Medical affairs is a popular non-clinical career option in the pharmaceutical industry for those who don’t have an interest in patient care or want more than patient care or patient interaction in their career. Medical affairs offers a wide range of job roles to healthcare workers in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, clinical research, and medical devices. In this blog, we will discuss the career prospects and job roles of career in medical affairs.
What is Medical Affairs?
Medical Affairs is the vital function within the biopharmaceutical, consumer healthcare, and biotechnology industries, positioned alongside Research & Development (R&D) and Commercial as one of the core strategic pillars of the sector. The Research and Development (R&D) department mainly focuses on creating new drugs, medical devices, treatment therapies, and diagnostics. The Commercial unit focuses on the function of marketing and selling these innovations.
Medical Affairs is focused on developing and communicating scientific data that guide healthcare professionals (HCPs), policymakers, and other stakeholders in making informed decisions to ensure the optimal use of treatments for patient benefit. In this way, Medical Affairs plays a crucial role in delivering scientific evidence and insights that help shape and improve clinical practice.
Top Medical Affairs Job Roles
Medical affairs offers a wide range of career options and job roles. Let’s take a look at some of the top high-demand job roles.
- Medical Affairs Associate / Coordinator: These medical affairs professionals support the medical team in daily tasks such as data collection, reviewing of the literature and scientific communication. They also assist in the process and preparation of medical information responses and compliance documentation.
- Medical Information Specialist: These professionals provide accurate, evidence-based information to healthcare professionals. They also take care of the medical inquiries about drugs, therapies and devices.
- Medical Writer (Regulatory / Scientific / Publication): These professionals create clinical study reports, regulatory documents, manuscripts, and educational content and ensure compliance with guidelines (ICH, GCP, etc.).
- Medical Science Liaison (MSL): MSls are professionals who act as a scientific expert connecting pharma companies with healthcare professionals and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). They educate stakeholders, provide clinical insights and gather feedback from the real world.
- Medical Advisor / Associate Medical Director: These professionals are experts and provide medical and scientific input to marketing and clinical teams. They hold the responsibility of reviewing promotional material for scientific accuracy and complaints, and also develop medical strategies aligned with company goals.
- Medical Affairs Strategist / Policy Lead: The responsibilities of these professionals are to focus on the health economics, outcomes research and policy-level scientific communications. They also have to engage with payors, policy makers and regulatory bodies.
Importance of Medical Affairs in the Healthcare Industry
Medical Affairs plays a vital role in bridging the gap between science and business within the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and healthcare industries. It ensures that accurate, evidence-based scientific knowledge is communicated to healthcare professionals, regulatory bodies, payors, and patients, ultimately driving informed decision-making and improving patient outcomes. By generating, interpreting, and sharing real-world data and clinical evidence, Medical Affairs supports safe and effective use of therapies while upholding ethical standards. It also provides critical medical and scientific insights to R&D and commercial teams, guiding strategic decisions, shaping clinical practice, and fostering trust between the industry and healthcare stakeholders. In this way, Medical Affairs not only strengthens the credibility of pharmaceutical companies but also contributes directly to advancing patient care and public health.
Average Salary In Medical Affairs
| Job Roles | Average Salary |
| Medical Affairs Associate / Coordinator | 4 LPA to 10 LPA |
| Medical Information Specialist | 5 LPA to 12 LPA |
| Medical Writer (Regulatory / Scientific / Publication) | 4 LPA to 15 LPA |
| Medical Science Liaison (MSL) | 6 LPA to 18 LPA |
| Medical Advisor / Associate Medical Director | 7 LPA to 22 LPA |
| Medical Affairs Strategist / Policy Lead | 7 LPA to 25 LPA |
Eligibility Criteria for Medical Affairs Careers
Minimum Educational Qualifications with Core Requirement is a degree in Life Sciences or a Healthcare Background, such as
- MBBS / BDS / BAMS / BHMS
- MD / MDS (specialisations add advantage)
- Pharm.D / B. Pharm / M. Pharm
- M.Sc. / PhD in Life Sciences (Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology,
- Pharmacology, Molecular Biology, etc.)
Top Companies For Medical Affairs Jobs
- Novartis
- AstraZeneca
- Pfizer
- Johnson & Johnson
- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.
- Dr Reddy’s Laboratories.
- Parexel
- IQVIA
- Abbott Laboratories
- Roche
- Sanofi
- Thermo Fisher Scientific
- Novo Nordisk
- Merck (MSD)
How to Make a Career in Medical Affairs
Making a career in medical affairs is not like a walk in the park. It requires proper training, skills and knowledge about regulatory complaints and a proper commitment to the job. Although pursuing a career in medical affairs can be a little challenging and confusing, CareerInPharma, India’s Best Clinical Research institute, trains and helps healthcare professionals to achieve their career dream job in the pharmaceutical industry.
Overview
A career in medical affairs can be the best fit for individuals whose interests doesnt lie in patient care. So if you are a working healthcare professional or a fresh graduate, a career in medical affairs offers various career prospects with great growth opportunities globally. Take your first step towards your dream career and a job in medical affairs by enrolling in CareerInPharma clinical research courses.
FAQs- Career in Medical Affairs and Job Roles
1. What skills are needed for a career in medical affairs?
Skills required such as:
- Scientific Expertise
- Regulatory knowledge
- Attention to detail
- Digital engagement skills
2. Who is eligible for a career in medical affairs?
Individuals with a degree in life science or healthcare with post-graduate degrees are eligible for a career in medical affairs.
3. What is the average starting salary in medical affairs?
The starting salary for entry-level medical affairs professionals in India ranges from 4 LPA to 7 LPA, depending on qualifications and skills.
4. Is medical affairs a good career for non-MBBS graduates?
Yes. Graduates with BDS, B.Pharm, M.Pharm, Pharm.D, MSc, or PhD in Life Sciences can build a rewarding career in medical affairs.
5. How can I gain experience in medical affairs without prior industry exposure?
You can enroll in specialized training programs, such as those offered by CareerInPharma, to gain practical knowledge, industry-relevant skills, and placement support.
