Why People Are Leaving Position As Medical Representative?

Personally, I have different experiences leaving my medical representative position. They might not be the same reasons why others leave theirs. I do believe, however, that they offer clues to why people find their medical sales careers elsewhere.

One day, I was in a training session, and the trainer was talking about EQ - emotional quotient. The most striking idea that the trainer brings forth was:


"People don't leave the organization. People leave people."


That's something we want to think about. It contains a universal truth to the reason behind many job leavers: people.

In 2003, I left my first medical sales rep job with a Swiss Pharma company.

At that time, I was a hospital sales rep. I want to change to another sector and experience new sales challenge. I thought of selling to the General Practitioner (GP) area. I saw that I can't have the experience if I stay with the present company, at that time, so I made the decision to leave.

I became a GP medical sales rep in the same year.

If you follow along with my story, you can gather that reps leave pharma companies for:


1. A better job prospect in another company.

Better, in many cases, is defined by the reps themselves, not by the Human Resource Manager or even Sales Manager.

I was doing well with my previous employer back then, but that did not stop me from making the jump to the new employer.

It's about choice ...

... It's about what I want to do with my career, not what others told me to do with it.


2. Personal Goals and Motives: A Common Reason for Leaving

Starting in 2003, I sell to the GP sector. The products I was selling were superb. I got huge incentive payout as a result.

But one thing was not quite right, though ...

... It was my Sales Manager (SM).

Something tells me that he did not like me that much.

At first, I only suspect.

After a while, my suspicions grew, and I became curious. I was in luck because, in that particular year, the company introduced an appraisal system that requires SM and my frequent interact to evaluate my performance. I decided to conduct my own test to put my curiosity to bed.

I proved myself, right!

I saw my break when the company offers the Voluntary Separation Scheme (VSS) due to the global decline in revenue. As a way to reduce expenditure, the company decided to lay off some of us. It did not use force. We volunteer, and I was among them.


3. Restructuring and Layoffs: Impact on Medical Sales Reps

This could be something beyond their control, but it's a choice they have to make.

They can choose to stay ...

... I've seen some of my ex-colleagues stay, but later on, they told me that they regret not taking the separation scheme offer. They did leave, and unlike the ones who go before them, they leave empty-handed.

Job cut is one more reason people leave.

Did you recall, in the above example, I mentioned about my SM who sort of "did not like" me?

If the company did not offer the VSS, do you think I won't leave?

I was planning to.

The VSS was just a bonus that I didn't plan. I planned to move to another career with a substantial non-pharma company when the right time comes. In fact, I had been interviewed by the company, and the outcome was auspicious. I was waiting for the details only.

But the VSS came first, and I did not hesitate to go ahead with it.

You see, the reason I want out bad enough was the way my SM treated me.

I don't see the point of staying when a huge career block was already erected in front of me. My experience taught me that, if the SM stays in your way and your career development, there's not much you can do, other than to move on somewhere else. Your career development is pretty much stunt at that point.

This resonates with the idea at the beginning of this article:


People leave people. People don't leave the organization.


I have illustrated why medical sales reps leave their positions. I've told you about personal motive. I've also told you about the thing which is out of their control, like VSS. In fact, we're going to see more job cuts coming to pharma sales in the next few years. Most importantly, I've shown you why people leave people.

If you're going to take away a critical message from this article, then that is the message.

If you, by any chance, find yourself sitting in a position to lead and manage people, be always reminded, that your words and actions might become the reason why medical salespeople leave their job.

I find it to be comforting when people leave their position on their own choice.

But that's just me...


A Typical Day in the Life of a Medical Representative

Being a medical representative is more than just sales—it’s about building relationships and driving value for healthcare providers.

A typical medical representative day often starts with preparing for doctor visits, studying product updates, and strategizing how to introduce the company’s products in a way that aligns with each healthcare provider's needs.

Every day involves a balance of technical knowledge and interpersonal skills to meet sales goals and support the medical community.

On a medical representative day, managing time efficiently is key.

The day usually includes scheduling appointments with doctors, pharmacists, or clinic managers, and ensuring that each meeting delivers a tailored message about how the products can benefit their patients. Engaging in productive conversations and following up on inquiries is crucial for success in this role.

A medical representative day also involves maintaining up-to-date knowledge about competitor products and industry trends. Medical reps spend time not only presenting their products but also gathering feedback from healthcare professionals, which helps refine future strategies.

Being proactive in understanding the needs of the market is what makes each day rewarding for a medical representative.


An Afterthought

As I reflect on the journey of being a medical representative, I realize it’s more than just a job—it’s a calling. While the challenges are real, I find the rewards even greater.

Each day brings new opportunities to connect with healthcare professionals, learn, and make a meaningful impact. If you're as passionate about healthcare as I am, then embracing the demands and growing with the role will lead to a fulfilling career. I'm excited for the potential ahead and the difference I can continue to make.

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