In conversation: Unlocking AI’s Role with Patrina Pellett, PhD Medical Affairs Expert

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Generative AI (GenAI) catalyze innovation and streamline processes, the medical industry is embracing this transformative technology. AI represents the most sophisticated tool ever available for strategic decision-making and tactical design. The technology is known to reduce maximum workloads, freeing medical affairs teams to focus on more crucial issues or the highest-value work.

And so, with good reasons, medical affairs leaders are looking to AI to help them increase not only productivity but also accuracy. According to the 2024 ZS Medical Affairs Outlook Report, more than 45 percent of medical affairs professionals said their organizations are in the ideation phase or have already begun developing capabilities for AI.

We recently spoke to Patrina Pellett, Phd, Training Lead at MSL Mastery, who helps Medical Affairs professionals excel in their careers and lives through training, consulting, coaching, etc. In this interview, she discusses her views on AI’s capabilities today, where they see it going, and why oversight from medical affairs experts is so important.

Q1: How is AI being used in Medical Affairs, and what are people missing? 

Patrina: AI is pushing Medical Affairs to finally answer a deeper question: What is the value we bring that no machine can replace? 

Right now, the ways AI is being used are pretty split. At conferences and in my LinkedIn polls, I hear the full range from “I use it every day” to “I don’t trust it.” Some people are getting a ton of value from automating repetitive work: writing emails, making podcasts out of scientific papers, and creating content. And that’s great. But if that’s where it ends, we’re missing the real opportunity. 

Because AI isn’t just a time-saver: it’s a thinking partner. 

It’s not about replacing Medical Affairs. It’s about finally clearing enough noise to do the work that really matters: asking better questions, gathering deeper insights, and thinking strategically. 

This is a moment of truth for the function. Because the people who can pair strategic thinking with AI will rise. Not because they have the fanciest, most cutting-edge model but because they know how to use AI to amplify their thinking. Not replace it. 

Q2: What separates the Medical Affairs professionals who are getting real value from AI from those who aren’t? 

Patrina: What sets them apart isn’t skill. It’s how they think. 

The people who get the most out of AI aren’t the ones staying on top of every advancement or testing every tool. They’re the ones who know what they’re trying to accomplish and how AI can help them think about it more deeply. 

They use AI – to reflect, to plan, to sharpen their questions, to identify blind spots. And they’re not paralyzed by the pace of innovation, because they’ve stopped trying to keep up and started asking, “What do I need right now to move forward?” 

In Medical Affairs, that’s the difference between someone who’s busy and someone who’s showing their value. 

Q3: Why do you think there’s still skepticism or hesitation around AI in Medical Affairs? 

Patrina: Because AI is hitting people right at the heart of their identity. 

Medical Affairs is full of smart, thoughtful people who’ve built their careers on being scientific experts, trusted advisors, and interpreters of complex data. And now, suddenly, there’s this tool that can summarize papers, answer clinical questions, and even draft medical content. And do it way faster. 

That’s scary. Even if we don’t say it out loud, the question underneath is: If AI can do the work I’m proud of, where does that leave me? 

This hesitation makes sense. It’s not about being “anti-AI.” It’s about the fear of becoming irrelevant. Which is why we need to reframe the conversation. The value isn’t in doing tasks. It’s in how we think, how we interpret, and how we connect the dots no computer can see. 

Q4: What’s been among the most honest or surprising things you’ve heard from a team trying to adopt AI? 

Patrina: A Medical Affairs leader once told me, “I’m afraid my team is falling behind.” 

That kind of honesty hits hard because it’s not about resistance to AI. It’s about not knowing where to start. The pressure to “catch up” is real, and it often leads to inaction. Not because teams don’t care, but because they’re overwhelmed. 

But if AI can take over surface-level tasks, that’s not a threat. It’s a gift. It means we finally have space for the work that actually drives value: strategic thinking, relationship building, and insights that drive decision-making. 

Now’s the time to stop trying to catch up and start thinking differently. 

Q5: So, what should teams actually focus on if they want to use AI well? 

Patrina: Forget the tools. Focus on the thinking. 

That’s the approach we take in our business and apply in our AI Excellence trainings. Instead of asking, “What’s the best AI tool? And how do we use it?” we ask, “What decision are you trying to make? What questions should you be asking? What message are you trying to communicate?” And then we use AI to support that. 

This takes the pressure off. Because now you’re not trying to keep up with tech. You’re grounding your work in strategy, and letting AI help you move faster and think deeper. 

It’s less about what the tech can do. It’s more about what you want to do and how to utilize AI to help you achieve it more effectively. The beauty of this approach is that it doesn’t matter which AI tool or features you have.  

Q6: How do you see AI shaping the future of Medical Affairs? 

Patrina: Super excited. 

Because this is the shift we’ve been waiting for. Medical Affairs has spent years trying to earn a seat at the strategy table and now AI is presenting an opportunity where we can lessen the administrative burden and focus on strategic thinking.  

AI is automating the busy work. And when that happens, the value won’t be in how fast you respond or how many slides you create. The value will be in your ability to think strategically, build trust, and drive decision-making. 

The next five years will belong to the people who use AI to think. Not just to do. 

Q7: If you could leave Medical Affairs professionals with one thought about AI, what would it be? 

Patrina: Don’t wait until you feel like an expert. 

Just start using AI to help you think more clearly and compliantly, connect more dots, and align more deeply with what matters. Your value isn’t in knowing all the answers. It’s in knowing which questions to ask. 

AI can help with that. But only if you let it. 

Bio:

Patrina is a dynamic and experienced Medical Affairs leader dedicated to helping MSLs and Medical Affairs teams unlock their full potential. As the Training Lead for MSL Mastery, she designs and delivers customized training programs that enhance strategic thinking, relationship-building, and insight-gathering—ensuring that Medical Affairs professionals don’t just check boxes but make a real impact.

With 7+ years of experience in Medical Affairs and a specialty in MSL insights, Patrina has worked extensively to refine insight-gathering methodologies, optimize field team effectiveness, and drive strategic value for organizations. She’s passionate about bridging the gap between strategy and execution, empowering MSLs to translate scientific expertise into meaningful conversations that lead to decision-grade insights.

Beyond training, Patrina is a recognized thought leader in the Medical Affairs space. She shares practical guidance and strategic insights through her Medical Affairs Value blog and Medical Affairs Strategy Hacks YouTube channel, offering real-world advice that helps Medical Affairs demonstrate value.

If you see her on LinkedIn or at a conference, come say hi! She’s always up for a great conversation about Medical Affairs, insights, and the latest book she’s reading.