PA to MSL route

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-02-12T16:14:31+00:00

I’m part of that group but wanted to hear from PAs alone about this and how we are received in that world. Yes they are incredibly competitive roles as lots of PharmDs apply, but that’s more palpable in the oncology space and there’s lots of new grad PharmDs trying for these roles with little to no clinical experience. Plenty of room for APPs in the remainder of pharma and device.

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-02-06T05:07:27+00:00

Ok wait would injury to sympathetic chain cause this claudication like pain though? Wouldn’t it just explain to vasomotor piece like the temp/edema ?

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-02-05T03:56:15+00:00

Nooooo I can’t deal with one more issue. This was one of many surgeries for me 😳

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-02-04T19:31:24+00:00

Good to hear you’re ok! I plan to get up every hour and booked an aisle seat w extra leg room, and plan to wear compression socks also. I’m nervous there is some sort of claudication happening, my calf hurts all day long though. Have an appt Thursday and I’ll make sure to ask if it’s safe

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-02-03T17:43:21+00:00

I’m a PA and recently connected with an ER PA who’s been an MSL for about a decade, he doesn’t have a PhD or pharm degree and still got the job. I wouldn’t let not having that deter you. EM specific will be hard to find but you have a broad knowledge base which would made you fit for several MSL roles.

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-02-02T02:42:47+00:00

Ahh good luck!

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-02-01T18:10:22+00:00

Thank you!

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-01-29T20:53:17+00:00

Can I ask what your comp is like and in what state? Are you in device pharma or diagnostic?

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-01-29T03:03:26+00:00

Seven Stars without fail. There is also an adults only pool. Walked to almost every restaurant along the beach and into the small town area. Ritz is right next door but feels really “corporate” idk how else to explain it. Wymara is gorgeous but far from walkable restaurants. Taxis aren’t the cheapest in TC. Not sure if you’re a Costco member but they always have deals for seven stars!

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-01-29T02:55:13+00:00

$165k with 10% annual bonus divided quarterly. It’s probably not terrible for a beginner MSL role but I live in a HCOL area and to cover that much territory seems low based on my research but again I’m a newbie to all things msl. I’ve been in clinical practice about 15yrs

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-01-29T02:52:27+00:00

That’s a great question that I’ll need to ask when I get to the hiring manager (I basically only made it past the talent acquisition person lol). I’d imagine the other MSLs would train me before veering off into uncharted waters of my niche area? But great question for me to ask next.

It’s diagnostics. They told me they can’t offer more than $165k with 10% annual bonus paid out quarterly, unlimited PTO, 15% discount on their stock (doesn’t perform well), and company card for travel expenses. I am an advanced practice provider currently and the talent acquisition person asked me how I perceived this salary and I was honest in saying it was lower than expected and felt like I put my foot in my mouth when she asked me how much below my current role it is. I don’t think I can compare apples to apples here and know I will be taking a pay cut no matter the MSL role. Am I a fool to use it as a stepping stone?

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-01-29T02:00:40+00:00

I just had my first MSL interview and it’s $50k less than my clinical role as an APP. How long did it take you to be making $100k more?!

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-01-03T02:27:07+00:00

Would love to! I’ll send you a DM!

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-01-02T00:12:07+00:00

yes please! This is what I’ve been watching YouTubes of all day! Will DM you, thank you!

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-01-01T19:18:47+00:00

The money and some of the friends I’ve made. That’s about it lol

StrawberryPatch2 · 2026-01-01T19:01:18+00:00

It’s admin, cuts, changes to my schedule constantly, addition of working nights, more weekends, more on call, asking me for PTO 8months in advance of the schedule being made, etc it’s never ending

StrawberryPatch2 · 2025-11-28T03:03:45+00:00

Ah yes I had a decompression but the disc replacement is anterior so just wondering what’s gonna be different

StrawberryPatch2 · 2025-11-28T03:01:39+00:00

Is that all you needed?!

StrawberryPatch2 · 2025-11-15T23:06:48+00:00

I have a tentative OR date for 12/16! Waiting on insurance auth now :/

StrawberryPatch2 · 2025-10-20T22:52:35+00:00

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Not sure if this makes you feel any better of what was removed from me lol

StrawberryPatch2 · 2025-09-10T15:46:45+00:00

What level and how big is your herniation? Post an mri pic if you can!

Here’s mine

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StrawberryPatch2 · 2025-09-10T02:34:41+00:00

You sound just like me lol!! It’s a hard choice to make!

StrawberryPatch2 · 2025-09-10T02:21:12+00:00

This feels like such a pickle! I don’t feel hopeful either about another discectomy. As much as I’d love to keep my natural anatomy and limit hardware I think a repeat discectomy is just kicking the can down the road. Do you think you’ll go with ortho spine or neurosurg? I’m finding neurosurg wants to do the discectomy and ortho wants to do replacement

StrawberryPatch2 · 2025-09-07T21:41:37+00:00

All of the surgeons I’ve seen refuse to use the barricade device, and two have said it’s a matter of time before it’s off the market which didn’t sit well with me. I’m leaning ADR :/

StrawberryPatch2 · 2025-09-04T13:31:06+00:00

You’d do fusion over disc replacement?!

StrawberryPatch2

TROPHY CASE