Medical Information Specialists: Benchmarks in Practice.

A gap exists for global benchmarking data on medical information specialists across the pharmaceutical industry. As such, the purpose of this study was to benchmark the practices and training of medical information specialists in the pharmaceutical industry. Results collected will be used to identify training and background of current medical information specialists as well as to describe current medical information-related responsibilities. A 23-item, electronic survey instrument was sent to individuals with an interest in or association with medical communications, medical information, and/or medical science liaisons through the DIA database. A total of 61 complete and 29 incomplete responses were received. Results indicated that similarities exist in medical information specialists' positions regarding organization and reporting structure, job requirements and credentials, core responsibilities, and even identified challenges. These findings may help medical information specialist organizations better compare their own practices with those of other groups in the pharmaceutical industry.