Building High-Impact Field Medical Teams: Insights from Vicky Jones of Annexon Biosciences

Field Medical is under pressure to prove its value -- not just in scientific conversations, but in the data and insights those conversations generate. This episode puts that challenge front and center.

Scott Thompson, CEO of Acceleration Point, sits down with Vicky Jones (Global Head of Field Medical at Annexon Biosciences) to explore what it takes to build and lead a high-performing MSL team. Vicky brings deep experience from senior roles at Amgen, UCB, Eli Lilly, and Regeneron -- and she brings a perspective shaped by an unconventional path: she started in veterinary medicine before finding her way into Medical Affairs leadership. The conversation covers team structure, insight generation, demonstrating Medical Affairs value, and what leadership actually looks like in Field Medical today. If you're responsible for a field medical function -- or building one -- this is the episode to bookmark.

Key Takeaways:

• An unconventional path is an asset -- Vicky's background in veterinary medicine shaped how she approaches scientific credibility and cross-functional relationships in Medical Affairs.
• Team structure must serve strategy -- Building a high-impact MSL team starts with clarity on what the organization needs from field medical, not just headcount.
• Insight generation is a discipline -- MSLs who treat insight capture as a core deliverable, not a byproduct of HCP conversations, create measurable value for the broader organization.
• Demonstrating value requires a data-driven mindset -- Medical Affairs teams that can articulate their contribution in evidence-based terms are better positioned to earn organizational investment and strategic influence.
• Leadership in Field Medical is relational -- Vicky emphasizes the importance of coaching MSLs to develop scientific confidence alongside interpersonal effectiveness.

About Our Guest

Vicky Jones, DVM is Global Head of Field Medical at Annexon Biosciences. She brings decades of Medical Affairs leadership experience across Amgen, UCB, Eli Lilly, and Regeneron, with deep expertise in structuring field medical teams, driving insight-led engagement, and developing MSL talent.

Connect with Vicky on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-jones-dvm-36707119/

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.