Pharmaceutical Sales Facts, Clinical Revenue Myths

Q:  Is a pharmaceutical sales rep job sexy?

A: No.  Some people have an image of pharmaceutical 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 fine restaurants, and doctors who are too busy to meet with you.  In reality, clinical sales (including medical revenue, clinical device sales, imaging sales, laboratory revenue, 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 pharmaceutical sales, isn’t your career set?

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

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

A: Medical revenue career opportunities are challenging, but they’re also rewarding.

• Clinical 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.
• Pharma revenue career opportunities 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 (medical sales reps are the exception).
• The pharmaceutical sales job market is competitive, but it is for a reason:  they’re great jobs.

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

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

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Medical Sales Facts, Medical Sales Myths