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Dachuan Li, Medical Science Liaison

From operating room to medical education: a former surgeon's journey as a Medical Science Liaison

Dachuan Li traded his surgical scrubs for a career bridging science and healthcare as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL) at Sanofi in China. His unique path illustrates how clinical expertise transforms into meaningful impact across the healthcare ecosystem.

The steady beep of monitors and the controlled intensity of an operating room were once Dr. Dachuan Li's daily soundtrack. As a general surgeon in Harbin – a city in northeastern China near the Russian border – his hands directly saved lives.

Yet, questions formed in his mind even as he wielded his scalpel. Could there be a way to help not just the patient before him, but thousands more? And what if his medical knowledge could ripple outward, multiplying its impact?

"During consultations with pharmaceutical representatives, I had a glimpse of a different world," Dachuan recalls. "I saw how scientific knowledge translated into therapies that reached countless patients – far more than one surgeon could ever treat directly."

In 2020, Dachuan made a big decision: he stepped away from surgery and joined Sanofi as a Medical Science Liaison (MSL). Five years later, he describes this pivot as transformative – allowing him to expand his horizons while still leveraging his clinical expertise to help patients.

The bridge between science and practice

As an MSL at Sanofi, Dachuan serves as a scientific ambassador, connecting breakthrough research with clinical application.

"What makes this role meaningful is that I can leverage my clinical background while connecting physicians with cutting-edge scientific developments," Dachuan says. "As a doctor, I might help dozens of patients directly. Now, by educating healthcare providers about scientific advances, I can indirectly help thousands."

A critical aspect of Dachuan's work involves communicating complex scientific concepts to medical professionals. One of his most significant achievements has been helping Chinese physicians understand the mechanism of action behind certain inflammatory conditions as type 2 inflammation-driven diseases – a paradigm shift in how these conditions are conceptualized and treated.

"This educational approach has helped physicians see these conditions in a new light, understanding both the scientific and practical implications," he explains. "It's satisfying to become a learning partner with physicians and gain their trust and respect through sharing valuable scientific insights."

Professional rhythm and responsibilities

The pace of work as an MSL at Sanofi is dynamic and responsive to market developments. Dachuan says that during his five years with the company, the expansion of Sanofi products in China created an environment where the team needed to adapt quickly to keep pace with demand for medical information.

A typical workweek for an MSL might include:

  • Conducting educational sessions with healthcare providers about disease states and therapeutic approaches
  • Responding to scientific inquiries from physicians regarding clinical data
  • Gathering insights from the medical community to inform internal research and development
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams, including marketing, market access, and clinical development
  • Staying current with the latest scientific literature and competitive landscape
  • Supporting investigator-initiated studies and clinical trials

A culture of collaboration

The transition from hospital hierarchy to corporate teamwork represented a significant shift for Dachuan. One aspect of Sanofi's culture that particularly resonates with him is the collaborative environment that transcends departmental boundaries.

"In a hospital setting, cooperation between departments can sometimes be challenging," he reflects. "At Sanofi, I found that colleagues across functions share a common goal and genuinely want to work together effectively."

This collaborative approach extends beyond internal teams to relationships with the medical community. MSLs serve as scientific partners to healthcare providers, offering medical education rather than product promotion – a distinction that aligns perfectly with Dachuan's values as a former clinician.

"The role respects medical expertise on both sides," he explains. "We're not there to sell; we're there to engage in meaningful scientific exchange that ultimately benefits patients."

Making an impact at scale 

Dachuan emphasizes the exceptional learning opportunities available for professionals considering a similar career path. "Sanofi provided extensive resources that helped me transition from clinical practice to industry," he shares. "The mentorship from experienced colleagues has been invaluable." 

Sanofi's diversity, equity, and inclusion culture has also created space for growth beyond his core responsibilities. "When you perform well in your primary role, there are opportunities to participate in different projects and expand your capabilities," Dachuan says. 

This supportive environment has allowed him to continue developing professionally while maintaining his connection to medicine – albeit in a different capacity than his surgical career. 

When asked what motivates him to continue developing his career at Sanofi, Dachuan points to several factors: the rational yet warm corporate culture, his “exceptional” team, the work he supports around products, and most importantly, the meaningful impact of his work. 

"As a surgeon, I could help the patients directly under my care. As an MSL, I can help improve care for thousands of patients by ensuring their doctors have the most current scientific information," he explains. "That scale of impact is what makes this role so fulfilling." 

Dachuan offers enthusiastic encouragement to those considering a transition from clinical practice to a MSL role. "At Sanofi, you can expect a fulfilling and surprising career journey," he says. "The opportunity to remain connected to medicine while broadening your impact makes this a uniquely rewarding path." 

His journey from operating room to medical education exemplifies how clinical expertise can find new expression in roles that bridge science and healthcare practice – creating value for physicians, patients, and the healthcare system as a whole.

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