CMR Institute Launches Certification Program for Medical Science Liaisons

cMSL Program demonstrates skill competency and effective medical communication. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) April 21, 2011 - As the biopharmaceutical industry continues its rapid progress in developing new healthcare solutions amid an increasingly complex business environment, Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) play a critical role in communicating medical therapeutics and scientific innovations that benefit the healthcare community with the ultimate goal of improving patient outcomes. Recognizing the unique responsibilities of MSLs, CMR Institute joined with Scientific Advantage, a leader in the field of MSL/Medical Affairs training, consulting and strategy to introduce the cMSL core skills certification program. This program is intended to set the industry standard for baseline MSL skill competency. It is the industry's first MSL certification program that provides both crucial healthcare industry information and critical business knowledge.

"Medical Science Liaisons are a field-based clinical resource to both the medical community and the biopharmaceutical company that they work for. Maintaining knowledge of current science and understanding effective business practices can be a challenge," says Michelle O'Connor, SVP Learning Strategy and Innovation for CMR Institute. "MSLs need an efficient and effective solution to ensure they stay on top of relevant trends related not only to clinical knowledge but also to the business environment, such as legal and regulatory changes. cMSL helps increase confidence in their role as a valuable conduit of information between biopharmaceutical research, healthcare providers, and ultimately patients, who are served by medical innovation."

CMR Institute's cMSL on-line Program is delivered through 24 self-guided learning modules (each take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete) that use the latest e-learning technologies. Successful participants earn a Medical Science Liaison Certificate of Professional Competency, demonstrating both individual and corporate commitment to this highly competitive scientific field of expertise.

The new cMSL program is comprised of seven key topic areas:
• The Field-Based Medical Science Liaison
• Managed Care Organizations
• Industry Regulations, Compliance and Medical Ethics
• Overview of Today's Medical Expert
• Pharmacology Fundamentals
• Overview of Evidence-Based Medicine
• Trends in Biopharmaceutical Medicine

According to Robin L. Winter-Sperry, MD, President and CEO of Scientific Advantage, the cMSL Program is the first certification program designed specifically for MSLs to demonstrate baseline competencies. It also provides managers with the assurance that their employees have the core skills needed to succeed and demonstrate value in their critical role as a field-based medical resource. As a self-guided, on-demand learning program it allows a new hire MSL to get up to speed remotely, and start learning as soon as they are hired.

"This certification is like a MSL driver's license. Whether driving over mountains or through cities, there are basic skills that every MSL needs in order to be successful" says Dr. Winter-Sperry. "Many MSLs come to the role with extensive medical expertise but they still need to learn industry regulations and the business behind the science. The cMSL program provides MSLs with the security of knowing that they have demonstrated basic skill mastery in their role. This is also a tool for managers, which allows them for the first time to obtain metrics by providing a consistent way to assess and validate skill competency, streamline basic MSL training and on-boarding. It should be the first step in every MSL's training continuum."

The cMSL Program is available through CMR Institute's e-learning curriculum. For more information, visit http://www.cmrinstitute.org/landing-page-cmsl-organizations.aspx

CMR Institute is the leading independent provider of non-branded education for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries and has educated more than 150,000 professionals. Founded in 1966 by physicians in response for a need to increase therapeutic knowledge through scientific education, CMR Institute offers professional development and ongoing continuing education for representatives, managers and other professionals. Its expert content is developed and updated by leading industry experts and distinguished thought leaders from prestigious universities and academic medical centers, and includes key education on science, disease management, ethics, and leadership. CMR Institute's not-for-profit status allows it to continually invest its resources in its library of education to realize its mission, which is to advance knowledge to enhance healthcare. To learn more about CMR Institute, visit www.cmrinstitute.org.

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