About Pharmaceutical Reps

Pharmaceutical reps have a very competitive job, since many reps from other companies try to convince doctors to prescribe drugs with the same benefits. Because many companies develop similar drugs, pharmaceutical reps must be skilled at convincing others that their drug is best. This job requires a good work ethic, as reps work alone, and the ability to connect with healthcare providers.

Function

Pharmaceutical representatives work for drug companies. They visit various doctors' offices and hospitals and try to convince the providers of the efficacy of the drugs they are selling. These reps provide information about the drug, its side effects, and the cost to doctors hoping the doctor will decide to prescribe the drug to patients after learning about it.

Types

Pharmaceutical reps work with a single drug company. Within this company, however, the rep may work with any drug or only with specific drugs. Some specialize in a certain type of patient, such as cardiac care patients or gynecological patients, while others are generalists and promote the company's latest product to general practitioners.

Misconceptions

One common misconception is that drug reps bribe doctors by providing freebies, such as lunches and token gifts. Drug reps do offer lunch for offices and give out pens, pads of paper and other goodies, but they also do presentations for doctors' offices. A pharmaceutical rep needs to work hard to convince the doctor that the drug she is offering is better than what's been on the market.

Benefits

Being a pharmaceutical rep is a wonderful job for someone who likes travel and who likes people. The drug rep's job consists of going to facilities within a certain territory, and in more rural places, that territory can be a good portion of the state. The rep also must have a good rapport with doctors to convince doctors to listen to their presentation.

Potential

The income potential for a pharmaceutical rep is good. Reps typically earn a base salary and then earn bonuses based on the doctors who agree to prescribe the drug, listen to the presentation or take samples. Earning the trust of doctors is the goal of pharmaceutical reps, and those who do it well are compensated accordingly.

Resources

• Learn more about jobs in pharmaceutical sales.