain their implications.

Apply HEOR insights to enhance KOL engagement and strengthen the scientific exchange.

Handle HEOR-related questions from KOLs in a compliant and impactful manner.

Strategically integrate HEOR into broader medical affairs initiatives to increase engagement value.

Collaborate cross-functionally with internal HEOR, market access, and medical teams to drive scientific alignment.

TOP 5 BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

Master HEOR Fundamentals

Learn how HEOR supports scientific and payer decision-making.
Improve KOL Engagement

Gain confidence in handling HEOR-related questions from KOLs.
Enhance Strategic Value

Use HEOR insights to increase the impact of scientific exchanges.
Develop Practical Skills

Participate in real-world role-playing and scenario-based exercises.
Advance Your Medical
Affairs Expertise

Position yourself as an MSL with HEOR knowledge, making you a valuable asset to your team and company.

TRAINING FEE & INCLUSIONS

Members

Non-members

Individuals

Established Countries*

Members

$450

Non-members

$500

Individuals

Emerging Countries*

Members

$300
Non-members
$380

Team Discount

(2 or more participants)

Reach out to Heliana Sula at heliana.sula@themsls.org to inquire about team pricing

VIRTUAL TRAINING SCHEDULE

DATE

Next Schedule TBD

*Established Countries include the following: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, China(SAR), Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States.

** Emerging Countries include all other countries not mentioned in the list above. Please reach out to Heliana Sula at heliana.sula@themsls.org for
your discounted rate promo code.

PLEASE NOTE-The “Emerging Countries” membership level is NOT available for those living or working in an “Established Country”. All applications
will be verified.

SOME OF THE 75+ GLOBAL
MSL TEAMS WE HAVE TRAINED

We are ready to help your MSL team excel! Learn more about what we can do for your team here.

WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

“The course HEOR for MSLs: Enhancing Scientific Engagement and Impactful KOL Discussions, provided by the MSLS is a wonderful introduction to HEOR for the MSL. As we know, clinical data is important to support the safe and effective use of drugs and medical devices however more and more, understanding the economic impact of product utilization is required as well to support best practice and fiscal responsibility for payers, prescribers and health care institutions. MSLs need to be equipped with all of the data to inform critical discussions with stakeholders and inform the strategic plan for insights gathering for their organization. I would recommend this course as a good starting point not only for the MSL serving as an individual but for MSL leaders who work cross functionally to develop strategy and tactics to support the success of their organization.”

Patty Ghikas PT, M.Ed, DPT

Principal
The Ghikas Group, LLC

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can we a have an in-person version of this training for our MSL team?

YES. We can offer a customized training which includes HEOR among the topics. Contact Heliana Sula, COO of the MSL Society, at heliana.sula@themsls.org

What are some things I have to prepare for before the training?
Ensure your technical setup is ready, including familiarizing the platform, having a stable internet connection, and a functional webcam/microphone. Also prepare something for you to take notes on, such as a notebook or a virtual note-taking app.
Do you offer team licenses?

YES. Contact Heliana Sula, COO of the MSL Society, at heliana.sula@themsls.org

Can aspiring MSLs enroll in this virtual training?

Yes.

What skills will I acquire after enrolling in this program?

You can find the full list of learning outcomes here

Do you allow refunds in case I change my mind after enrolling in this virtual training?
A cancellation of a scheduled virtual training date made before Ten (10) days prior to the scheduled session will be refunded 100% of the registration fee. After this deadline, we will not be able to offer any refunds. However, if you are unable to attend the program, we can transfer your registration to a future session and guarantee your seat.