Myriam Cherif, Founder of Kalyx Medical, on The Future of MSLs, Adapting to AI, and Why Curiosity Keeps You Moving Forward

In this episode, I talked with Myriam Cherif, former Regional Medical Lead for Oncology & Emerging Markets at GSK and founder of Kalyx Medical—a consultancy focused on Medical Affairs strategy, mentoring, and AI training.I invited Myriam to join me here because she posts some of the most insightful and practical content about what life is really like as a Medical Affairs professional. She shares her journey from academia to pharma, and what it really takes to succeed in Medical Affairs without losing your sense of purpose. She opens up about the early days at Novartis, the steep transition from the lab to corporate life, and the practical lessons she learned through trial and error—most especially the KOL meeting that didn’t go as planned.She also shares the turning point that came when her role at GSK was made redundant, how that moment became the spark behind founding Kalyx Medical, and why she now helps MSLs and Medical Leads use AI with intention, and not as a gimmick. Along the way, she reflects on mentorship, resilience, and how to stand out in an industry that tests both your patience and adaptability.(Find out more in the episode.)Here’s What You’re In ForWhy mentorship can make or break your first MSL yearThe “so what” factor that makes a CV stand outHow AI can help MSLs read smarter, not harderTimestamps01:15 – From PhD in molecular biology to Medical Affairs03:07 – The reality behind the MSL role05:30 – Starting at Novartis and feeling out of depth06:52 – Her first KOL meeting—and what went wrong08:08 – Why mentorship changes everything10:17 – How long it took to land her first MSL role15:34 – Turning objections into opportunities22:42 – From GSK restructure to starting Kalyx Medical25:26 – Two big mistakes companies make with AI28:37 – How AI gives MSLs a competitive edgeAbout MyriamDr. Myriam Cherif is the former Regional Medical Lead – Oncology, Emerging Markets at GSK and the Founder of Kalyx Medical, a consultancy focused on medical affairs strategy and AI training. With over 14 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, Myriam has worked across a wide range of therapy areas, including cardiovascular, immunology, and oncology, and held leadership roles spanning the UK and emerging markets.At GSK, she led medical strategy and scientific engagement across diverse regions, ensuring compliance and excellence in oncology communication. Through Kalyx Medical, Myriam also supports biotech and pharma companies by enhancing their medical affairs capabilities and preparing teams for the evolving landscape of AI-driven drug development and engagement.Connect with MyriamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/myriam-cherif-phd-977a911/ Kalyx Medical: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kalyx-medical/about/ About meMy name is Charles Spence and I lead Discera. After many years working in the life-science recruitment world, I decided to work for myself. Before doing recruitment, I graduated with a biomedical degree, have worked in hospitals (including translation work in Seoul, South Korea), and also spent a year working in diabetes research in Stockholm. After doing research and travel, a career in business and science felt the most appropriate.In 2023, I decided to launch my firm - Discera Search. A firm committed to solving the biggest talent needs of early clinical stage SME biotechs on the East Coast and DACH.Connect with me:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-spence-clinical/ Website: https://www.discera-search.com/ Opinions and comments expressed by the guest do not represent the company and are fully their own.