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Medical Strategy & Strategic Medical Planning
Strategic Medical Planning is the foundation of an effective Medical Affairs function, ensuring alignment with business objectives while addressing key scientific, clinical, and stakeholder needs. The MAPS Strategic Medical Planning Standards & Guidance (S+G) provides Medical Affairs professionals with a structured approach to developing and executing strategic plans that drive impact.
What is Strategic Medical Planning?
Strategic Medical Planning is a structured, annual process that enables Medical Affairs to:
• Conduct a Situational Analysis – Assess the disease landscape, treatment ecosystem, competitive positioning, and stakeholder insights.
• Define the Medical Strategy – Establish a vision, strategic medical objectives, and key drivers to align cross-functional teams.
• Develop a Tactical Plan – Identify prioritized initiatives, execution timelines, and measurable success criteria.
• Operationalize the Medical Plan – Implement strategies efficiently through cross-functional collaboration, budgeting, and impact assessment.
MAPS Strategic Medical Planning Standards & Guidance
The MAPS Strategic Medical Planning S+G is designed to standardize best practices across the industry and includes:
• A stepwise guide to developing robust, evidence-based Medical Plans.
• A strategic framework covering situational analysis, strategy formulation, tactical planning, and execution.
• A flexible template to adapt planning based on company-specific needs.
• Best practices for aligning Medical Affairs initiatives with broader corporate goals.
Why It Matters
A well-structured Strategic Medical Plan:
• Ensures Medical Affairs is proactive rather than reactive.
• Facilitates cross-functional alignment with Commercial, R&D, and Market Access teams.
• Enables effective engagement with key stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, regulators, and payers.
• Supports evidence generation, scientific exchange, and stakeholder education.
Leverage MAPS Expertise
MAPS provides the Medical Affairs community with practical tools, case studies, and guidance to enhance strategic planning. Explore our Strategic Medical Planning Guide and Template to optimize your annual planning process and maximize Medical Affairs impact.
MAPS would like to thank the following authors:
Leah Williams
Director, Global Medical Education & Communications, Hematology, CSL Behring
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Emily Howman
PhD, Medical Affairs Consultant
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Joseph Kohles
PhD, Partner and Strategic Consultant, Amica Scientific
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Arron Mungul
PhD, Founder, Apogee Life Sciences
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Yi Arnold
PhD, MBA, Sr. Director, Global Medical Affairs, Integra LifeSciences
Medical Affairs Professional Society
David Kelaher
Senior Director, Medical Affairs, IQVIA
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Prasun Subedi
PhD, Channel Access Strategy Lead, Customers & Channels Group, Primary Care, Pfizer
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Eddie Power
PhD, MBA, GFMD, CEO emPower Medical LLC.
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Clare Jackson
Independent Consultant
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Charlotte Kremer
MD, MBA, EVP, and Head of Medical Affairs, Astellas Pharma
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Peter Pilliero
MD, VP, US Medical Affairs, Merck
Medical Affairs Professional Society
Therese McCall
PhD, MBA, Vice President, Medical Affairs, Assertio Therapeutics
Medical Affairs Professional Society
