Medical Sales Facts, Medical Revenue Myths

Q:  Is a pharma revenue 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 nice restaurants, and doctors who are too busy to meet with you.  In reality, clinical sales (including pharmaceutical sales, pharmaceutical device sales, imaging sales, clinical laboratory revenue, and more) is hard work.  You have to hustle to make the sale, because the competition is fierce.  You need to keep up with medical 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 sales cycle.

Q:  Once you get a career opportunity in pharma 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: Clinical sales career opportunities are challenging, but they are also rewarding.

• Laboratory 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 revenue jobs aren’t tied to the economy–everyone needs health care, which means that recessions don’t affect the pharmaceutical sales arena as strongly as other industries (pharmaceutical sales reps are the exception).
• The medical sales career opportunity market is competitive, but it is for a reason:  they’re great jobs.

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

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

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Medical Sales Facts, Medical Sales Myths