In The Debate between MMR Vaccines and Autism, The Lancet Retracts Article on Controversial UK Physician

Matt Ford wrote on ArsTechnica.com that the editors of the British journal The Lancet reviewed the conclusions of a multiyear ethics investigation of UK doctor Andrew Wakefield performed by the General Medical Counsel (GMC) and then formally retracted a study which purported to find a link between the childhood MMR vaccine, gastrointestinal disease, and autism.

The article on Dr. Wakefield was published in 1998 and has been a source of international controversy in the pediatric community and among parents ever since. Ford wrote that much of the problems with the vaccines and autism can be traced to Wakefield's study.

"Wakefield was found to have acted unethically and conducted irresponsible research in coming to his—now thoroughly discredited—conclusions. According to Dr. Richard Horton, editor of The Lancet, "It's the most appalling catalog and litany of some the most terrible behavior in any research and is therefore very clear that it has to be retracted."

Read more about the issue here.

Pharmaceutical Employers Struggling in Talent War for Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) in a Web 2.0 World

(REPRINTED)

A special report explains how corporate staffing consultants of pharmaceutical employers must have Competence, Chemistry, and Charisma when fighting the war for MSL talent. In a press release from 1888.com, it was reported that companies are shifting their recruiting burdens for field-based medical science liaisons.

"More MSL employers and specialty recruiters are coming to us and admitting that general job boards and social networks have become resource drains and time-wasters," said Dr. Jane Chin, author of the special report, 'Medical Science Liaison Recruiting: A Special Report for Corporate HR Sourcing MSLs in a Web 2.0 World.' "Social networks definitely have a role, but most MSL employers are leveraging social media and social networking incorrectly in the MSL recruiting game."


MSL Institute has been surveying the medical science liaison employment trends since 2006, with its salary surveys and analysis of job satisfaction trends based on primary source collection as well as secondary source collection of the MSL community. MSL Institute also provides a niche-specific job board catering only to the MSL recruiting market.

The 14-page report is available to pharmaceutical employers and corporate staffing consultants. Please contact Dr. Chin for a complimentary copy of the report.