Brandon Woodrow 
Medical sales representatives play an essential role in providing new medicines and devices to doctors’ offices and hospitals across the nation. There are endless possibilities for growth within this career field; whether your focus lies with pharmaceuticals or equipment sales reps.
Medical sales representatives spend much of their day engaging in meetings with current or potential customers – meetings that play an integral part in building lasting relationships.
Benefits
Medical sales representatives provide doctors, hospitals and clinics with the necessary tools for providing healthcare operations. Reps act as intermediaries between manufacturers and healthcare practitioners thereby improving communication.
Many medical sales professionals enjoy their jobs and feel that they’re making a difference, yet this role can be taxing and require extensive travel. According to a MedReps survey, 28% of sales representatives reported administrative work as one of their top complaints.
To break into this career field, an entry-level position such as marketing for a medical office or customer service at a hospital may be necessary to gain experience and move into higher roles. An internship or training program are other means for building up expertise.
Education and Training Requirements
Sales reps in health care must have the appropriate education and training in order to sell pharmaceuticals, medical devices or healthcare management services effectively. Their product will dictate which requirements need to be fulfilled for this role – prospective job hunters should carefully research all their options prior to embarking on this career path.
Typically, those seeking to break into healthcare or life sciences require an undergraduate degree; however, those looking for corporate employment could use an MBA instead.
Job hunters looking for medical sales experience should seek an internship with a company or arrange a ride-along with an established rep in order to gain firsthand insight into the job and assess if it fits them aspirationsally.
Work Environment
As part of medical sales, it is critical to develop long-term professional relationships with doctors and healthcare workers. Reps typically find that developing lasting bonds with clients often opens up additional business opportunities and career growth.
Medical sales careers offer an incredible opportunity to be at the forefront of cutting-edge medical advancements while promoting products which improve patient care and outcomes. Furthermore, these roles foster an ethical commitment to healthcare while offering competitive compensation packages.
Visitors who are curious about medical sales should subscribe to subreddits such as r/MedicalSales to stay informed about developments and gain tips from those already established in their careers. Many job search websites also feature alerts for medical sales jobs. Anyone hoping to switch careers should bear in mind it may take time to acquire the skills required for success.
Flexibility
Be it medical device sales rep, pharmaceutical sales rep or biotechnology sales rep – there is a path for you. From salary plus commission (in certain markets), to choosing your own field of specialization – being dedicated and motivated can lead to great income potential in this profession.
Knowledge in your field of specialization is indispensable. Knowing the correct anatomical terms and surgical concepts when communicating with surgeons builds rapport, demonstrates value-add, and enhances rapport.
Networking is also essential when applying for medical sales roles, particularly with recruiters. They may consider how you have built relationships in the industry when considering your application; this demonstrates your ambition and also gives access to valuable career development resources and training opportunities.
Travel
Medical reps’ careers require frequent travel. Depending on their industry, they could need to meet with doctors at hospitals, rehab and elder care facilities or trade shows and conferences – or travel themselves!
Balancing personal and professional needs when undertaking sales roles can be challenging; however, most medical representatives find great satisfaction in their role. At the forefront of cutting-edge medical advances they can make a direct difference to healthcare practitioners practices and patient outcomes.
Medical reps tend to work long hours, including weekends. This schedule can be particularly demanding on new reps trying to break into the field and establish their customer base, and must often require travel which means spending significant amounts of time away from family and home.
