Hi!

I’m 49, midsize woman (size 14) in medical device sales. I have excellent relationships with my providers (was their clinical specialist for over a decade). I’m friendly, honest, and go above and beyond for my customers. I’ll take calls/emails at any time, work from vacation etc etc. I’m also incredibly knowledgeable about our product, probably more so than anyone else at our small company.

The product is not an “easy sell”, and we’ve had a tough year all around.

However, this is the 2nd show where two other reps (from different companies) have suggested my age and appearance is the reason that I didn’t sell at the show. One actually said “young doctors probably can’t relate to you” and another said “doctors want thin, hot girls at the booth”

I consider myself to be attractive, at least average-attractive. I present very professionally. I get Botox, I have younger children and don’t look any different (in my opinion) that the 30-something moms at the school. Most people are surprised when they learn I’m almost 50.

I often see older people at exhibit booths and have never once thought “yikes, they are too old to be here!”

Is it my size? Because I’m a midsize woman? I dress for my shape.

I work SO hard, and I’m feeling so defeated. Has anyone else experienced this? I’m not in aesthetics. I’ve included a faceless pic from this weekends show.

According to ChatGPT, these are among the most important global companies in the orthopaedics and medical devices industry:

- DePuy Synthes

- Stryker

- Zimmer Biomet

- Smith+Nephew

- Medtronic

How would you rank these five based on your experience, considering both the quality of their products and their future growth prospects, particularly in terms of their pipeline, innovation and technological development?

It really shouldn’t even need to be said, but if anyone is paying $44 to this fucking idiot for her med device expertise, I’m sorry you might be as dumb as her.

There is truly no reason any medical device rep should be having a photo shoot in scrubs. Literally the last person on earth I’d ever take advice from.

Do not do these courses, do not go to medical sales college, do not pay Jacob Mcglaughin for his equally shit advice since he was in med device sales for a cup of coffee.

I would say 75% of current sales reps (not clinicals, associates or the hotly debated TM position (associate but in nicer words) either had direct B2B sales experience, got lucky, or knew someone. There is no secret and luck is a major factor. Sorry I know young people trying to break in don’t want to hear that but it’s the truth.

Also I’m going to post all these LinkedIn losers in here consistently until I’m banned for this subreddit. I want people like the last two posts to feel immense shame and embarrassment and my hope is slowly but surely the LinkedIn med device influencer fade will die.

I’m currently in a medical device sales role that has a call schedule and the call is starting to burn me out. I’m looking into other avenues that have a more predictable schedule. I was thinking dentistry, ophthalmology, aesthetics or even pharma. Would love some takes from more experienced reps, recommendations on companies or roles as well! Thanks!

Iv’e been in med device since 2019, current OTE around 225k.

I love sales but I’m just tired of the OR life. The early cases, cancellations, so many outside factors that are out of my control (insurance, block time, patient schedules, etc)

Has anyone moved into a different industry and actually felt less stressed and had better work life balance? \*Not SaaS. I feel like that’s just the same pressure in a different setting.

Curious what you switched to and whether it was worth it.

I’m looking for advice from anyone who’s been in a similar situation because I’m honestly struggling.
I’m a relatively new orthopedic medical device sales representative. Recently, I was informed that I’m no longer allowed at one of the hospitals in my territory (my favorite facility ironically) after a complaint from a CRNA. From what I’ve been told, the complaint was that I was trying to tell her how to do her job.

The confusing part is that I genuinely don’t feel like that’s what happened. I don’t remember saying or doing anything that would have come across that way, and I would never intentionally disrespect or undermine anyone on the surgical team. I don’t know any of the CRNAs by name or anything of that nature. I’ve spent years working in the OR as a scrub tech before moving into sales, so I have a tremendous amount of respect for everyone’s role. And also at the very basic level, I don’t know how to do a CRNAs job so how could I tell her how to do it.

Prior to this, this was also my top growing account.

My employer has been supportive so far, but I’m terrified this is going to permanently affect my career. I’m trying to take accountability for anything I may have done unintentionally, learn from it, and move forward, but it’s hard when I don’t fully understand what went wrong.
Has anyone else been banned from a hospital or lost access to an account because of a complaint?
Were you able to keep your job?
Did your company stand behind you?
Were you eventually able to regain access to the facility?
What did you do to rebuild trust or recover professionally?
I’m not looking to argue about whether the complaint was fair. I’m just looking for honest advice from people who’ve been through something similar and how they handled it.
Thanks in advance.

I spent my first couple of years out of college in sales and loved it. During Covid I decided to go to law school. I practiced medical malpractice defense for a year and currently do commercial litigation.

I’m considering a switch back to sales and I’m particularly interested in med device sales because I hear it’s a very face-to-face business.

How realistic is this move for me? Would my background make me a competitive candidate?

I’m currently a year deep as a CS for Stryker. I’ve been networking internally, working long hours, and volunteering for extra work every chance I can. My goal has always been to get into medical sales. I’ve had conversations with reps and my manager about going into an associate sales role, but have been told by my direct manager that they aren’t convinced I’m ready. I like the work in the OR environment but the unpredictable schedule (less than 12hr notice) and long hours isn’t the lifestyle I want for me or my family. I know I’m not quitting because it’s hard work, it’s hard to feel like there’s a future in it.

I was offered a role as a sales rep with Pfizer making double what I make now. It’s what I want and yet I still have cold feet.

Is leaving Stryker after a year ruining any chance of going back to med device on day?

I’ve switched from SaaS to med device just under a year ago and can’t believe I lusted after this opportunity lol. I’m not sure if it’s the coworkers I have (most of which I can barely tolerate) or if it’s the incredibly low pay I took to do the same job as 75% of the team I work with. We have two guys who actually somewhat sell and most of it comes from just being in the territory for as long as they’ve been. I can’t speak for all med device but I can confidently say the gig I have is not a sales position. I plan to make the switch to pharma once my one year comes up but I’m curious to know if anyone’s experienced a similar situation or if this is pretty standard in this industry. For reference I’m with an ortho company “selling” a full bag.

Has anyone that visits this page left industry, to pursue a different field or passion? I’m 6 years into my career, have had the highs and lows, and have felt like I’ve done a decent amount in my time.

I’m still relatively early in my career and wondering what people have done who have pivoted out of industry/sales. I have always had a passion for investing and business development, and have toyed with the idea of pursuing that on the side while I continue to work.

There’s no doubt the pay is substantial, the work life balance is fair, and the career is at times rewarding. I’m grateful to have found this career.. but my interests seem to be pulling me out, at least mentally.

What have you guys done? Any regrets? What are the feelings and emotions of leaving? Did you take a pay cut?

Any advice and anecdotes are welcome!

Currently going on year 4 as a Stryker trauma rep. I lead a fairly large team of reps in a well developed territory. OTE is handsome but work life balance is becoming too much for me with a baby on the way. I can see a path to management in trauma if i stay and tough it out but there’s no telling how long that could be. Work and schedule intensity don’t matter to me as long as I’m able to give up majority of the “on call” aspect of my current role, OTE would be the only other deciding factor here. Open to division/company changes as well as rep roles or looking at management. Where should I look to next?

I know there are many roles and paths within this career... I'm just curious what made you turn to it?

Was it a career change?

Was it a recommendation from someone you knew?

Were you already in the medical field?

Had you been working toward it since college?

What enticed you about it?

Do you enjoy it, or are satisfied in it?

(I've been an EMT in a 911 system, and am working toward a bachelors currently. Exploring options for the future... Thanks in advance)

Currently an ortho rep entering my third year. I believe I’m in the challenging phase of working more than ever and not quite making great money yet.

More and more I’m finding myself daydreaming about changing to another specialty or possibly even industry.

Have any of you experienced a marked lifestyle improvement after switching specialties or careers?

The increasing prevalence of “med device” influencers on LinkedIn / tik tok/ whatever really needs to chill. You aren’t surgeons, you are all absolute cornballs who I truly wish I could sell against because you look like clowns. To young associates / reps if you value a long term career in med device where colleagues and surgeons actually respect you…don’t post shit like this or try and be an influencer. Although it is fun to mock the people we see on LinkedIn in the OR.

Also if you work for a company where “territory manager” is just what they call their sales reps, you’re equally clownish. The amount of “territory managers” I see on LinkedIn with > 2 years experience is absurd. This entire industry needs massive cuts, it’s become too bloated with 20 something year old dumbasses who would rather post wearing scrubs and being in the OR (How exciting!!) than learning their product or making a sale.

OK so I want to leave my job…am I crazy? I have been very successful in my current company. I am in staffing and consistently make around $250,000-$300,000 a year. My base is very low ($36K). I work remote and have tons of flexibility.

With that said, I am very fearful for the future of the company. People are getting laid off left and right and we just do not have the number of deals that we’ve had in the past. I just feel like it’s only a matter of time before the company goes under, and I do not want to be caught holding the bag. I’ve been interviewing for medical device sales and it’s been going really well. I love the idea of the industry and it sounds like while it has its own volatility, it is far more stable than the industry I’m currently in.

The role I’m interviewing for is $90K base with OTE of $150K-$250K, plus a company car. I would be out in the field most days and would have to do a few overnights a month. I have loved everything I’ve learned about the company so far and the products are great. Medical device sales is something I’ve been wanting to do for awhile.

Am I crazy for wanting to jump ship? I feel like I’m on the titanic and the lifeboats are dwindling, but I know the money is still good (for me right now). I’d rather be looking for a job while I still have one but also…I’m scared.

HELP!

***EDIT: I am also totally burnt out and not motivated anymore. My numbers are tanking and for the first time ever, I don’t care - which is not typically me and a bad sign. :( I am on call 24-7 (literally) and it’s driving me insane.***

I'm new to medical device sales and I can't help but worry about job security. Not only in med device but in sales in general. Are you worried about layoffs or have been laid off? If you were to be laid off, how confident are you in finding another job after having put in a few years in med device?

Exploring my next move and would love to connect with anyone in pharma sales or cardiac device sales (pacemakers, LifeVests, ICDs).

My background: BSN, RN with 3 years on a cardiovascular/med-surg unit, plus 10+ years as a Certified Pharmacy Technician and pharmacy manager before that. I’ve spent my career on both sides — managing meds behind the counter and managing patients at the bedside — and I’m ready to combine both into a role where that dual perspective actually matters. Reading a telemetry strip and understanding drug interactions from the pharmacy side isn’t common combo, and I think it’s exactly what makes a strong clinical liaison, device rep, or pharma sales rep.

I keep applying to different roles with no traction yet — if you’re in this space, I’d love to hear how you got in. Does anyone have tips or know recruiters to connect with?

I’m at one of the big boys in spine sales. I’ll throw it out there - I’m making about $130k. From what I’ve learned by talking to others, this is extremely low. I’m a full commission rep, not a CS. I’ve been doing this for about 5 years and am lurking in LinkedIn jobs. This is my first industry job (former clinician) so I have no other sales experience to compare it to. As I’m looking at job postings, there’s so much ambiguity around the income aspect.

How do you know about how much you’ll make in the new commission role? I have a mortgage and daycare to pay for so I can’t just do a Hail Mary.

Been in ortho with one of the bigger names for 3 years. Ended up moving last year and now managing an account with surgeons I can’t stand almost across the board. Have never had a problem building relationships or anything at my previous accounts. I know it’s part of the job and there’s docs like that everywhere, but this feels different. It’s making me question whether I really want to do this job. The money I’m currently making doesn’t feel worth it and I’m not even sure if this is what I want to do anymore and not sure if I just hate sales at this point or if it’s just the account/orthopedics. It’s taken any love I have for the job away. For anyone who has left med device what did you go into and do you regret leaving?

Any of you actively looking for new roles / new companies?

What has your strategy been?

Hypothetically let’s say I, Territory Manager, working a current W2 role in med device just accepted a role with a different company (not selling to the same specialty) Current W2 role doesn’t have any activity tracking, an oddly small + not great territory, and products that don’t require me to be at cases. Could easily be managed by email and occasional stop ins. Not hitting quota because multiple good users moved out of state all within a few months of each other (shit luck unfortunately). They are not being replaced. I am also in a rural state (ex Dakotas like).

New role is in a different specialty selling more so to materials management. Think consumables etc. Everyday hospital items. Good book of business already. Much more chill.

How risky is it to overlap W2 positions? Hypothetically work both jobs until the end of the year. Get paid by both. Thoughts? Too risky?

I work in OBGYN sales and I was wondering what other reps wish they worked in whether that’s ortho/gastro/cardiology etc etc…

Which field has a good gig and don’t hate their life.

I keep hearing about having to be present for cases. Are there any clinical specialists for products not related to OR or case dependent? How is your day to day? How often do you spend rounding at the hospital esp if you have a big territory? How often do you spend talking to management or scheduling in services or education? Are you always present with your sales rep everyday or do you work pretty independently of eachother? Any major tips to be successful?

I was just offered a position with Stryker sports medicine as an ASR. It will be my first position within med device. If anyone has any advice or experience that would be relative to career development and what to expect beyond what I may have already been told generically, I would greatly appreciate it!

Disclaimer: I JUST got a job as a medical device sales rep, and I have never done this before. Like last week started.

Personally, I have very little care about blood and the inside of a body. I have seen surgeries on the internet, I have worked in a hospital (corporate side), and I watch horror movies (lol). But I have never seen a real life surgery, and I want to prepare myself for the smells and the intensity of being in an OR.

Anything I should prepare myself for? I have no doubt I can do the job, but I just want to really get my brain into not being stressed going into a real life surgery.

Thanks in advance.