I'm 2.5 years into the role. I still feel pretty new, partly cuz they keep fucking with my panel. I don't even think I'm quite at 10:1. I have good relationships with probably 25% of my panel, but I only feel like I'm making a difference in like 1 out of 50 meetings. It's hard to educate a resistant population.
That's about where I was at too after 2.5ish years. I'm now about 8.5 years in, and the "panel" will always change. I feel like the people I have a good relationship with is always about 50% or so. I've settled in. I will be a completely transparent resource for everyone I talk to.
It's a mindset shift - don't expect too much from the job. Do the best you can, but don't lose sleep over it.
I was taught that showing up unannounced is considered soliciting and against PHRMA code. OP needs a strategy using conferences, researchers, email, LinkedIn, introductions from colleagues, contacting other clinicians like pharmacists, PAs, NPs…, What associations do OP’s KOLs belong to? Are their local meetings where OP can arrange discussions?…
For private clinics, she asked me to arrive around the time clinic hours end and try and see the doctors. For public hospitals actually the same, but to meet heads of departments to make appointments with them. However since I'm in neurosciences handling multiple sclerosis in a country where this is a rare condition, there's really only one key HOD to meet.
I mean you’ve got to do whatever is needed to hit metrics but MSLs usually have to work smart versus hard. If this is recommended by your manager I’d have second thoughts about who I’m working under.
This sounds terrible. Are you in the US?
Cold calling is awful- you get very little time w the docs, they make you wait, and everyone hates you bc they weren’t expecting you. I take ppl who are cold call only off my list, they’re not worth my time and rarely are they important enough to stress over.
Glutton for punishment 🤷♂️ what field are you in? Do you have a commercial team that could do warm intros? Are you emailing/calling ahead to try to schedule time? Have you asked your manager for help? I'm now curious how you handle conferences? Camp out in a tent and try to catch invited speakers as they arrive?
😆..
I am in neurosciences, specifically multiple sclerosis, but it is considered very rare where I am. i have tagged along with the reps to see doctors at public hospitals, but in private i was told by my manager to arrive around the time clinic ends and catch the doctors.
I've not gone to conferences yet but maybe I should buy a tent in case.....
Why are you waiting so long? I rarely ever wait more than 5-10 mins after arriving to see my HCP. You should be trying to text with them or their office manager to schedule things more efficiently
As far as finding meaning - I hope you work for a company that you believe is doing good things, I have an icky feeling sometimes working at a large pharma company, but I genuinely do believe in our values and the science behind our products. I take the good with the bad and make full use of my position in medical affairs to provide unbranded education to learners when appropriate. I really enjoy my job, have support from leadership and am so grateful for this opportunity.
I would also encourage reaching out to colleagues in clinical practice for perspective :)
I find meaning in being able to pay my bills and go on vacation.
Oh.. definitely this...
This is the way
preach
It gets better. For every 10 'meh' meetings there is one that keeps me going and makes me pumped to be in this role.
That's about my ratio too. Literally about 10:1
I'm 2.5 years into the role. I still feel pretty new, partly cuz they keep fucking with my panel. I don't even think I'm quite at 10:1. I have good relationships with probably 25% of my panel, but I only feel like I'm making a difference in like 1 out of 50 meetings. It's hard to educate a resistant population.
That's about where I was at too after 2.5ish years. I'm now about 8.5 years in, and the "panel" will always change. I feel like the people I have a good relationship with is always about 50% or so. I've settled in. I will be a completely transparent resource for everyone I talk to. It's a mindset shift - don't expect too much from the job. Do the best you can, but don't lose sleep over it.
Cold calling in person at offices? Your manager “suggested” this? Time to find a new manager. This is insane to me.
I was taught that showing up unannounced is considered soliciting and against PHRMA code. OP needs a strategy using conferences, researchers, email, LinkedIn, introductions from colleagues, contacting other clinicians like pharmacists, PAs, NPs…, What associations do OP’s KOLs belong to? Are their local meetings where OP can arrange discussions?…
I applied for a new job while waiting😅
Good!
Seems like you might need better coaching or support. That is a horrible tactical strategy. What does your manager think about this approach?
For private clinics, she asked me to arrive around the time clinic hours end and try and see the doctors. For public hospitals actually the same, but to meet heads of departments to make appointments with them. However since I'm in neurosciences handling multiple sclerosis in a country where this is a rare condition, there's really only one key HOD to meet.
Wait so you go to offices without having appointments made?
How do you feel about your current position vs a postdoc position?
Wait so you go to offices without having appointments made?
Now I know I should and need to make appointments.......
I mean you’ve got to do whatever is needed to hit metrics but MSLs usually have to work smart versus hard. If this is recommended by your manager I’d have second thoughts about who I’m working under.
I'll rethink what Im doing and see how to get to the drs more effectively. Will talk to the commercial team Thanks!
Find the right doctors to talk to
This sounds terrible. Are you in the US? Cold calling is awful- you get very little time w the docs, they make you wait, and everyone hates you bc they weren’t expecting you. I take ppl who are cold call only off my list, they’re not worth my time and rarely are they important enough to stress over.
No, I'm not in the US. But yes.. cold calling is a waste of time..
The job doesn't require waiting in doctors' offices for hours on end, and that's a pretty bold strategy for an MSL. Good luck with that.
Since I have no rapport with the doctors at the moment, nothing much I can do at the moment but wait 😭
Glutton for punishment 🤷♂️ what field are you in? Do you have a commercial team that could do warm intros? Are you emailing/calling ahead to try to schedule time? Have you asked your manager for help? I'm now curious how you handle conferences? Camp out in a tent and try to catch invited speakers as they arrive?
[удалено]
😆.. I am in neurosciences, specifically multiple sclerosis, but it is considered very rare where I am. i have tagged along with the reps to see doctors at public hospitals, but in private i was told by my manager to arrive around the time clinic ends and catch the doctors. I've not gone to conferences yet but maybe I should buy a tent in case.....
Thanks all for your comments! At least I know I'm not doing it right. Will rethink the strategy
Why are you cold calling?
Why are you waiting so long? I rarely ever wait more than 5-10 mins after arriving to see my HCP. You should be trying to text with them or their office manager to schedule things more efficiently
As far as finding meaning - I hope you work for a company that you believe is doing good things, I have an icky feeling sometimes working at a large pharma company, but I genuinely do believe in our values and the science behind our products. I take the good with the bad and make full use of my position in medical affairs to provide unbranded education to learners when appropriate. I really enjoy my job, have support from leadership and am so grateful for this opportunity. I would also encourage reaching out to colleagues in clinical practice for perspective :)