As the pharmaceutical industry rapidly grows and evolves, the strategic importance of medical departments within companies is also increasing. The global pharmaceutical market, which exceeded 1.7 trillion dollars in 2024, is expected to reach 3 trillion dollars by 2032. Today, nearly 7,000 drugs are in the development phase. In such a dense environment of information and innovation, the proper management of scientific data and its effective communication with healthcare professionals has become critical. This transformation necessitates that pharmaceutical companies not only work with sales teams but also with expert medical teams responsible for scientific communication. This article examines the role of the Medical Manager (MM), who serves as the scientific compass of companies.
Who is a Medical Manager?
A Medical Manager is a specialist working within the medical affairs department of pharmaceutical companies, responsible for managing medical strategy and coordinating scientific communication processes. While conveying the clinical benefits of products to stakeholders, they act as a scientific bridge between clinical research, R&D, marketing, and sales teams. According to applicable regulations in Türkiye, members of medical teams, especially those working in the field, are required to be medical doctors, pharmacists, or dentists. This enables Medical Managers to communicate scientific data effectively by speaking the same language as physicians. A Medical Manager typically focuses on a specific therapeutic area and coordinates all medical activities related to that area. The English equivalent of the title is “Medical Manager” or “Medical Advisor.” The next level of this role is usually “Group Medical Manager,” who supervises other Medical Managers and Regional Medical Managers in the relevant therapeutic area.
Differences Between Medical Manager and Regional Medical Manager
Role and Field Relationship
Regional Medical Managers work in the field, engaging in one-on-one scientific communication with key healthcare professionals in a specific region. This position requires travel and flexible working hours and is built on direct information exchange and insight gathering.
Medical Managers, on the other hand, work office-based. Their role is more coordinative and content-driven, involving strategic planning, medical approval of promotional materials, training of internal teams, and scientific consultancy.
Hierarchy and Responsibility
Medical Managers may supervise the team of Regional Medical Managers within a specific therapeutic area. The performance of Regional Medical Managers is measured by their scientific interactions in the field (e.g., KOL meetings), while Medical Managers are evaluated based on their contributions to strategic goals, implementation of scientific projects, and raising internal awareness.
| BMM – Regional Medical Manager (Medical Science Liaison) |
MM – Medical Manager | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Role | Field-based scientific communication | Office-based scientific strategy management |
| Work Location | Field / Physician visits | Head office / Internal meetings |
| Target Audience | KOLs, academicians, field physicians | Marketing, sales, regulatory, MSL teams |
| Primary Focus | Scientific data sharing, insight gathering | Strategy development, approval processes |
| Job Description | One-on-one meetings with physicians, congress participation and similar activities | Promotional material approval, internal training, and similar activities |
| Reporting | To Medical Manager or Therapeutic Area Lead | To Medical Director / Group Medical Manager |
| Evaluation Criteria | Conducted KOL meetings, scientific interactions | Medical projects, strategic contribution |
| Work Style | Flexible, travel-focused | Planned, meeting and project-oriented |
| Career Path | MSL → Medical Manager | Medical Manager → Group Medical Manager |
| Core Competencies | Communication, field experience, scientific presentation skills | Strategic thinking, project management |
Core Responsibilities of the Medical Manager
The daily agenda of a Medical Manager is multifaceted. The main responsibilities include:
Scientific Expertise and Consultancy
Possesses deep scientific knowledge in their therapeutic area. Responds to product-related questions, analyzes new clinical data, and informs internal teams.
Medical Approval of Promotional Materials
Ensures the medical accuracy of marketing materials and their compliance with the TİTCK Promotional Guidelines. Prevents off-label messaging.
Training and Information Sharing
Provides product training to sales and marketing teams. Develops training materials for new launches or updated data.
Clinical Research and Evidence Generation
Contributes medically to global or local clinical studies. Also participates in investigator-initiated studies (ISS/IIR) or real-world evidence (RWE) projects.
KOL Engagement and Strategic Insight
Meets with expert physicians at congresses and scientific meetings to gather insights that inform product strategy. Organizes Advisory Board meetings.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Collaborates with marketing, regulatory, sales, market access, and HEOR teams. Ensures integration of medical insights into product strategy.
Ethics and Compliance Responsibility
Monitors compliance of all medical activities with ethical rules, company procedures, and local regulations. The transmission of adverse event reports also falls within this scope.
Medical Managers are the scientific compass of the pharmaceutical industry. Amid increasing competition, regulation, and information density, this role is positioned at the intersection of scientific integrity, patient safety, and corporate strategy. With the responsibility of interpreting clinical data, upholding ethical standards, and strengthening internal scientific culture, Medical Managers are among the indispensable leaders of today’s pharmaceutical sector.
References
- Turkish Medicines and Medical Devices Agency (TİTCK). Guideline on Promotional Activities for Human Medicinal Products
- IQVIA Institute. The Global Use of Medicine in 2024 and Outlook to 2028
- McKinsey & Company. A Vision for Medical Affairs in 2025
- Deloitte. Medical Affairs: Evolving to be True Strategic Partners