r/MedicalDevices

Hello,

I’m a bedside RN and I have my final interview with Philips Healthcare next week for a clinical specialist position for their patient monitoring (the intellivue). Can anyone give me insight on the role? All I know is the security of bedside but I just can’t do it anymore. I’m finishing my second Master’s and want to take my career in a different direction. Any tips or insight would be appreciated! Thanks!

For those who made the jump from Fire/EMS into medical device sales, what was the biggest surprise after you started?

I live in a small town, so there aren’t a lot of opportunities around here. I have a Bachelor’s in Health Studies Management and Marketing, but I don’t really want to do anything with that because I really didn’t know what I wanted to do at the time. I currently work in a hospital as a patient transporter so I do have some hospital experience. I looked into IBRHRE and I saw CDRMS (Cardiac Device Remote Monitoring Specialist) or CCDS (Certified Cardiac Device Specialist). I was interested in getting certified in one of these two, but I can’t find much information on it other than the website. I want to hear from different people’s experience with getting one of these certifications. I want to know the materials I need to study and what do I need to be eligible for the certification test.

Hi guys, I recently got hired and this is my first medical device company and I came from a B2B world. The recruiter who told me that I will be receiving a monthly commission but then as I am reading on their comp plan it looks like I will not be getting paid any monthly commission to every dollar I sold? Also I have to be at 50% at plan? I mean I am pissed and I want to quit!!!

I was told by the recruiter that I will be paid monthly commissions but it looks like I am not. Omg. Did I make a mistake?

Help me! Can I quit this job? What would you do?

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.***

Thoughts on Baxter Surgical Solutions for entry level? I’m new to this so please give any advice/insight/words of wisdom!

I'm a territory manager selling surgical instruments at one of the biggest medtech companies and was messaged about an associate position at Edwards in the structural heart division. It would be a title demotion, but a pay increase in base and OTE. I'm a couple of years into my med device career and considering whether it would be better to stick with my current position or pursue this new opportunity.

I'm comfortable in my current role and not actively searching, but when this came up, it caught my attention since cardiac device positions are difficult to get without prior cardiac experience. From a long-term career perspective, would you stay where you are and continue building experience as a Territory Manager, or take the title demotion to get into structural heart?

TLDR: I'm a TM selling surgical instruments with a big medtech company and was messaged about an associate position with Edwards structural heart. Stay where I am or pursue structural heart opportunity?

Currently work as a nurse. Currently make about 160k base for 36.5 hours a week, but typically take home 180-200 just with some minimal over time. I get about 3-4 percent raise per year. My friend told me he can get me a position working with him in capital budget med device sales for a big Fortune 500 company. Just wanted to know is this even worth it or should I just stick with what I’m doing? What is a reasonable salary expectation I’m reading online that it’s about 150 total comp? Is this accurate? How’s the work life balance ?

I’m looking for some advice from people who have successfully broken into medical device sales or clinical specialist roles because I’m honestly feeling stuck.

I’ve been applying to medical device positions for about a year now and have only landed two interviews, with one making it to the second round before getting cut. I’ve also been networking on LinkedIn, reaching out to reps and recruiters, but it hasn’t led to many opportunities. At this point, I’m trying to figure out what else I can do to become a stronger candidate.

For background, I’ve spent the last five years working in a Level I Trauma Center in several different roles:
Pre-Op/PACU Unit Coordinator
Anesthesia Technician, working directly with anesthesiologists, CRNAs, surgeons, and OR staff
Biomedical Equipment Technician, maintaining and repairing medical devices throughout the hospital

Outside of healthcare, I’ve coached baseball for several years and currently officiate varsity high school basketball. Those experiences have taught me how to communicate effectively, coach others, stay composed under pressure, and continually improve through feedback.

My goal is to get into a Clinical Specialist or Medical Device Sales role because I genuinely enjoy the OR environment and working alongside physicians. I’m also open to pharmaceutical sales if that’s a more realistic path into the industry.

For those of you who made the transition, what made the biggest difference? Was it networking, certifications, targeting different roles, improving your résumé, or something else entirely? Is there anything you wish you had done sooner that helped you finally break in?

I’d really appreciate any advice. Thanks!

How common are rapid fire interviews? I have had 2 so far and they are absolutely horrible. I have interviewed for medical device sales and recently for a small winery (territory sales). I’m in the wine industry now, transitioning to medical devices, but it’s been difficult getting traction in med devices, that is why I am interviewing for both. Both felt like interrogation-style.

My goal is to become an EP Mapper but I'm not sure if I'm taking the most efficient route. I have a BS in Biology and am currently working as a receptionist for a PCP. I am prepared to relocate anywhere in the US. I completed 6 week crash course on cardiac rhythm management with a focus on Pacemakers/ICD's/CRT's that included 1 week of in-person lab working with programmers and device simulations. I am currently shadowing a general cardiologist and have observed a few pacemaker clinics, pacemaker implant cases, and catheter angiogram procedures. He will be connecting me with some EP's soon to get more relevant experience.

 

My concerns are that I have a less competitive degree (not biomedical engineering), less competitive work experience (not an ep lab / cath lab / cardiac nurse), and less relevant continuing education (pacemakers vs mapping). I know that I'm better positioned to become a pacemaker CS first, but I want to be a mapper in the long run. If there is a way for me to go straight to mapping, I would rather do that. 

 

I know I can guarantee a mapping position if I complete a more in-depth post-grad program, but I would rather save 6-12 months and $30-50k if at all possible.

 

Should I start applying now or does my resume still need beefing up? What else should I be doing to increase my odds? Any suggestions for continuing education? I am familiar with EP Simulator, and free courses with MDT, J&J, and BSCI.

 

This subreddit has been a fountain of knowledge, any insight is greatly appreciated, thank you so much!

Hey everyone,

I’m a recent Biology graduate trying to break into medical device sales. I’m currently building healthcare sales experience in a regulated, high-volume environment through outbound calls, customer education, needs assessment, objection handling, CRM documentation, and compliance-driven conversations.

I also have clinical shadowing experience in a dental setting, where I observed patient evaluations, treatment discussions, chairside workflow, provider-patient communication, and infection control standards. My background also includes lab/research experience with molecular biology, DNA extraction, PCR, data collection, and documentation.

I’ve started networking with reps and account managers in the industry, and one person recommended I look into Onsite Specialist or Clinical Specialist roles as a possible entry point.
For those already in med device:

Does this sound like a realistic background to break in?

What should I build over the next 6–12 months to become a stronger candidate? and what more can I do?

Any advice would be appreciated. I’m trying to build the right foundation and make myself a serious candidate

Hi all, I’m weighing up between Electrophysiology and Surgical Robotics. In terms of difficulty, which one is more difficult? Which one is harder to progress through the ladder? I know they are practically different in a lot of ways but I just want to have better insights. Is it possible to jump from one to another? I.e EP to Surgical robotics or vice versa. Also, what would the pay be like for each?

Thank you and I’d appreciate all responses 🙂

I’m a new med device rep, and this has happened a few times. I’ll make eye contact with a surgeon before a case, and instead of walking over or scrubbing in at the nearby sink, they’ll take a different route and enter through the core. I’ve never met these surgeons before, so I have no idea if it has anything to do with me or if I’m overthinking it.
I have a tendency to take it personally and assume they’re trying to avoid me. Maybe they are. Has anyone else dealt with this? How do you stop reading into every interaction and just let it go?

I’m curious — a lot of people want to be in the medical field for money, but then once they got the taste of it and how much grinding you have to do they quit. But you, you as the successful one, how do you win after win after win? What separates you from your competition? How do you keep winning? What books do you read? Podcast you listen and even what kind of energy drink and mantra you tell yourself to be a winner?

Just curious how MENTALLY AND STRONG REPS WINS.

Asking for myself. thank you for those who will share some wisdom!

I'm a waiter at a high end restaurant and was recruited by a medical device rep for heart devices in the Midwest. I told them I was a law school drop out among other life details. We had a decent conversation and it ended up with the rep asking me to work for them - something about 6 months of training and wanting me on their team. Up until now I've never heard of medical device sales and I've been researching it. There's a lot of different information and part of me thinks it's "grifty." They mentioned their top producers make 800-900k which added to my hesitance. I'd love to hear your personal thoughts on this situation.

I hear of nurses wanting to get into med device, but never the other way around. I love my job in ortho as a rep, but feel that I missed my calling as a nurse. Specifically, an ICU nurse looking to get into CRNA or an OR circulating nurse. Any advice? Has anyone done this?

Made my first cold call this week at a hospital surgery center, targeting a cardiac surgeon’s office.

Got clocked as a rep at the front desk and asked to sign in. Didn’t have credentials yet, so I chatted up the receptionist and she let me through anyway.

Pitched the surgeon’s receptionist, gave her a brochure and card. She wasn’t really engaged. (I was also pretty nervous)

Tried a different angle, less clinical, more story. Still didn’t land.

Asked about rep lunches. She brought out the surgeon’s MA, who said they don’t do lunches but would email if interested.

I felt like I left with no real relationship established in the office and a brochure that’s probably already in the trash.

So here’s what I’m asking: What are some good potential moves from here to get in front of the surgeon (ideally)/ what are some other ideas of sales activity I can do to move the needle? Do I go back in a few weeks and try again with a study or other material of value? Is there a smarter angle I’m missing?

*someone suggested getting on the internal hospital phone and calling him directly. (I don’t have the cohones for that yet…)

I do have the physicians email (potentially out of date) and plan on sending a very short message with very brief product info and ask for meeting.

I don’t have a ton of sales experience so I appreciate the real talk.

I will continue the cold calling at other accts, and will surely get better, but curious where you’d go from here in this situation. Hopefully I’ll run into him in an elevator somewhere🫡

Could I pursue this type or career with a felony charge?

When I first graduated college, I landed a job with one of the big orthopedic companies. Didn’t last three months. I got fired because my dumb young self lied about my ETA to a hospital. Termination reason: violation of conduct / lack of integrity.

Embarrassing to admit, but I was naive and treated it like any regular job where you could cut corners. I learned fast that wasn’t the case.

Right after, I picked up a role with a competitor in a different state and have been grinding ever since. That firing genuinely changed me. Integrity became the foundation of how I operate now. Years later, I’m in a solid position and doing well.

Here’s where it gets interesting.
That same company, the one that let me go, is now actively recruiting me in the state I’m currently in. They reach out almost every other week. They clearly don’t know the history, and as far as I know, nobody in my current market does either. Med device is a small world, but this one seems to have stayed buried.

So I have a few questions for the people who’ve been around:

**1.	Is it even worth pursuing?** If HR runs a rehire check and I’m flagged, it could get awkward fast, especially in a market where reps talk to each other, nurses, and my own teammates.  
**2.	Can a regional manager override a “not eligible for rehire” flag?** Has anyone seen that actually happen, or is HR always the final word?  
**3.	Do I say anything proactively, or let the process play out?**

I know what I did was wrong, but that was a different version of me. Just trying to figure out if this door is worth knocking on.