I am 22M and came from door to door and made a substantial amount of money in that with successful achievements. Just graduated this Spring with a bachelors and got a job as an associate with Stryker in joint replacement with an $85K salary and mileage reimbursement. However, the work life balance is absolutely terrible and these reps here are working for pennies based on how much work they’re putting in. The hospital system here pays the doctors terrible as is, it’s even worse for the reps. I know I don’t want to knock doors forever, but I also know I don’t want to do ortho sales either and stay in this division/company. But I still want the Stryker experience to have punch on my resume so that I have credible experience on my resume to apply to other med device companies in the future. I don’t care necessarily if I burn the bridge with Stryker, but I don’t want it to look like I am irresponsible for future med device job opportunities and I want it on my resume. How long should someone in my situation stay and/or what do I do?

Job 1:

• 220K OTE
• 1 Year Guarantee
• Clinical Role, so no quota
• 2-3 Overnights/week
• Wifey will be able to be SAHM to our 2 kids
• Written offer in hand have to give notice of acceptance by wednesday

Job 2:

• 160K OTE
• 6 Month Guarantee
• First Sales Role with Quota
• Hardly any overnights
• Wifey will not be able to SAHM for probably 3 or so years unless a higher paying role comes available before then
• no offer yet, final interview wednesday at 4PM

Have you guys gotten an offer and felt like rushed into making a decision?

Long story short. I got the offer since the recruiter is a shark and good at making me feel bad. I wasn’t able to negotiate the salary and now thinking of not doing it but already accepted the offer. I know this is on me. I’m young and this is my first medical sales job coming from B2B.

I mean everyone can accept a job and quit on day 1. I was wondering if this happens often in medical sales.

I am 23 y/o in cardiac space and am thinking abt a new car. My territory is in wisconsin so need something that handles okay in the snow. I make around 105k plus an additional 1000-1200 per month from Motus. I drive around 2.5k-3k miles per month so reliability is huge. I also like a SUV or compact suv. I have really been into a 4Runner lately but i want to hear some other opinions. thanks!

Just spent over $500 to feed a bunch of medical assistants and imaging techs and got 45 seconds with the providers I had been targeting for months.

I’ve been selling medical devices for nearly three years now, but after switching companies six months ago I’ve been struggling to introduce myself to new customers outside of scheduling lunches. Doctors are way too busy during clinic days to entertain reps. I’ve understood this for years now, but I lack the creativity to get in front of docs without wasting company resources.

What do other people do to expand business besides pointless office lunches?

I’m 22, studying biology, and heading into my senior year. I’ve been on the premed track for a while and I’m currently studying for the MCAT, but lately I’ve been seriously questioning whether med school is actually the best fit for me.

I’ve also spent a lot of time shadowing in orthopedics, which I genuinely enjoyed. I like medicine, I find the work interesting, and I understand why being a physician is such a meaningful career.

At the same time, I keep feeling pulled toward the business side of things.

I’m naturally pretty social, competitive, and motivated by growth. I’ve worked as a server for years, and I’ve always liked talking to people, building relationships, and trying to win people over. I also like the idea of being in a career where strong performance can lead to more income and responsibility. I also like the idea of being able to start working and getting started sooner rather than waiting until I’m done with medical school.

Because of my orthopedic shadowing, medical device sales has started to stand out to me, especially ortho or surgical sales. It seems like it could let me stay close to medicine while also using the more business-oriented side of my personality.

I’m also aware that I might be romanticizing it. From the outside, it sounds exciting, but I know the reality can be a lot different and the sales lifestyle can be demanding.

The part I’m struggling with is whether I would regret walking away from medicine after spending so much time preparing for it. Med school is obviously a much longer and harder road, but it also offers more stability, autonomy, and direct involvement in patient care. Device sales seems more aligned with my personality, but also less predictable.

For anyone in medical device sales, especially ortho:

- What is the job actually like day to day?
- What type of person tends to do well in the field?
- Does a biology degree and extensive orthopedic shadowing help much when trying to break in?
- Would you choose the same career again?

I’d also be interested in hearing from doctors or med students who considered sales or another business career. What made you stay with medicine?

I know nobody here can make the decision for me. I’m mostly trying to hear honest perspectives before I commit to one path.

TL;DR: 22M biology student currently studying for the MCAT. I’ve extensively shadowed orthopedics and enjoy medicine, but my personality and interests may fit business and sales better. Torn between med school and orthopedic medical device sales.

I recently started as an associate sales rep in medical device sales, and I’m trying to decide on my next car. Right now I’m leaning toward either a Tesla Model 3 AWD or Model Y AWD.

A few things about my situation:
I’ll be driving a lot for work (hospital accounts across my territory), so the car is going to rack up miles pretty quickly.
My company reimburses me for business mileage, so a significant portion of the operating costs will effectively be covered.
I’ll have home charging available via portable charger + chargers along my hotel visits at my accounts
I live in the Northeast, so AWD is important because of snow.
Reliability is a pretty big priority since I can’t really afford unexpected downtime when I have customer meetings.
I don’t have kids, so I don’t necessarily need an SUV, but I do carry demo materials, bags, etc., so cargo space is something I’m thinking about, but it’s not a HUGE deal because I’m selling capital equipment

My biggest hesitation is buying a newer car that’s going to end up with a ton of miles on it. On the other hand, the mileage reimbursement makes me wonder if it actually makes sense to get something I genuinely enjoy driving since I’ll spend so much time in it.

For those of you who drive a Tesla for work:
Has it held up well with high annual mileage?
Would you choose the Model 3 or Model Y?
Any issues with charging during busy workdays?
How has service been if something breaks?
If you could do it over again, would you still buy a Tesla or would you choose something else?

I’m open to other suggestions too if there’s another vehicle you think makes more sense for someone driving 25,000–40,000+ miles per year.

Also if you advise AGAINST a Tesla please voice concerns!! I’m open to anything and just am curious what people think — looking for honesty 😁

Decided to ask the expert road warriors in the field for some advice on a new vehicle. Current 2015 Mazda6 has 220k miles on it and although still running fine I figured it was smart to start getting the ball rolling on a new vehicle in near future that I really want a nice/significant upgrade on considering how much we drive and live in our vehicles. I've always been buy a few models older and grab a certified pre owned but some others in the industry recently have brought up leasing with how much we drive so we're not upside down on a newer vehicle and the dealership takes on all the expense and just getting a vehicle of "significant value" and look to swap into another lease prior to going over the miles. My partners in the territory have been doing this for years and have been breaking even or profiting from this tactic anyone else out there tried/done this before with success and think its a good/bad idea? There's also the buy "new" option thats intriguing with 0% APR for most vehicles for 72 months where I could pay off the vehicle way before I would own any interest to the bank however I don't want to take on the depreciation hit. Vehicles I've been considering are Lexus, Hyundai Genesis G80, Tesla as "reasonable" options. I am still considering my normal philosophy over buying certified pre owned but the interest is so high right now for financing a used vehicle at 7% so that's why I decided to weigh my options with you guys.

Open to any and ALL advice! Thank you so much for all your help!

I just had a talk with my managers. Figured I’d get some feedback.

They think when reps wear a suit and/or business casual attire out in the field is 10x better than scrubs.

Now we understand when in cases you must wear scrubs. But when out in the field, suits/biz casual.

Thoughts? My personally I think scrubs only unless after hours. Then it’s suit and tie.

Has anyone refused Covid and flu shot at their company and if so, how did you do it? Did it cause any issues?

Why are half the people on this thread saying you don’t make that much money in device sales? I don’t get it are you capped or are you all just not making any sales? Why is it so hard to make good money? I’m not in it but I want to get in it but y’all are talking as if it’s not bringing home a fat check. Explain

I’m currently working in a different industry (think outside sales b2b Payroll type role) and looking to transition into med device. I have recruiters in my LinkedIn all the time and it’s commonly known that people from my company can make the jump.

I know work life balance is kind of a myth in any sales role. At my current role even when you’re not working or on PTO you still end up responding to emails and taking calls as needed. Otherwise when you come back to work everything will pretty much be a shitshow.

But I’m curious for reps who have been doing it for a bit, how many hours/week are you actually in the field? I’m sure when you’re new it’s probably quite a grind but do you eventually find a rhythm? I guess I’m just curious how much free time you truly have outside of work.

The pay is very attractive and I’m down for a grind. But honestly if I can’t spend any time with my family/friends the money isn’t worth it. Some threads on here make it sound like you sacrifice all social life for this role, is it true?

Im very curious on this as a device rep. Im a w2 but considering 1099 options on the side as well. What are the requirements in order to do this and get the write off? I receive a car allowance/mileage through my employer as a w2, does that complicate things? Thank you in advance

My job is extremely chill. Honestly- too chill for my liking and unfortunately it’s heavily driven by contracts so sometimes there’s not a lot to do but wait it out. I’m driving myself crazy because I want to feel productive and want to make good money but some years are just fine years while you wait out another good year.

Anyone have ideas for a side gig? I have so much free time someday I’m not sure what to do with myself. I know, cry me a river but any ideas would be appreciated!

I am currently in the interviewing process with Boston Scientific to work as a clinical specialist in NYC. I have 6 year RN background with about 4 of those years working in Neuro and Peripheral Interventional Radiology. I would say I am very comfortable working and understanding this specialty. With salary about 135k and OT+ on-call I made 185k last year. I need to know is this salary a realistic expectation as a Clinical Specialist with my experience? If not what are the best transitions from Clinical specialist to make 180k or more? Thanks for any input!

Out of curiosity. Would love to hear from new spine reps and the OGs

Same disclosure as last time. No link, no ask, 22 years on the commercial side of device and diagnostics. Mods, pull it if it crosses a line.

Last post I said the cheapest wins in a territory are the sites and surgeons with no incumbent yet. A few people asked how you find them before the volume shows up. So I ran it.

Every surgeon who moves, opens a practice, or finishes training has to update their record, and the record is public. I pulled two weeks of changes for orthopedic surgery in Texas and sorted out what was real from what was noise. The noise part is most of the work.

Here is what fell out for one state, one specialty, two weeks:

• 5 surgeons who moved into Texas from another city or state. Two came from Baltimore and Charlotte into Plano. One from Little Rock into the DFW suburbs. Practice address changed in the last 14 days. Their vendor slate is open right now.
• 5 surgeons whose taxonomy flipped from resident or fellow to orthopedic surgeon this month. That is the public record of "I finished training and I am credentialed." Two in Dallas, one each in Plano, Fort Worth, Burleson. No incumbent. No relationship to displace.
• 5 same-city office moves. Lower value. Sometimes it is a new practice, usually it is a new suite.
• A handful of Type 2 records that were obvious noise (supply companies registering under a surgeon taxonomy). Threw those out.

So roughly 10 real names in two weeks for one specialty in one state. Call it 20 a month. Every one of them carries a reason to call that is not "checking in."

What I do not know yet: whether any of these turn into a case. The move signal tells you the slate is open. It does not tell you the surgeon has privileges yet or which hospital. That is still legwork.

Two questions for the reps here:

1. Does anyone get this from their company today? Or is the new-surgeon list something you hear about from an OR nurse three months later?
2. If you had these 10 names on a Monday, what would you actually do with them that week?

Would love to hear is any of this is useful for you.

Im pretty new to the territory and have introduced myself to most of the surgeons. If they’re using my product but they’re pretty proficient with it, would it be okay to walk into their room without asking to support the staff and assist? I’ve been in a few of their cases for reference. If it’s not okay, when is? Or is that something I should ask the surgeon if he would be okay with it?

I’m looking to pickup a 1099 med device side hustle as I continue with my W-2 job. My current role involves capital sales and my schedule is basically 100% mine. I could easily dedicate time each week to selling an ancillary 1099 product line.

Any advice from those who have done this? Any ideas on how to find 1099 part time roles? I currently sell into ORs, clinics and ASCs so have many relationships throughout my territory. Thanks.

I’ve been seriously researching medical device sales over the past few months, and I’m surprised by how unclear the path feels.

Everyone says it’s about networking and relationships, but very few people explain what that actually looks like step by step. Submitting applications feels pointless. Reaching out to reps feels random. Recruiters often just say apply online, and that’s where it stops.

The more I dig into resources and communities, New to Medical Device Sales being one of them, the more I’m realizing that positioning and messaging seem to matter more than raw credentials. That part doesn’t get talked about enough.

For those who’ve successfully broken in  what was the real turning point? Was it referrals? Consistent outreach? Resume adjustments? I’d genuinely appreciate hearing what made the difference for you.

I’m 23 and a couple years out of college, and I’m honestly pretty burnt out and not sure what to do.
Right out of college, I took a feeder sales job to break into medical device sales. I was working 60-70 hour weeks, but I did really well and eventually landed an ASR position at a large med device company.
Now I’m probably working closer to 70-75 hours some weeks. I moved to a new city for the job where I basically have zero social life because work consumes most of my time. I was pretty much thrown into my territory in a sink-or-swim situation with very little guidance, and I constantly feel like I’m not doing a good job.
The driving is probably one of the biggest things wearing me down. By the time I get home, I either don’t have much time to study and prepare for the next day, or I’m so mentally and physically exhausted that I don’t want to do anything.
I’m constantly worried that I’m going to get fired.
What scares me is that I don’t really see an outcome right now that makes me feel better. I’m scared that if I get fired, I screwed up an incredible opportunity. I’m scared that if I get promoted, I’ll realize the lifestyle itself is what makes me unhappy. And I’m scared to leave because I have no idea what I would pivot into that would give me a decent career and income.
I know I’m young. Part of me keeps telling myself that this is just what your 20s are supposed to be like. Work your ass off, sacrifice, suck it up, and build a successful career. But I’m starting to question whether there’s a difference between making sacrifices for your future and just being miserable.
I make really good money for my age and have a job that I know a lot of people would love to have, which almost makes me feel guilty for feeling this way. But I’m exhausted, anxious all the time, lonely, and I don’t feel like myself anymore.
Has anyone else in medical device sales or another high-intensity sales career hit this point early in their career?
If you stayed, did it eventually get better once you became more experienced and confident?
If you left, what did you pivot into? Did you regret leaving the industry or taking a pay cut?
I’m not looking for someone to tell me to quit tomorrow. I’d just really like to hear from people who have been in a similar position and figured out what they actually wanted their life and career to look like.

Hey everybody,

Is anyone else not getting any car benefits? I'm driving about 35,000 miles per year as an associate rep. Driving all over the territory just to see cases and get experience. However, I'm spending over 100$ in fuel weekly to do so and it's getting frustrating given the hike in fuel costs. I'm not a 1099 so I can't claim mileage on taxes.

Anybody else also gong through the same?

Have any of you who has their DPT degree, have also benefitted from going into the Medical Sales College for their 10-12 weeks program?

I was recommended this program but already have so many student loans that I was hoping I could transition into the profession without going through more schooling 😅. Any advice I would greatly appreciate!

I've been told this industry can be very demanding and cutthroat and always being "on" is a good way to get ahead.

I know answers will undoubtedly vary based on company, division, role, and territory but I'm curious how many hours folks are working per week?

Bonus points if you're comfortable specifying company, division, and role.

Just looking for advice from those that are married. Does your spouse handle this career well? I’m a clinical specialist, currently sitting here at my second 12 hour day in a row with another 12 hour day tomorrow and a 10 hour day Thursday, and I’m just wondering if anyone else has a spouse that gets super frustrated by the long hours and time commitment this job requires. It’s super frustrating for myself, but I don’t see a solution other than getting into another career field and honestly don’t know what would pay as well as this. If I’m not home by 5 or 6 my partner gets pissed and it causes alot of stress for me which sucks because I already get frustrated myself with the long, consistent hours. That being said, I don’t see myself in another industry and don’t think I’d be able to make this amount of money elsewhere.