On the Road Again

The main job of the medical sales representative is to take any new device, for improvement in medical care, to the public. It requires a life of travel, going from one community to the next, letting medical executive see why the newest medical miracle will improve diagnostic or patient care.

A phone call is not sufficient. A person needs to actually take the device on the road, illustrating it use and answering any pertinent questions. Public relations skills are essential, as well as developing credibility and trust among the medical communities.

Side by Side

A medical sales representative must be able to work side by side with the people that will be implementing the new device, as well as the individuals in charge of the budget. It means catering to executives. It may also require standing for long hours in the operating room, while a surgeon is actually working on a patient. It means waiting at the doctor’s office for a chance to make the pitch for something that will ultimately improve diagnostics or treatment.

All by Myself

A medical sales representative must be comfortable with only him/herself for company. With so many days on the road, it means the ability to enjoy hotels as a home away from home. While some meals are at nice restaurants with corporate executives, other meals are eaten with a book or newspaper for company.

More importantly, a person dedicated to medical sales must be intrinsically motivated to succeed. Plus, a working knowledge of all devices is required. It takes a special type of individual to constantly learn about advancements in medical diagnostics and treatment. The sales representative is truly alone in their job. No supervisor is present to give instructions or motivate him/her to get out of bed in the morning. People in sales are highly motivated self-starters that really enjoy the job and the purpose served.

In summary, a medical sales representative position is not the right job for just anyone. It takes a special person to make the sacrifices necessary to take a medical device from one community to the next. It also takes someone that enjoys meeting new people, but also appreciates time alone. The right individual for the job is comfortable developing public relations with executives in a fancy restaurant or deck out in scrubs in the operating room. Most importantly, it takes a person that is constantly willing to learn about the new devices, in order to properly demonstrate their purpose and effectiveness. A sale representative is truly vital to the medical industry.