PPM's Candid Conversations | Exclusive Interview with Dr. Eden Girma

Transition & Career Development

·       Dr. Girma’s story highlights a non-traditional path into pharma.

·       She underscores the importance of mentorship, LinkedIn outreach, and long-term perseverance for MDs or others outside the usual pipeline.

Rare Disease Focus

·       The barriers to diagnosis and treatment access are central issues in rare disease spaces.

·       Pharma has a responsibility to educate, both for ethical impact and market reach.

Strategic Role of the MSL

·       MSLs act as educators, connectors, and compliance liaisons.

·       In ultra-rare fields, the MSL’s impact is often qualitative rather than quantitative.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. Breaking into Pharma from a Clinical Background is Tough but Possible

·       Dr. Girma emphasized the difficulty of transitioning into an MSL role with an MD, as most roles are geared toward PharmD or PhD candidates.

·       Persistence and networking were essential: it took her two years to secure her first MSL role.

2. Key Challenges in the Pharma Industry

·       Access and affordability are the biggest hurdles for patients—even with effective treatments available.

·       Underdiagnosis of ultra-rare diseases like lipodystrophy and HoFH is a major problem.

·       Lack of awareness among providers and patients means many cases go unrecognized.

·       Limited registries and data infrastructure for rare diseases complicate research and care delivery.

3. Solutions and Strategies for the Future

·       Educational leave-behinds and disease awareness materials for providers are crucial for helping identify patients.

·       Patient advocacy plays a vital role in raising awareness and driving policy and funding support.

·       Real-world evidence and data-sharing across systems (e.g., EHR-based registries) can enhance rare disease visibility and outcomes.

·       Genetic testing and Centers of Excellence are key in confirming diagnoses, though access remains limited.

4. Vision for Growth and Innovation

·       The next decade will see significant growth in rare disease therapeutics, with AI and genetic testing improving early diagnosis.

·       Cross-specialty engagement (e.g., endocrinologists, hepatologists) is important for identifying patients whose symptoms may fall across multiple disease states.

5. The Realities of MSL Work

·       Dr. Girma stressed that it takes about 2 years to become proficient as an MSL, especially in rare disease.

·       Time management and organizational skills are essential, especially with heavy travel demands.

·       A clear boundary between work and personal time helps maintain work-life balance.

Disclaimer:

The opinions, views, and statements expressed by Dr. Eden Girma, Senior Medical Science Liaison at Chiesi USA, during this interview are solely her own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, positions, or policies of Xenon Pharmaceuticals or any of its affiliates. All comments are made in her personal capacity and should not be interpreted as official statements, endorsements, or representations of the company. Any reference to  Dr. Eden Girma’s professional background is provided for contextual purposes only and does not imply Chiesi USA involvement or endorsement of the views expressed.