Medical Sales Facts, Clinical Sales Myths

Q:  Is a medical sales rep job sexy?

A: No.  Some people have an image of medical sales reps spending their days in sharp suits, taking doctors to lunch, and generally socializing their way through the day.  What they’re missing is parking garages, FDC regulations that prevent you from taking them to the really valuable restaurants, and doctors who are too busy to meet with you.  In reality, pharmaceutical sales (including pharma sales, clinical laboratory device revenue, imaging sales, pathology revenue, and more) is hard work.  You’ve to hustle to make the sale, because the competition is fierce.  You have to keep up with pharma and technological advancements to be knowledgeable about the marketplace and what the doctor needs (so he won’t dismiss you as ignorant and not talk to you anymore).  And, you got to juggle multiple accounts that are all at different places in the sales cycle.

Q:  Once you get a job in medical sales, isn’t your career set?

A: Uh, no.  (See the aforementioned competition.)

Q:  If medical sales career opportunities are so difficult, why would anybody want one?

A: Laboratory sales jobs are challenging, but they’re also rewarding.

• Clinical technology and advancements are fascinating and dynamic, with something new constantly to keep things interesting.
• Clinical sales reps contribute to patient outcomes–not directly, like a doctor does, but by providing that doctor with the best equipment, tests, and technology available to do her job well.
• Medical sales jobs aren’t tied to the economy–everyone needs health care, which means that recessions don’t affect the clinical sales arena as strongly as other industries (clinical revenue reps are the exception).
• The clinical sales career opportunity market is competitive, but it’s for a reason:  they’re great jobs.

For more information on the positions available in a variety of areas in medical sales, see PHC Consulting’s position opportunities.

Article courtesy of  Peggy McKee - Owner / Senior Recruiter at the nationally
recognized medical and pathology sales recruiting team of PHC Consulting.
© Copyright 2008 PHC Consulting | All rights reserved

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Medical Sales Facts, Medical Sales Myths