Qualified to Sell: Should pharmaceutical representatives have science degrees, or are
cheerleaders good enough? Actually, it 's probably easier to pitch those drugs the less you know. It would be hard for someone like
this guy to promote the marketing B.S. that passes for science in the drug rep world with a straight face.
Sales remains sales, whether or not reps have science degrees. Legislating their background would not solve a thing. Prescribing decision remain physicians' responsibility.
ReplyDeleteOf course incentives matter, but the right way to fix them is in pay-for-performance, not blaming third parties.
As they say: fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me.
ReplyDeleteDocs should take sales rep's words with a grain of salt, knowing their economic interests. These interests will not change whether or not salespeople have science degrees.
Physicians should do their own research. FDA website is a start and more trustworthy resources are appearing.