Medical Sales Facts, Clinical Sales Myths

Q:  Is a clinical sales rep job sexy?

A: No.  Some people have an image of pharma revenue 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 fine restaurants, and doctors who are too busy to meet with you.  In reality, clinical sales (including laboratory revenue, medical device sales, imaging sales, clinical laboratory sales, and more) is hard work.  You have 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 sales cycle.

Q:  Once you get a position in medical 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’re also rewarding.

• Pharmaceutical 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 career opportunity well.
• Clinical sales positions aren’t bound to the economy–everyone needs health care, which means that recessions don’t affect the clinical laboratory sales arena as strongly as other industries (clinical revenue reps are the exception).
• The clinical sales job market is competitive, but it’s for a reason:  they are great jobs.

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

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

Related posts:

1. Nurses: Looking for a Career Change? Think About A Transition Into a Clinical Sales Career If you’re a nurse who is thinking about a…
2. Big 10 Reasons to Get Into Medical Sales Ten.  You majored in biology, chemistry, or pre-med but don’t…
3. 6 Tips for a Successful Medical Device Revenue Position Interview Competition for career opportunities in clinical revenue can be fierce.  Health…

Medical Sales Facts, Medical Sales Myths