Advanced Insight Generation Strategies in Medical Affairs with Brant Jarrett
Brant Jarrett, Head of Field Medical at Mallinckrodt, joins Scott Thompson to unpack what separates high-functioning insight generation programs from the rest. From dedicated Insight Lead roles to AI's growing place in the process, this episode gets practical fast.
Insight generation is one of the most debated functions in Medical Affairs -- everyone agrees it matters, but the infrastructure, roles, and processes behind it vary widely from organization to organization.
In this episode of OnPoint: The Medical Excellence Podcast, host Scott Thompson sits down with Brant Jarrett (Head of Field Medical at Mallinckrodt) to examine what it actually takes to build a high-functioning insight generation program. They cover the case for a dedicated Medical Insight Lead role, the operational complexity of multi-channel data collection, the feedback loops that keep field teams engaged, and how AI is beginning to reshape how insights are gathered, analyzed, and reported. If your insight program feels more reactive than strategic, this conversation will help you see the path forward.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic planning is foundational -- Effective insight generation doesn't happen organically; it requires intentional program design, defined processes, and organizational alignment before any data collection begins.
- A dedicated Insights Lead changes the equation -- Having a role specifically accountable for the insight function -- not just field teams submitting data on the side -- meaningfully improves the quality and consistency of what gets captured.
- Multi-channel collection is no longer optional -- Insights drawn from a single source have limited utility; building infrastructure for multiple data streams strengthens both the depth and reliability of what Medical Affairs can act on.
- Feedback loops sustain field engagement -- When MSLs and field teams see their insights used and acknowledged, participation improves. Closing the loop isn't just courtesy -- it's an operational lever.
- Showcasing results builds organizational credibility -- Demonstrating the tangible impact of insights -- on strategy, on planning, on cross-functional decisions -- is what earns Medical Affairs a seat at the table.
- AI is a tool, not a replacement -- Brant addresses the evolving role of AI in processing and reporting insights, while reinforcing that human judgment remains essential in interpreting what the data means.
Resources Mentioned
MAPS Webinar: Putting the AI into Innovative Medical Affairs Teams -- Referenced by Brant in the context of AI's growing role in Medical Affairs workflows; available via the Medical Affairs Professional Society.
Three Skills Medical Insight Leads Must Master -- An Acceleration Point blog post that complements this episode's focus on the Insight Lead role; recommended reading for teams building or refining this function. Read it here.
About Our Guest
Brant Jarrett is Head of Field Medical at Mallinckrodt. He brings deep operational expertise to the design and execution of insight generation programs, with a focus on strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and preparing field teams for emerging technologies.
Connect with Brant on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brant-jarrett-636a1435/
About OnPoint: The Medical Excellence Podcast
OnPoint: The Medical Excellence Podcast delivers insightful conversations on the most pressing issues facing top Medical Affairs professionals. Listen to stay ahead of industry trends and be inspired by leaders shaping the future of Medical Affairs.
Find more episodes on our OnPoint YouTube channel.
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