Posted by stan_the_man70 on September 1, 2014, at 3:56:07
In reply to Beware of troll posters, posted by stan_the_man70 on September 1, 2014, at 3:31:13
another link about drug company reps - http://www.avaresearch.com/articles/427/Confessions-Of-A-Drug-Rep.html
Lets take a look at the front lines of drug makers - the drug reps; these are the guys and gals who get physicians to write as many prescriptions of their companys drugs as possible.
One might assume drug reps have at least a general science undergraduate degree. After all, many physicians rely on drug reps to educate them on the latest drug therapies and mechanisms of action. In reality, it is very rare for reps to have any science background prior to becoming a drug rep. Why might this be? Perhaps Upton Sinclair said it best;
It is difficult to get a man to understand something when his job depends on not understanding it.
Drug reps need sales skills more than an understanding of science and medicine. Drug companies teach their reps only what they want them to know. This helps them become more passionate salesmen since they only learn the most favorable side of the picture. If drug reps had a basic science background, they might be able to decipher biased research and realize the harmful effects of the drugs they pitch. That certainly wouldnt contribute to sales. Even for reps that might have some kind of science background or might be clever enough to see past the smoke-and-mirrors, they will tend to focus on the benefits while ignoring the risks because selling drugs puts food on their table.
As opposed to having a basic science background, the most qualified candidates for drug rep positions are attractive and well-spoken.
Most female reps are hired based primarily upon their physical appeal.
The male reps are persuasive and likable.
Regardless of their sex, if drug reps use their charm well, the rewards for success can be quite generous. Seasoned drug reps can make six figures if theyre really good; good at schmoozing with physicians; or in the case of female reps, being easy on the eyes.
The starting salary isnt too bad either. If you happen to land a job as a drug rep with a major drug company you can expect to start out with a base salary of about $50,000. Thats around the same as the average starting salary of a Ph.D. college biology professor (public universities, although salaries do vary).
But this is just the beginning. They also get a company car with auto insurance. Theyre also eligible for quarterly and annual bonuses along with lavish vacations if they meet sales targets.
To help achieve their sales quotas, they are provided with a large annual expense account to buy the loyalty of physicians in the form of gifts, vacations, five-star dinner seminars and other perks.
But this is not the end. Some physicians are paid for speaking events, research, and other activities that provide rewards for drug endorsements. These funds come from an entirely different and much larger expense account.
When reps hold educational meetings theyre usually in fine dining restaurants with physicians free to order as much food and drinks as they wish.
And when drug companies hold conferences, its really party time. Physicians are provided with unlimited access to the finest cognac, wines, cigars and meals money can buy. Drug companies spare no expense when it comes to wining and dining physicians. After all, physicians ultimately control up to 100% of drug company revenues.
A former drug rep testified before Congress that pharmaceutical companies hire former cheerleaders and ex-models to wine and dine doctors, exaggerate the drugs benefits and underplay their side-effects.
He also explained that he was taught how to exceed spending limits for important clients by using friendships and personal gifts, and to exploit sexual tension.------- more at the website -----
poster:stan_the_man70
thread:1070603
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140815/msgs/1070604.html