Linda Traylor, Ph.D., was drawn to the medical affairs industry because of its potential to improve patient care through scientific engagement. As the new vice president of medical excellence with global consulting and software firm Acceleration Point, she’s excited to focus on the role of technology in advancing her industry. “Acceleration Point has an exceptional reputation in the field, and we will unequivocally contribute, and in some aspects lead the way, in shaping the future of medical affairs,” Traylor said.
Acceleration Point helps medical affairs professionals improve and track impact through the development of key opinion leader (KOL) engagement processes, and it builds technology solutions specific to medical affairs. The company is the provider of Kwello, the integrated solution for global KOL planning, social monitoring and insights development.
Traylor brings 25 years of medical affairs experience to her new role, having worked at big and small pharmaceutical, medical device and diagnostics companies, including Abbott Labs, AbbVie, Novartis, Biodesix and, most recently, IQVIA.
At Acceleration Point, she hopes to spark change in the medical affairs industry by pushing professionals to overcome resistance to technology and strategic planning so that they can focus more on what matters most. “Across the industry, we may have many differences in the interpretation of data and the way we work and interpret rules and regulations,” she said. “But when it comes to improving patient care, we are all rowing in the same direction, and that’s what makes me genuinely love this profession.”
We sat down with Traylor to talk about the industry, her job and what changes she hopes to be a part of.
What are the most critical skills or qualities a leader in medical affairs should possess to drive success and innovation in the field?
I don’t believe the critical skills and qualities needed for success have changed as our profession has evolved, but I do believe our resources and the tools needed to develop these skills have evolved significantly. The three biggies are still the three biggies: first, a continuous learning mindset. Second is scientific expertise. And last is being a master communicator. These are the critical skills that foster success and innovation, not to mention impact patient care and outcomes.
What are the key challenges the industry faces, and how do you plan to address them in your new role?
The key challenges that medical affairs faces relate to two variables: the technological revolution we’re in, and how the role, itself, is evolving. Internally, companies are now demanding a more efficient use of their technological resources and investments as well as cross-functional alignment. The challenge that medical affairs has is to ensure compliant cooperation as we implement these shared technologies. That doesn’t necessarily mean launching a systemwide platform. Instead, our focus is on implementing a coordinated framework that promotes strategic alignment and process enhancement.
Looking outward, there is a perception that introducing too much structure to our health care provider or KOL engagements or measuring the impact of what we do is somehow perceived as too commercial in nature or compromises professional integrity. I believe the opposite is true, and that when simple frameworks and enhanced processes are implemented, technology can free up time for medical affairs professionals to focus on the more rewarding aspects of our jobs.
One of the primary reasons I joined Acceleration Point is because we aim to address these challenges by advocating for the smart use of technology and process enhancement while partnering with our clients to implement these changes. In doing so, we can improve efficiency while also fostering an environment that values and showcases the impact and the impactful work of medical affairs.
What are your primary goals in your new role, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My first goal is to take the amazing tools and framework that Acceleration Point has created over the years related to KOL engagement and insights generation and make them more accessible. Second, I want to equip medical affairs professionals to confidently navigate their digital transformation. And, of course, my ultimate goal is to empower our clients to achieve success in their roles as medical affairs professionals, leaders and valuable members of the medical community.
By leveraging the innovative tools and expertise of Acceleration Point, I am excited about the endless opportunities that lie ahead for us to collaborate and make a meaningful impact in the health care industry. I truly believe we can make a real difference in advancing the practice of medical affairs and improving patient outcomes.
Discover how Kwello, the most comprehensive KOL social monitoring platform on the market, is helping the industry’s top MSLs and Medical Affairs teams deepen their relationships with leading scientific experts and position their organizations for success. Click here to learn more.