Medical Sales Facts, Clinical Sales Myths

Q:  Is a pharmaceutical sales rep career opportunity sexy?

A: No.  Some people have an image of pharma 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 ‘em to the really worthy restaurants, and doctors who are too busy to meet with you.  In reality, clinical sales (including laboratory sales, medical device revenue, imaging sales, clinical laboratory sales, and more) is hard work.  You’ve to hustle to make the sale, because the competition is fierce.  You’ve to keep up with clinical 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’ve to juggle multiple accounts that are all at different places in the revenue cycle.

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

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

Q:  If clinical sales jobs are so difficult, why would anybody want one?

A: Medical sales jobs are challenging, but they are also rewarding.

• Medical technology and advancements are fascinating and dynamic, with something new constantly to keep things interesting.
• Medical 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 medical sales arena as strongly as other industries (pharmaceutical revenue reps are the exception).
• The pharma sales position market is competitive, but it’s for a reason:  they are great jobs.

For more information on the career opportunities available in a variety of areas in pathology revenue, see PHC Consulting’s job opportunities.

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

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Medical Sales Facts, Medical Sales Myths