Medical Representative
On this page
- What's it like to be a Medical Representative?
- How to become a Medical Representative
- Latest Medical Representative jobs
- Top skills and experience for Medical Representatives
What's it like to be a Medical Representative?
Medical Representatives, also known as Medical Sales Representatives, liaise between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals. They organise appointments and meetings with healthcare staff, which can include doctors, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals. Medical Representatives present products, deliver product samples, and provide detailed information about the benefits and uses of the products they represent. Medical Representatives work in various medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
Tasks and duties
- Organising appointments and meetings with healthcare professionals to promote company products.
- Staying informed about the activities of healthcare professionals and organisations in a specific area.
- Demonstrating or presenting products to healthcare staff including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
- Providing healthcare professionals with product samples and catalogues.
- Keeping detailed records of all contacts, which are usually entered into a CRM system.
- Reaching (and if possible exceeding) annual sales targets.
- Staying informed about the latest clinical data supplied by the company, and interpreting, presenting, and discussing this data with health professionals during presentations.
- Monitoring competitor activity and competitors' products.
- Attending company meetings, technical data presentations, and briefings.
How to become a Medical Representative
To become a Medical Representative, a bachelor degree in a relevant field, a strong understanding of the pharmaceutical industry, and excellent sales and communication skills are required.
Obtain a bachelor degree in a relevant field such as pharmacy, medicine, life sciences, or business marketing.
Gain sales experience, preferably within the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry. Many employers prefer candidates who have a proven track record in sales.
Get familiar with medical terminology, FDA regulations, and current healthcare issues. This can be done through self-study or by attending relevant courses and workshops.
Obtain certification from accredited bodies such as the Certified Medical Representative (CMR) Institute or the National Association of Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives (NAPSR). These certifications typically require passing an exam and demonstrating industry knowledge.
Develop a network within the healthcare industry. Building relationships with healthcare providers can be an important part of a successful career as a Medical Representative.
Keep updated with the latest developments in the pharmaceutical industry, including new drugs and treatments.
Prepare a strong resume and cover letter, highlighting your sales achievements, knowledge in the field, and any relevant certifications.
