Medtronic MiniMed

[Anonymous]

Hello. I am needing some serious updated advice on working for the MiniMed division of Medtronic. Please give me an idea of your overall satisfaction selling within this division. I really appreciate any and all input possible. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Please see other post on this topic under "how much are you really making MiniMed Reps", and Insulin Pump job. You will find what you are looking for. However, one caveat, I doubt you will find actual reps with Medtronic, but good info there.

[Anonymous]

I have read the other post but I was wanting to get a little more information regarding the division and the atmosphere within the organization. If anyone can help with more information I would greatly appreciate it.

[Anonymous]

Minimed is great!!! Sorry, Medtronic Diabetes. Pay range 125 - 250K - not too bad for not being on call. Although, lots of patient interaction.

[Anonymous]

I have been trying to get on with Medtronic Diabetes and been networking with some of the reps. Seems like a nice place to be. I know they will look at some pharma reps if you have good relationships with endos in the area, but the reps I know all have device background prior. Pay looks pretty good in the 150K to 200 range and they have some great stuff in the pipeline, but I have been told that the hours are long and the pressure to hit your number is huge. Also, what is meant by patient interaction, I thought that nurses did this for you and you just drove sales with docs and hospitals....I am a little confused here. I was told that you aren't on call but you still have patients and doctors calling you around the clock. Can anyone shed light.

[Anonymous]

Lots of patient interaction b/c your nurse can not be everywhere all the time. Your quota is huge, and if you fall short you will be managed out by a performance plan. This is the easiest way to fire you.

[Anonymous]

I have a friend in neuro with medtronic who told me that his diabetes counterpart works more than he does. He said that this division has a tough sales because they have to first convice a doc to entrust their patient care to a medtronic sales rep and their nurse, then they have to convice the patient to go thru with starting on a drug pump, and then lastely they have to convice insurance to pay for the procedure for each patient.

[Anonymous]

You will work your Ass off and even if you hit your numbers you won't have time to spend it.

[Anonymous]

This job is like adult Daycare. You spend most of your time talking to a bunch of dumbass patients about their diabetes. I have been here for 6 months and hate it. This job is a big slap in the face b/c I left pharma, and here I am calling on PRIMARE CARE offices all day. I thought this was a sales job, but here I still feel like a DRUG REP.

1. I still have to call on PRIMARY CARE docs
2. Doctors have to write a prescription for this product
3. I deal with decile data
4. I deal with formulary issues, prior authorizations, and letters of medical necessity for insurance approval
5. I wear a coat and tie to work everyday
6. I still cater lunches b/c access in Primary Care sucks.

There are Biotech jobs that pay as much money as this with half the work. This is the red headed step child division of Medtronic.

[Anonymous]

I interviewd for this job and can verify that you are basically a drug rep selling a pager like pain pump. I walked when I found out I would be calling on primary care, and having alot of patient interaction. I can make similar money in biotech with less hours and not have to deal with patients.

I rode with a rep and they really do work 10+ hour days. When I am done at 2:00 from calin on doictors offices, they still have patient meetings, support groups, etc... Why would I want to do this when I can make 150k in Biotech working 35-40 hours a week total.

Trading time for money is NEVER a good idea.

[Anonymous]

The above poster is right, however, there are some things to consider. First, you don't call on primary care, only in special circumstances, you call on endos primarily and the level of conversation and the time you get is much different than pharma. The hours are long, but the opportunity to make big money is still there. The reason I am trying to get on is because the rep I know is pulling down 180K. I would be willing to call on the same docs I do now in order to doulbe my pharma salary. This job is probably not for all, but I will take it in a second over pharma.

[Anonymous]

Most reps have the vast majority of their business from endos b/c this is the low hanging fruit. The reps with the most growth get it from high decile primary care. We get paid on growth. I have friends with biotech jobs in the 150-200k range. Even here at Medtronic, if you blow it out and make 200k+, the next year you are stuck with a huge quota, and it is hard to get the growth needed for the high income.

[Anonymous]

Hours are hell and money is good. just wait your time until implantable sensor and pump come in 1 year - then Diabetes will rule!!!

[Anonymous]

To the MiniMed rep. I saw Minimed had dissapointing numbers this past quarter. What happened? Is the competition from Deltec and Animas getting tougher.

[Anonymous]

Above poster, I am not with the MiniMed division, but another. You have your facts wrong. Cardic Ryhthm Managment was off thier number. The diabetes division was actually up 18% from last year.

[Anonymous]

[QUOTE]
Above poster, I am not with the MiniMed division, but another. You have your facts wrong. Cardic Ryhthm Managment was off thier number. The diabetes division was actually up 18% from last year.

[/ QUOTE ]

CRM was down in diriib. sales 17% vs analysts projected at 24%. Diabetes is going strong thanks to disposables.

[Anonymous]

The diabetes division was actually up more than any other division. Many top Medtronic Execs say that this division is the future growth driver of Medtronic. When they launch sensor augment systems, implantables, hospital sensors, and other devices, they forcast division to grow from 600mill to 2 billion.

[Anonymous]

"Pager like Pain Pump" - do YOU even know what mini med sells? It is a great company and you do work hard but the rewards are worth it. Bio Tech is not all that - and at mini med I view the patient interaction as a benefit. You feel good about what you do and you make good money. This division of Medtronic is soaring in the right direction - but you are correct slackers need not apply.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
This job is like adult Daycare. You spend most of your time talking to a bunch of dumbass patients about their diabetes. I have been here for 6 months and hate it. This job is a big slap in the face b/c I left pharma, and here I am calling on PRIMARE CARE offices all day. I thought this was a sales job, but here I still feel like a DRUG REP.

1. I still have to call on PRIMARY CARE docs
2. Doctors have to write a prescription for this product
3. I deal with decile data
4. I deal with formulary issues, prior authorizations, and letters of medical necessity for insurance approval
5. I wear a coat and tie to work everyday
6. I still cater lunches b/c access in Primary Care sucks.

There are Biotech jobs that pay as much money as this with half the work. This is the red headed step child division of Medtronic.

[/ QUOTE ]

STICK IT OUT. I don't doubt you but you ARE with an industry leader so stick it out for a year and then move to another division within Medtronic when the opportunity presents itself.

[Anonymous]

Anybody have any good recruiters for the MiniMed division? It seems as though every recruiter I talk to deals w/ Medtronic but not the Diabetes division.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
Anybody have any good recruiters for the MiniMed division? It seems as though every recruiter I talk to deals w/ Medtronic but not the Diabetes division.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is because there are only about 130 Diabetes Sales Reps. They have large territories. There are about 1000 CRM reps.

[Anonymous]

I'm aware of that but I'm still hoping to identify some good MiniMed recruiters. If you know of any please post.

Thanks

[Anonymous]

You would be better off not using a recruiter. an internal referral carries more weight. Try calling on a high profile endo in your territory or ask a doctor buddy to put you in contact with one. They would have the name of the Rep and Manager. Network, Network, Network!!!

[Anonymous]

I left the MiniMed Manager a voice mail to no avail. I'm in a tough spot b/c I sell to endo's and I'm part of the package. I don't want any of my customers to think I'm leaving b/c I'll only leave for a great opportunity.

I think a recruiter is my best angle. If anybody knows of one, please post.

[Anonymous]

don't waste your time, abbott's navigator is gonna crush the guardian piece of junk. all of the other pump companies have caught up and surpased MM

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
don't waste your time, abbott's navigator is gonna crush the guardian piece of junk. all of the other pump companies have caught up and surpased MM

[/ QUOTE ]

What is this guy talking about. I don't work for minimed, but I know that the Navigator is not even FDA approved, and may never get approval. And the other pump companies are not even close to cathing Medtronic. Look at the Revenues...Medtronic Diabetes does 700 Million a year and Animas and Deltec do less than 150 Million combined.

[Anonymous]

If you have the opportunity to get on with MiniMed, do it. They have had some challenges since the merger, but they still own this market by a very wide margin. Mark my words, a year from now, this will be the hotest growth division in all of Medtronic. Competition will be a non-issue, and you think they make good money now, it will triple. It will be tougher to get on with this division in the future because many CRM, Neuro, ect reps in other divisions of Medtronic will be chasing the dollars in this division too.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
don't waste your time, abbott's navigator is gonna crush the guardian piece of junk. all of the other pump companies have caught up and surpased MM

[/ QUOTE ] I know both products well, and I wouldn't put my money on your opinion....

[Anonymous]

Any MiniMed recruiters? Anybody... come on somebody has to know one.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
don't waste your time, abbott's navigator is gonna crush the guardian piece of junk. all of the other pump companies have caught up and surpased MM

[/ QUOTE ] I know both products well, and I wouldn't put my money on your opinion....

[/ QUOTE ]

Navigator has filed w/FDA to Replace blood sugar monitoring whereas, Guardian is indicated to look for trends. I'd much rather go with a system that would eliminate/reduce the number of finger sticks/day. Guardian alone has to be calibrated 4x/day. That's a lot of finger sticks. http://www.cafepharma.com/ubbthreads/images//graemlins/frown.gif

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
don't waste your time, abbott's navigator is gonna crush the guardian piece of junk. all of the other pump companies have caught up and surpased MM

[/ QUOTE ] I know both products well, and I wouldn't put my money on your opinion....

[/ QUOTE ]

Navigator has filed w/FDA to Replace blood sugar monitoring whereas, Guardian is indicated to look for trends. I'd much rather go with a system that would eliminate/reduce the number of finger sticks/day. Guardian alone has to be calibrated 4x/day. That's a lot of finger sticks. http://www.cafepharma.com/ubbthreads/images//graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]I guess time will tell... http://www.cafepharma.com/ubbthreads/images//graemlins/grin.gif

[Anonymous]

what is the base ? Bonus structure? Do they pay on growth? How much revenue in the average territory?

[Anonymous]

Base ranges, depending on if you are a senior rep or not from 65 to 80K. Total Compensation with bonus depends varies greatly depending on how well you do from 125 to 250K. You are paid on growth. Territory revenue varies greatly as well. Territory average is probably about 5 million, however, you only have quota on hardware (not the supplies business). Therefore, a yearly quota is about 2.5 million made up of pumps, cgms monitors, and glucose sensors.

[Anonymous]

Anybody have any MiniMed recruiters? Please....

[Anonymous]

The MiniMed reps that are writing these comments are friggin idiot lazy a_s pieces of sh_t. If you focused on helping patients instead of surfing the web, you might hit your number. I'd love to meet you at the NSM so I can kick your lazy A_s all over vegas. LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
The MiniMed reps that are writing these comments are friggin idiot lazy a_s pieces of sh_t. If you focused on helping patients instead of surfing the web, you might hit your number. I'd love to meet you at the NSM so I can kick your lazy A_s all over vegas. LOSER!!!!!!!!!!!!

[/ QUOTE ]

How funny is this post. You are complaining about a co-worker surfing the web when they should be out working. Your post was at 2:57pm. I don't care what time zone you are in...mabey you need to be out working and hitting your number as well. Too funny.

[Anonymous]

It's always so funny that the slacker reps are always the ones with the negative stuff to say. After being here several years I can tell you that most of us that get "it" are in this thing for the long haul. This company and the products we sell change people's lives. The reps I talk to that bitch the most are the ones that simply can't play at this level. Go back to pharma and wait in line with the other 22 year old Barbie dolls. The rest of us will focus on changing lives.

[Anonymous]

Hey Deltec rep, how many pumps you gonna sell when we close the loop?

[Anonymous]

Question for you, I was with Minimed for about 4months and made a difficult decision to leave to a startup to supposely make alot of money. Thngs have tanked and I really want to get back in with the company. I left pharma for Minimed and what an awesome job it was with Minimed. So much more satisfying than pharma. Wil Medtronic rehire former employees? Any suggestions on getting back in would be greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
Question for you, I was with Minimed for about 4months and made a difficult decision to leave to a startup to supposely make alot of money. Thngs have tanked and I really want to get back in with the company. I left pharma for Minimed and what an awesome job it was with Minimed. So much more satisfying than pharma. Wil Medtronic rehire former employees? Any suggestions on getting back in would be greatly appreciated.

[/ QUOTE ]

Not to be harsh, but you committed career suicide with Minimed and Medtronic. Your decision making skills will be greatly questioned. You did not give yourself enough time to set your foundation for success and failed to give yourself the opportunity to make the big money here. He'll how can you go wrong with MDT, even if you do not feel your division is the right long term fit for you, work your ass off, produce, and move to a different division. Leaving such a good company for a start is to high risk with only 4 months of device sales.

We all make mistakes and regret decisions we have made. I wish I did certain things differently to. Look on the bright side, you were good enough to get hired with a Top device company, your chances for employment with another industry leader is greater than the average bear.

Keep your chin up. Everything has a way of working out. Best of luck to you.

[Anonymous]

I used to sell diabetes care products, and the endos', along w/ PCP docs are the rectum of the medical industry. They are idiots, not to mention egotiscal, rude, and extremely resistant to change, even if the drug/device is better and makes perfect clinical sense when it comes to treating diabetes effectively. I applaud those reps in diabetes sales because they have it very hard when dealing with these physicians. I am very thankful that I'm out of this specialty area, and would never go back.

[Anonymous]

This is the right division to be in right now. Make it through a couple of tough quarters and then this division will soar. Hospital sensors, Guardian, augmented pumps!!! Diabetes is hot and will make loyal reps who can survive a lot of money.

[Anonymous]

What is the quality of life like with MiniMed? Of the 120+ reps, how many actually enjoy what they are doing/selling, and how many are just there to make a few dollars?

[Anonymous]

How receptive are the endo's, and PC docs to switching their pateints from Multiple Daily Injections to Insulin Pumps? How tough is that sell??? Thanks in advance for honest replies.

[Anonymous]

I can tell you I'm diabetic. I wear the new MiniMed 712 AND LOVE IT! I use to wear the 504 as well. I'm in Pharma sells and I have wanted to work for Medtronic MiniMed for the past 5 years. The sale "maybe" a tough sell, but with having a support staff, Endo's...that believe in your product, as well as Diabetic Educators that you work with really helps you out as a rep. I really hope that one day I can also be apart of this company because their are TONS of things that make this organization a GREAT place to be apart of...and thanks for ALL YOUR HARD WORK!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

Minimed rep here. I left this company a few weeks ago to go with a Biotech company strictly for the quality of life change. The job is great and you do have a lot of patient interaction which is good and bad. Be ready to work your ass off (60-70 hours a week or more and a lot of weekends). Typical day is calling on doctors 8-5, coming home and eating dinner, and then going up to your office until 9pm calling patients and trying to convince them to buy a pump. This goes on 4-5 days a week. It gets old very quick, especially if you have kids. Don't get me wrong, the money is great. If you do too well, your quota is jacked up the next year and is unattainable. Another nightmare is insurance coverage. You are at their mercy. You can go out and sell all the pumps in the world, but if they don't approve them, you're screwed. Turnover is extremely high. Training classes every month have 15-20 people in them and they have not expanded the sales force. There are constant vacancies because of people leaving or people not hitting unrealistic numbers. Management sucks too! They want you to believe that all they care about is changing lives, but all they care about are numbers. They want the sale even if the patient doesn't need the device. Lots of unethical things going on up in St. Louis as well, with reps paying nurses $400 to train patients without the nurses doing any work. Minimed employee found out and reported it to her manager, and the rep who reported it got fired. There is a lawsuit pending. To anyone wanting to get in with this company, you need to seriously consider the pros and cons. If you want your job to be your life, then this is for you. You can make all of the money in the world, but if you have no time to spend it, what good is it?
P.S. Realistic salary/bonus with this job is $135k at plan, which is hard to do. $250k is total bullshit, but this is what they want you to believe you can make.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
Minimed rep here. I left this company a few weeks ago to go with a Biotech company strictly for the quality of life change. The job is great and you do have a lot of patient interaction which is good and bad. Be ready to work your ass off (60-70 hours a week or more and a lot of weekends). Typical day is calling on doctors 8-5, coming home and eating dinner, and then going up to your office until 9pm calling patients and trying to convince them to buy a pump. This goes on 4-5 days a week. It gets old very quick, especially if you have kids. Don't get me wrong, the money is great. If you do too well, your quota is jacked up the next year and is unattainable. Another nightmare is insurance coverage. You are at their mercy. You can go out and sell all the pumps in the world, but if they don't approve them, you're screwed. Turnover is extremely high. Training classes every month have 15-20 people in them and they have not expanded the sales force. There are constant vacancies because of people leaving or people not hitting unrealistic numbers. Management sucks too! They want you to believe that all they care about is changing lives, but all they care about are numbers. They want the sale even if the patient doesn't need the device. Lots of unethical things going on up in St. Louis as well, with reps paying nurses $400 to train patients without the nurses doing any work. Minimed employee found out and reported it to her manager, and the rep who reported it got fired. There is a lawsuit pending. To anyone wanting to get in with this company, you need to seriously consider the pros and cons. If you want your job to be your life, then this is for you. You can make all of the money in the world, but if you have no time to spend it, what good is it?
P.S. Realistic salary/bonus with this job is $135k at plan, which is hard to do. $250k is total bullshit, but this is what they want you to believe you can make.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds pretty bitter to me...why the hell are you draggin other people through the mud on your way out. This guy obviously couldn't hack it in devices and found his lazy ass back into pharma. Of coarse you have to hit your numbers, just like any other real sales job (pharma and biotech excluded...not real sales) but the products you sell do change lives and you get to deal directly with the patients you are helping. Medtronic Diabetes is a great division with an awesome future, glad slackers like you are getting weeded out, so we can get more quality people in here. Also, for a shitty rep like you...135K is probably all you did, but average is closer to 160K and top 10 reps do make 250K. And one last point, Minimed is expanding. Adding 45 new feild people, that is why training classes are large. Only turnover is from pharma people like you who come over and find out quickly that they can't hang.

[Anonymous]

JW....is that you???

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Minimed rep here. I left this company a few weeks ago to go with a Biotech company strictly for the quality of life change. The job is great and you do have a lot of patient interaction which is good and bad. Be ready to work your ass off (60-70 hours a week or more and a lot of weekends). Typical day is calling on doctors 8-5, coming home and eating dinner, and then going up to your office until 9pm calling patients and trying to convince them to buy a pump. This goes on 4-5 days a week. It gets old very quick, especially if you have kids. Don't get me wrong, the money is great. If you do too well, your quota is jacked up the next year and is unattainable. Another nightmare is insurance coverage. You are at their mercy. You can go out and sell all the pumps in the world, but if they don't approve them, you're screwed. Turnover is extremely high. Training classes every month have 15-20 people in them and they have not expanded the sales force. There are constant vacancies because of people leaving or people not hitting unrealistic numbers. Management sucks too! They want you to believe that all they care about is changing lives, but all they care about are numbers. They want the sale even if the patient doesn't need the device. Lots of unethical things going on up in St. Louis as well, with reps paying nurses $400 to train patients without the nurses doing any work. Minimed employee found out and reported it to her manager, and the rep who reported it got fired. There is a lawsuit pending. To anyone wanting to get in with this company, you need to seriously consider the pros and cons. If you want your job to be your life, then this is for you. You can make all of the money in the world, but if you have no time to spend it, what good is it?
P.S. Realistic salary/bonus with this job is $135k at plan, which is hard to do. $250k is total bullshit, but this is what they want you to believe you can make.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds pretty bitter to me...why the hell are you draggin other people through the mud on your way out. This guy obviously couldn't hack it in devices and found his lazy ass back into pharma. Of coarse you have to hit your numbers, just like any other real sales job (pharma and biotech excluded...not real sales) but the products you sell do change lives and you get to deal directly with the patients you are helping. Medtronic Diabetes is a great division with an awesome future, glad slackers like you are getting weeded out, so we can get more quality people in here. Also, for a shitty rep like you...135K is probably all you did, but average is closer to 160K and top 10 reps do make 250K. And one last point, Minimed is expanding. Adding 45 new feild people, that is why training classes are large. Only turnover is from pharma people like you who come over and find out quickly that they can't hang.

[/ QUOTE ]
Well I am a MiniMed rep and I agree with the 1st posting! It can be a great job, but it can also suck the life out of you! I'm home for 30 minutes before I head out to another patient program. The work isn't the worst part it's the company support. This could be a great job, but management can make it miserable!

And the turnover is close to 50% not because they are not good reps but because the expectations are so unrealistic!

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
Anybody have any good recruiters for the MiniMed division? It seems as though every recruiter I talk to deals w/ Medtronic but not the Diabetes division.

[/ QUOTE ]

There's a MiniMed position available for Sacramento. Let me know if you're interested and I'll put you in touch w/ the recruiter and/or hiring mgr.

[Anonymous]

I think this job is a glorified customer service representative - this is not sales!!! Our inside assistants - excuse me, insulin pump specialists, make our jobs hell when they suck - and most do. That is what makes the workload absolute bull crap - the poor way this company is being run. If I could focus on selling instead of babysitting - it would be a great job.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know about the competttion, Disetronic. I have a phone interview soon and would like any info on a realistic view of this position. The recruiter says $120k total compensation. I this real or is it more like a target. How much better is the MiniMed pump than the "D-Tron"? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

$120 is low. Medtronic is 140K at plan, but potential to do 200K. Disetronic is not even on the market anymore. Roche is coming out with a new pump, mabey that is what they are recruiting for. The pump sucks though. It won't even get 5% of the market.

[Anonymous]

Have you seen the new pump?

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
Have you seen the new pump?

[/ QUOTE ]

Who's...are to talking the X22 series or the Accucheck from Roche?

[Anonymous]

The Accucheck from Roche

[Anonymous]

How is the sales training structured with minimed?

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Minimed rep here. I left this company a few weeks ago to go with a Biotech company strictly for the quality of life change. The job is great and you do have a lot of patient interaction which is good and bad. Be ready to work your ass off (60-70 hours a week or more and a lot of weekends). Typical day is calling on doctors 8-5, coming home and eating dinner, and then going up to your office until 9pm calling patients and trying to convince them to buy a pump. This goes on 4-5 days a week. It gets old very quick, especially if you have kids. Don't get me wrong, the money is great. If you do too well, your quota is jacked up the next year and is unattainable. Another nightmare is insurance coverage. You are at their mercy. You can go out and sell all the pumps in the world, but if they don't approve them, you're screwed. Turnover is extremely high. Training classes every month have 15-20 people in them and they have not expanded the sales force. There are constant vacancies because of people leaving or people not hitting unrealistic numbers. Management sucks too! They want you to believe that all they care about is changing lives, but all they care about are numbers. They want the sale even if the patient doesn't need the device. Lots of unethical things going on up in St. Louis as well, with reps paying nurses $400 to train patients without the nurses doing any work. Minimed employee found out and reported it to her manager, and the rep who reported it got fired. There is a lawsuit pending. To anyone wanting to get in with this company, you need to seriously consider the pros and cons. If you want your job to be your life, then this is for you. You can make all of the money in the world, but if you have no time to spend it, what good is it?
P.S. Realistic salary/bonus with this job is $135k at plan, which is hard to do. $250k is total bullshit, but this is what they want you to believe you can make.

[/ QUOTE ]

Sounds pretty bitter to me...why the hell are you draggin other people through the mud on your way out. This guy obviously couldn't hack it in devices and found his lazy ass back into pharma. Of coarse you have to hit your numbers, just like any other real sales job (pharma and biotech excluded...not real sales) but the products you sell do change lives and you get to deal directly with the patients you are helping. Medtronic Diabetes is a great division with an awesome future, glad slackers like you are getting weeded out, so we can get more quality people in here. Also, for a shitty rep like you...135K is probably all you did, but average is closer to 160K and top 10 reps do make 250K. And one last point, Minimed is expanding. Adding 45 new feild people, that is why training classes are large. Only turnover is from pharma people like you who come over and find out quickly that they can't hang.

[/ QUOTE ]

I take it proper spelling skills are not required to be a big shot stud rep like you.

[Anonymous]

No...spelling is not a requirement like it is to be a sample dropping bagel boy in pharma.

[Anonymous]

Is MiniMed expanding...a lot of openings posted right now???

[Anonymous]

No...lots of turnover. Make sure you have managed care coverage in the territory you are considering. The folks on the top are not necessarily the best reps---they just happen to have GREAT managed care coverage which is a BIG deal in the DME business!

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
No...lots of turnover. Make sure you have managed care coverage in the territory you are considering. The folks on the top are not necessarily the best reps---they just happen to have GREAT managed care coverage which is a BIG deal in the DME business!

[/ QUOTE ]

Person obviously doesn't work for Medtronic Diabetes. This division is expanding. In the process of adding about 30 new reps across the US.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
No...lots of turnover. Make sure you have managed care coverage in the territory you are considering. The folks on the top are not necessarily the best reps---they just happen to have GREAT managed care coverage which is a BIG deal in the DME business!

[/ QUOTE ]

Ny idea when thes jobs will be posted? Not on the website as of today. Do you happen to know if there is a position in Atlanta? Thanks.

Person obviously doesn't work for Medtronic Diabetes. This division is expanding. In the process of adding about 30 new reps across the US.

[/ QUOTE ]

[Anonymous]

Actually, the expansion started May 1st. You may have missed the boat because they were trying to fill most spots by the National Sales Meeting in June. Atlanta did add headcount as well, but it may have been filled already.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone want to comment about one of the largest insulin companies stop producing insulin for the device in EU.
After all, the market will eventually go to inhaled insulin.
Or is medtronic bigger than Pfizer, BMS, and NN. Medtonic is at the mercy of the manufacturer.
Not to mention J&J buying Guidant. Parties over.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone want to comment about one of the largest insulin companies has stoped producing insulin for the device in EU.
After all, the market will eventually go to inhaled insulin.
Or is medtronic bigger than Pfizer, BMS, and NN. Medtonic is at the mercy of the manufacturer.
Not to mention J&J is buying Guidant. Parties over.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
Does anyone want to comment about one of the largest insulin companies has stoped producing insulin for the device in EU.
After all, the market will eventually go to inhaled insulin.
Or is medtronic bigger than Pfizer, BMS, and NN. Medtonic is at the mercy of the manufacturer.
Not to mention J&J is buying Guidant. Parties over.

[/ QUOTE ]

Who exactly are you talking about not producing insulin for the pumps. You sure about that. Besides, pumps can use Novolog, Humalog, and Apidra. And what in the hell does J&J buying Guidant have to do with Medtronic Diabetes. There is no corelation there...do you know anything about this market. And inhaled insulin will be a nice tool for diabetics, however, the future is a closed-loop implantable system, not inhaled insulin.

[Anonymous]

If you are only monitoring glucose levels for a metabolic disease (anabolic/catabolic) you will always get peaks and troughs. Peaks and troughs can occur if you miss a meal, out for a fancy meal, or increasing your exercise/stress level.
As you know carbohydrates are not cut from an RNA template like proteins. Carb counting is not an exact science and never will be. When G6P is formed in cells with the help of insulin, the excess "intracellular" glucose can not leave unless a debranching enzyme removes the phosphate group.
Glucose is then committed to a particular intracellular pathway krebs, lactic acid, shunt cycles, and/or storage. This still does not factor in endocytosis of g-protein receptors or various secondary reactions -Camp/IP3/GLUT 1-12/epinephrine/cell to cell signaling/cell wall stretch- within the cell. (this is probably why rapid/short acting insulin is the rational).
Too much or Too little insulin=ketoacidosis. If one can rationalize blood glucose (HbA1C) as a ubiquitous marker, then one can make the same argument for the catabolic end product from an unknown committed intracellular pathway.
Take your pick (pH, Urase, ketosis).
The closed loop system can then do the algorhythms and ratios more accurately.
Keep it simple. Your body is like a car engine. It needs gas and you can estimate your mileage only after the car has been driven. The road traveled is often with hills and bends. However, what makes the car run efficiently is the closed loop system of measuring both intake and exhaust. The engineers have an O2 sensor that calibrates the engine.
There are simply too many variables in our daily life that have a direct effect on glucose "metabolism".
Having worked for pharm, biotech, and device I am well aware of the products, market, and the time involved with getting patient approval for a device. Having read a few CV's, I am also well aware of who has done pump device benchwork for medtonic since the 80's.
I have since moved on, but diabetes is in my family and am thinking about our child. You have to be passionate to be in this market. Especially with all the administrative 3rd party hurdles and limited access with new guidelines.
Understanding corporate dynamics and current scientific break through (Wiley & Son's new manual) it may be the time to revisit some of the past tabled decisions.
The best reps might be taking advantage of "High Risk Pools" in certain states for diabetics. This policy provides additional coverage by the state for these patients in hopes of buying down the total cost.
It does not apply to all states, but should help with a few reps on the paper work.
Simple.The J&J merger will bring a new competitor to medtronics book of business. Indoing so, will change the dynamics of the current business model in other areas of business (Cardiac) They will factor there products into the hospital rebated contracts. On the surface it may seem like a move only geared toward Boston Scientific, but it will have some impact on medtonics book of business. In doing so, will probably shift necessary funding and attention from minimed.
J&J is the expert when it comes to hospital business in all markets. However, like most large companies they are going in several directions. JJHCS is left with the responsibility of coordinating several thousand different product rebates on both the device and pharm side.
Who knows, they probably are still using outdated IMS information for contract metrics/rebates. Its probably too expensive to buy real-time data for all the products during each individual review period.
The take home message is minimed is agreat product, but logically and rationally can be better. Perhaps, billing might be mutually profitable for all parties. Look to the pain division for best practices. Inhailed insulin will prevail for the non-retail sector.

food-for-thought
Thanks to the PP for the cordial response. Your commitment does not go unnoticed by us.

[Anonymous]

Companies have been working on inhaled insulin for 20 years. There has not been a consistent level of efficacy thus far due to everything from absorption rates to colds, allergies, etc. There is also no long term data on the effect it may have on the lungs over an extended duration. Inhaled insulin and insulin pills will not give any option for tight control anytime soon.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
If you are only monitoring glucose levels for a metabolic disease (anabolic/catabolic) you will always get peaks and troughs. Peaks and troughs can occur if you miss a meal, out for a fancy meal, or increasing your exercise/stress level.
As you know carbohydrates are not cut from an RNA template like proteins. Carb counting is not an exact science and never will be. When G6P is formed in cells with the help of insulin, the excess "intracellular" glucose can not leave unless a debranching enzyme removes the phosphate group.
Glucose is then committed to a particular intracellular pathway krebs, lactic acid, shunt cycles, and/or storage. This still does not factor in endocytosis of g-protein receptors or various secondary reactions -Camp/IP3/GLUT 1-12/epinephrine/cell to cell signaling/cell wall stretch- within the cell. (this is probably why rapid/short acting insulin is the rational).
Too much or Too little insulin=ketoacidosis. If one can rationalize blood glucose (HbA1C) as a ubiquitous marker, then one can make the same argument for the catabolic end product from an unknown committed intracellular pathway.
Take your pick (pH, Urase, ketosis).
The closed loop system can then do the algorhythms and ratios more accurately.
Keep it simple. Your body is like a car engine. It needs gas and you can estimate your mileage only after the car has been driven. The road traveled is often with hills and bends. However, what makes the car run efficiently is the closed loop system of measuring both intake and exhaust. The engineers have an O2 sensor that calibrates the engine.
There are simply too many variables in our daily life that have a direct effect on glucose "metabolism".
Having worked for pharm, biotech, and device I am well aware of the products, market, and the time involved with getting patient approval for a device. Having read a few CV's, I am also well aware of who has done pump device benchwork for medtonic since the 80's.
I have since moved on, but diabetes is in my family and am thinking about our child. You have to be passionate to be in this market. Especially with all the administrative 3rd party hurdles and limited access with new guidelines.
Understanding corporate dynamics and current scientific break through (Wiley & Son's new manual) it may be the time to revisit some of the past tabled decisions.
The best reps might be taking advantage of "High Risk Pools" in certain states for diabetics. This policy provides additional coverage by the state for these patients in hopes of buying down the total cost.
It does not apply to all states, but should help with a few reps on the paper work.
Simple.The J&J merger will bring a new competitor to medtronics book of business. Indoing so, will change the dynamics of the current business model in other areas of business (Cardiac) They will factor there products into the hospital rebated contracts. On the surface it may seem like a move only geared toward Boston Scientific, but it will have some impact on medtonics book of business. In doing so, will probably shift necessary funding and attention from minimed.
J&J is the expert when it comes to hospital business in all markets. However, like most large companies they are going in several directions. JJHCS is left with the responsibility of coordinating several thousand different product rebates on both the device and pharm side.
Who knows, they probably are still using outdated IMS information for contract metrics/rebates. Its probably too expensive to buy real-time data for all the products during each individual review period.
The take home message is minimed is agreat product, but logically and rationally can be better. Perhaps, billing might be mutually profitable for all parties. Look to the pain division for best practices. Inhailed insulin will prevail for the non-retail sector.

food-for-thought
Thanks to the PP for the cordial response. Your commitment does not go unnoticed by us.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ahh...what. Thanks Mr. Wizard. So anyway, is this a good job or not.

[Anonymous]

The PP was not for you. If you have to ask about a job, chances are that you are not in the loop. Ask your doctors. Then ask them if they will use the device for you.

Or are you not in the business. Mrs. Wizzard

[Anonymous]

insulin pills will not standup to the first pass effect. Agree that long term safety is an issue, however diabetics still do not have adaquate control now.
One must measure the catabolism. After all diabetes used to be diagnosed by urine. Glucose does not blowout the GFR in a kidney.
Who knows' the 3-HMG class of drugs could be putting patients in prediabetes state.
CNS drugs due it directly.

[Anonymous]

PP, get out of here, are you that big a nerd. We get it...you are real smart.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
insulin pills will not standup to the first pass effect. Agree that long term safety is an issue, however diabetics still do not have adaquate control now.
One must measure the catabolism. After all diabetes used to be diagnosed by urine. Glucose does not blowout the GFR in a kidney.
Who knows' the 3-HMG class of drugs could be putting patients in prediabetes state.
CNS drugs due it directly.

[/ QUOTE ]Your mumbo jumbo does not make sense. AND some of your "facts" are incorrect. So go post on "wannaoundlikeiamrealsmart.com" and get out of here. You are putting us all to sleep. I bet you are a blast at parties:)

[Anonymous]

party is over.

[Anonymous]

Medtronic Recieved FDA approval for "Gaurdian Real-Time" Real time bg's every 5 mins. Suck on that. This product will be huge...not to mention when they combine it with the pump by years-end.

[Anonymous]

[ QUOTE ]
This job is like adult Daycare. You spend most of your time talking to a bunch of dumbass patients about their diabetes. I have been here for 6 months and hate it. This job is a big slap in the face b/c I left pharma, and here I am calling on PRIMARE CARE offices all day. I thought this was a sales job, but here I still feel like a DRUG REP.

1. I still have to call on PRIMARY CARE docs
2. Doctors have to write a prescription for this product
3. I deal with decile data
4. I deal with formulary issues, prior authorizations, and letters of medical necessity for insurance approval
5. I wear a coat and tie to work everyday
6. I still cater lunches b/c access in Primary Care sucks.

There are Biotech jobs that pay as much money as this with half the work. This is the red headed step child division of Medtronic.

[/ QUOTE ]

Lets not forget that you spend ZERO time in the OR. This is not a real device job. The DM that lives in Glen Falls NY is a total loser! Has the personality and energy of a grapefruit.

[Anonymous]

Medtronic Recieved FDA approval for "Gaurdian Real-Time" Real time bg's every 5 mins. Suck on that. This product will be huge...not to mention when they combine it with the pump by years-end.

Did this ever get launched Nationally???? Or is it still in those select cities>?

[Anonymous]

Did this ever get launched Nationally???? Or is it still in those select cities>? Yes it is available nationwide. It is an updated version of the original that was launched in the seven cities. Check www.minimed.com

[Anonymous]

don't waste your time, abbott's navigator is gonna crush the guardian piece of junk. all of the other pump companies have caught up and surpased MM


I am still laughing. Abbott ruined Therasense and will also destroy Navigator. I am sure you work ADC which makes your market share flat. Get real.

[Anonymous]

for the poster looking for a minimed recruiter try 666-666-6666 ask for Satan.

[Anonymous]

eonough squabling. I do the job and love it, however I love my family more and am torn. Product great , leadership great, however need to focus and fix retention problem with reps. Here is the deal if turnover is above national average then there is a problem and eventually other companies technology will catch up to MDT turnover and that will catch up with them period. MDT needs to be realistic and look for a real fix.

[Anonymous]

$120 is low. Medtronic is 140K at plan, but potential to do 200K. Disetronic is not even on the market anymore. Roche is coming out with a new pump, mabey that is what they are recruiting for. The pump sucks though. It won't even get 5% of the market.

Does anyone know anything about the Accu-Chek/Desetronic new pump? I have not seen any clinical trials anywhere. Not that it's going to compete, but still would like to know.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I haven't. I was, considering interviewing for this position. Thank God for CP and a few honest people. If more reps would come on here after they leave a job and tell it like it is, there would be less misery in the world. To the above post who dared tell the truth. Thank you. I appreciate you candidness and further, as one who left a job the loved, because I was worked like a damn slave, this is a god send. I will stop focusing on this position and look elsewhere.

Thank you former Minimed Rep. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I will follow suit and do the favor you have done here, for people on the website of my former employer. I will make sure people know what they are getting in to.

To the smart ass who said "Aren't you in the loop. Ask your docs." Look dumb ass, if someone iisn't working, it isn't likely they will have doc to ask, now is it? Further, docs don't like being asked these questions. They hate it in fact, because they hate the industry. Get it. Good, now go spew your b.s. on someone stupid enuf to enjoy it. Like your wife.

[Anonymous]

I highly encourage anyone to heed my advice- DON'T work for the Medtronic Diabetes division. It will suck the life right out of you. Managment at the Regional level is so intense requiring 120% at least........Medtronic's reputation is that it may have a good product but my doctors choose to write for other pumps because of the way Medtronic treats their employees.

As far as the future, we are not even close to having a good inhaled insulin, we will always have insulin.

Omnipod is going to wipe the Medtronic off the board! Contract with Navigator and their sensor- which will launch in August- will have a 2 year transmitter life and a 5 day sensor wear!

Medtronic will continue to use DMC's like work horses, throw them away after 2 years, and their continued reputation will continue to plummet.

Omnipod is coming.

[Anonymous]

I highly encourage anyone to heed my advice- DON'T work for the Medtronic Diabetes division. It will suck the life right out of you. Managment at the Regional level is so intense requiring 120% at least........Medtronic's reputation is that it may have a good product but my doctors choose to write for other pumps because of the way Medtronic treats their employees.

As far as the future, we are not even close to having a good inhaled insulin, we will always have insulin.

Omnipod is going to wipe the Medtronic off the board! Contract with Navigator and their sensor- which will launch in August- will have a 2 year transmitter life and a 5 day sensor wear!

Medtronic will continue to use DMC's like work horses, throw them away after 2 years, and their continued reputation will continue to plummet.

Omnipod is coming. Have you ever seen the wave at a football game? The wave comes...everyone stands up and gets excited...and then it goes. That is what is already happening with OmniPod. The east coast was all excited and sales started taking off. Then people started seeing the flaws of the system and sales went down. The wave started to move further west to the Ohio/IN/ILL area. People took notice, wrote for it, then started to see the deficiencies and sales started to back off. The wave is continuing further west and will eventually fall of into the Pacific. The support is not there and the product has its limitations. It has its place but its place is not at the top. Sorry. As for Navigator...with the horrendous calibration times no one gets to wear it much the first day or two. And everyone will have 5 day sensors soon so don't go to the bank on that one. And inhaled insulin...well that just isn't going to be a factor anytime soon. Even Pfizer is sorry they bought into that dog with the "dicreet" little device used to administer that awful powdered crap. I will agree that Medtronic pushes their reps hard and turnover is high. There seems to be a push lately for us to work more during daytime hours, but reality is many things have to be done at night. So your family won't see much of you if you are making your numbers.

[Anonymous]

Sorry for the spelling errors on the last post. I have worked 40 hours in the last 3 days - no joke. Unfortunately, that is a pretty normal week at Medtronic Diabetes.

[Anonymous]

I'll admit, I'm really depressed. I had hopes this would be a good job for me and if you've ever been out here looking. It really is painful and its lonely.

Still, thanks for your honestly. I cannot go back down the same roads I've been. Why is it that these corporations think they can work people worse than animals. I think I'm moving to Europe. They let their people take naps for God's sake. Whats happening with this country? Why are corporates bent on making a buck at the expense of the lives of the people they hire. Studies have shown that people who take breaks/naps, have a minimum 60% reduction in heart attacks.

Its truly for health reasons that I cannot come here. Mental and physical. I love my family. I will not forsake them for the almight dollar for anyone.

Thanks for telling the truth. It is a big deal. You saved my career, my life and my family from the hell of being treated like animals.

[Anonymous]

What is the managed care situation in California like? I am interviewing and would love to know the truth about coverage.

[Anonymous]

Have you ever seen the wave at a football game? The wave comes...everyone stands up and gets excited...and then it goes. That is what is already happening with OmniPod. The east coast was all excited and sales started taking off. Then people started seeing the flaws of the system and sales went down. The wave started to move further west to the Ohio/IN/ILL area. People took notice, wrote for it, then started to see the deficiencies and sales started to back off. The wave is continuing further west and will eventually fall of into the Pacific. The support is not there and the product has its limitations. It has its place but its place is not at the top. Sorry. As for Navigator...with the horrendous calibration times no one gets to wear it much the first day or two. And everyone will have 5 day sensors soon so don't go to the bank on that one. And inhaled insulin...well that just isn't going to be a factor anytime soon. Even Pfizer is sorry they bought into that dog with the "dicreet" little device used to administer that awful powdered crap. I will agree that Medtronic pushes their reps hard and turnover is high. There seems to be a push lately for us to work more during daytime hours, but reality is many things have to be done at night. So your family won't see much of you if you are making your numbers.

Yet again an expert who seems to discount the fact that the OmniPod is the first device that is truly different. I don't think the company aspires to be #1 and there is the fault in your logic. The would be hugely successful to be #3 and would blow it out to be #2. People where I am in the east are still excited and my husband wears the device in his office every day, no one knows he has it on and he is happy. The doctor is happy. Does MiniMed forget that they replced 2 of hubby's Paradigms, that they told him for years that they had someone on a "closed-loop" somewhere? Do they forget all the crappy BD meters they sent him?

MiniMed is far from perfect, you keep calling me and all my co-workers to take your jobs. I find it hard to believe that omniPod is perfect, they are not, but it sure beats carrying and insertion device, priming tubing, and wearing the box. These things matter for us and apparently for a lot of others. Look outside your corporate window and try to have some empathy, and please for the love of god stop calling our house all the time inviting us to an "exciting pump club meeting". None of you have lives and resemble a cult that no one stays in too long but leave with less sense than when they entered.

[Anonymous]

hmmm....selling pumps suck! You have to work with idiotic cde's and endos that really don't care if a person is on shots, pump or popping pills. You will only help confuse people as to what product to use nowadays since there are about 5 players in the market and minimed is not making the kind of numbers that it used to due to share of voice. Their cgms sucks and their only claim to fame is the medtronic name! Add a management style that doesn't care for their reps and employees and it equals disaster.

[Anonymous]

Yet again an expert who seems to discount the fact that the OmniPod is the first device that is truly different. I don't think the company aspires to be #1 and there is the fault in your logic. The would be hugely successful to be #3 and would blow it out to be #2. People where I am in the east are still excited and my husband wears the device in his office every day, no one knows he has it on and he is happy. The doctor is happy. Does MiniMed forget that they replced 2 of hubby's Paradigms, that they told him for years that they had someone on a "closed-loop" somewhere? Do they forget all the crappy BD meters they sent him?

MiniMed is far from perfect, you keep calling me and all my co-workers to take your jobs. I find it hard to believe that omniPod is perfect, they are not, but it sure beats carrying and insertion device, priming tubing, and wearing the box. These things matter for us and apparently for a lot of others. Look outside your corporate window and try to have some empathy, and please for the love of god stop calling our house all the time inviting us to an "exciting pump club meeting". None of you have lives and resemble a cult that no one stays in too long but leave with less sense than when they entered.

everyone at MiniMed should read this post...or are they too busy calling people on the phone...?

[Anonymous]

So is this division really shit, or are all of the disgruntled employees posting?

What is turnover like, and what percentage of people make goal? I'm not too worried about the hours and demands, but dont want a division where the company views 70 percent of the people as failures.

Thanks for any help.

[Anonymous]

So is this division really shit, or are all of the disgruntled employees posting?

What is turnover like, and what percentage of people make goal? I'm not too worried about the hours and demands, but dont want a division where the company views 70 percent of the people as failures.

Thanks for any help.
The products are good, market share is high and some parts of the job are great.Obviously if you are a CafePharma regular, you know that most of us get on here to vent. Or throw out stuff to get the competition going. It beats paying $150/hr for therapy and the people responding know what you are talking about, so you can feel some validation. This division has gone from a much smaller, personal company to MEDTRONIC. Totally different atmosphere and outlook. Any company has highs and lows and they are greater highs AND lows here than I have ever felt before. On a good day, you feel proud to work here and fairly invincible. You have a great job and helped some people get to a much better therapy and better quality of life. On a bad day you have no confidence and know you could be put on a plan at a moments notice. Yes, we help a lot of people. But make NO mistake, bottom line is numbers. I have seen the "rep of the quarter" be on a plan by the time they announced his award to us at a meeting. I have seen President'c Club winners be forced out. It is the biggest rollercoaster you will EVER ride. And no one rides it for much over 3 years. Yes there are a few, but not many. I have heard many times that the average tenure is 18 months. I would say that is true. There are 3 people on your team. The clinical consultant and the insurance specialist must share your vision of greatness or you are sunk. And since they don't get the commision you do, their idea of greatness rarely matches yours. You aren't their manager but if the whole team isn't functioning you ARE the fall guy. I don't want to be a disgruntled employee on here but I am tired. Really tired. And I have to get back to work. Maybe I can catch up with you again around 9P tonight after I work my first shift as a somewhat respectable diabetes management consultant and my second shift as telephone solicitor stalking leads that I have to call...

[Anonymous]

the above poster is very accurate. And it is true that you are the FALL guy. My IPS was useless - I had to act like a babysitter - constantly following up on every aspect of her job. And my DNS did not want to travel anymore so would refuse to train pts and refuse to do half of her job -- I constantly had to do parts of her job as well. The money was good but honestly I don't want to be a babysitter and I don't need to have other people bring me down. The job would work much better if the DMC actually had authority over the other two positions... but let me also state that the territories that I saw function the best had DNS's that worked and IPS that did as well.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for confirming what I have heard.

What do the performers make, on average, and I don't mean target :)
What is a realistic first year and second year target? If I would make it that long...

And what is midwest like? I'm considering a position in St. Louis.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for confirming what I have heard.

What do the performers make, on average, and I don't mean target :)
What is a realistic first year and second year target? If I would make it that long...

And what is midwest like? I'm considering a position in St. Louis.

If you really are the OP and have been trying to decide whether to do this for almost two years, you won't make it here. YOu have to be able to make rational decisions a little quicker than that :0

[Anonymous]

I interviewed with mini-med in SF a while back. Glad I didn't go for the 3rd interview, 2 weeks vacation, non-negotiable. Seemed like an okay position but man do they think that Medtronic is the end-all, be-all company to work for. Is that same female manager still there? First name Jennifer? YUCK.

[Anonymous]

So what is the environment like in the headquarters in Northridge? I am assuming those of you talking about being worked to death are talking about life in the field, but it would be helpful to get a sense for what life is like in the HQ. I interviewed with MiniMed a few years ago and got the same impression I did of working at a managed care company; that there were a lot of lifers and paper pushers who had little business sense. Hopefully that's changed?

[Anonymous]

hmmm....selling pumps suck! You have to work with idiotic cde's and endos that really don't care if a person is on shots, pump or popping pills. You will only help confuse people as to what product to use nowadays since there are about 5 players in the market and minimed is not making the kind of numbers that it used to due to share of voice. Their cgms sucks and their only claim to fame is the medtronic name! Add a management style that doesn't care for their reps and employees and it equals disaster.

I don't think it is that bad. I know 2 people who are more satisfied than this.

[Anonymous]

How long is the training and where is it held for minimed? didnt see it on any other posts

[ritachka6]

don't waste your time, abbott's navigator is gonna crush the guardian piece of junk. all of the other pump companies have caught up and surpased MM


None of the other products on the market are designed to work with an insulin pump, and if you are on a pump you WILL be wearing two devices. And navigator suck because it takes 10 hours for it to start reading blood sugars. How is that going to beat Medtronic? Would you want your child wearing that????

[Anonymous]

None of the other products on the market are designed to work with an insulin pump, and if you are on a pump you WILL be wearing two devices. And navigator suck because it takes 10 hours for it to start reading blood sugars. How is that going to beat Medtronic? Would you want your child wearing that????

This is an example of how lame Medtronic's sales pitch has gotten. Everyone in centers is compalining about the pandering to centers, patients and parents. Are you selling life insurance? Oh let me answer that, yes you are! You are saving lives by vending a pump through high-pressure sales. These Medtronics reps think they are frozen in time. Do you believe that the Navigator will always take 10 hrs to warm up? Your company has been promising futures for 20 years, by your timing the Navigator is actually ahead of schedule. I know for a fact you will soon see an improved version and it will eliminate the 10 hr wait, which as many see it is the only weakness.

A major strength is that it is not be sold by saying, "buy this if you love your child". Lame and pathetic. That is what you get with managers who don't know the bsuiness and reps that are too new to be expected to know the business.

[Anonymous]

I've been reading the post re: MM. I have to laugh at the complaining that I see here. I hired on before the merger stayed for two more years. I left to start my own business. I worked hard at MM and even harder in my own biz.I worked 7 days a week 10-15hrs a day for 4 years for less pay. I just closed down my biz and am ready to return to medical sales. If your looking for an easy sales job MM isn't the place to work. If you have a strong work ethic, want to actually see that your efforts have a positive impact on a patient's life and want to make some good money then you can enjoy a career with this company. If I have the opportunity to return to MM I will. If not, I will remember it as a rewarding job especially when I think about the little kid thats on a pump and no longer takes 5 shots a day. There's more to a job than money.

[Anonymous]

To the above poster, just realize that MiniMed is NOT the company it was when you left. You may find this hard to believe, but it is a much more difficult job now than it was then. And many of the new managers are young, inexperienced people who think that they are on the fast track to the home office. Micromanaging has become the norm for many areas (not all) and the expectations are very demoralizing. Since they hire self-starters and people who like to succeed, these reps burn themselves out trying to keep up with the goals. I have seen so many good people leave in the last few years it is unbelievable. I am sure you think this doesn't apply to you, but I am telling you to be careful what you wish for.

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know Mike G?? Regional sales director for west coast? I have an interview w/him in the next couple weeks and I have heard this guy is a cock (from past reps.) I know he comes from a pharma background, has he ever sold minimed pumps or did he just get hired into a management role & then promoted to director? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

First- It's Mike DiGulio ( that's probably not spelled right)- and yes he has sold pumps, managed a team and then was promoted to director and the people that say he's a "cock" probably needed a foot up the ass. There were a LOT of soft reps in the west and a couple of managers that better watch their back too. Just because you had a good year a couple of years ago- doesn't mean you can coast and keep trying to do the same thing you did then to meet your number. This is a BITCH of a job, and re-invention is key.

[Anonymous]

OK Mike, calm down. Did you really call a meeting over Halloween? Geez..reps don't get any time with their family as it is. But I am sure whatever you had to say was way more important than these parents being with their little ones for that ONCE A YEAR event. Oh well, maybe they got to see the pictures when they got home.

[Anonymous]

First- It's Mike DiGulio ( that's probably not spelled right)- and yes he has sold pumps, managed a team and then was promoted to director and the people that say he's a "cock" probably needed a foot up the ass. There were a LOT of soft reps in the west and a couple of managers that better watch their back too. Just because you had a good year a couple of years ago- doesn't mean you can coast and keep trying to do the same thing you did then to meet your number. This is a BITCH of a job, and re-invention is key.


This guys is the model of what is wrong with minimed management. He is more concerned with self promotion than development of people. Lets not forget that there is a real difference between management and leadership. Maybe he can manage the day to day, obsess about the number, and manage the short run... but he inspires nobody, thus the turnover in this company. And the poster who brought him up is correct on his career progression. He had one good year as a rep and lasted in the DMC position for more than 18months, which we all know is reason for promotion here. Although I know people who worked with him and that his accounts he sold to didn't think highly of him. He is the poster child of what is wrong with this company.
So go ahead and come back with your coments on soft reps, getting results, etc. But the fact is, it is not the reps that need to go, it is the managers who can't inspire a rock, don't care about development of their people, have no concerrn for work life balance, and whose arrogance won't allow them to see what is truely worng with this company and why we are the joke of MDT and the Device industry in general.

[Anonymous]

Is McCartney still the rep in SW Florida?

[Anonymous]

Is McCartney still the rep in SW Florida?


Nope. McCartney left.

[Anonymous]

Mike D is a tool. Plain and simple. He sucked as a rep. Never won awards, was banned from key accounts, etc. His boy, Mike Gill, took care of him and carved out a nice territory for him. He was praised for getting lot of onesy twosey docs to write a pump order. This ability was praised. Dumbass had to get a lot of docs to write in order to make up for the docs he pissed off. He was promoted to Atl to inspire those in the area to sell like he did. His reps loved when he instructed them to rent a copy of A Few Good Men. His instructions were "Crystal" Clear. He explained that each dmc should have the same intensity each day that Tom Cruise's character posesssed in the pivotal courtroom scene with Jack Nicholson on the witness stand.
That, paired with the wonderful contest he threw for his team, has me excited to sell against MDT. He offered them a prize of dinner at his home with he and his wife. How Thrilling?!
Mike follows a long line of clueless douchebags that mdt continues to promote and support. Horan, Gill, Oertel, and DiGuolio. Throw in a preacher, a farmer's daughter, and/or a lightbulb for the best punchline in the history of CSII.

[Anonymous]

Mike D is a tool. Plain and simple. He sucked as a rep. Never won awards, was banned from key accounts, etc. His boy, Mike Gill, took care of him and carved out a nice territory for him. He was praised for getting lot of onesy twosey docs to write a pump order. This ability was praised. Dumbass had to get a lot of docs to write in order to make up for the docs he pissed off. He was promoted to Atl to inspire those in the area to sell like he did. His reps loved when he instructed them to rent a copy of A Few Good Men. His instructions were "Crystal" Clear. He explained that each dmc should have the same intensity each day that Tom Cruise's character posesssed in the pivotal courtroom scene with Jack Nicholson on the witness stand.
That, paired with the wonderful contest he threw for his team, has me excited to sell against MDT. He offered them a prize of dinner at his home with he and his wife. How Thrilling?!
Mike follows a long line of clueless douchebags that mdt continues to promote and support. Horan, Gill, Oertel, and DiGuolio. Throw in a preacher, a farmer's daughter, and/or a lightbulb for the best punchline in the history of CSII.

I'd throw the contest just to not HAVE to have dinner with him and his wife.

[Anonymous]

Mike D is a tool. Plain and simple. He sucked as a rep. Never won awards, was banned from key accounts, etc. His boy, Mike Gill, took care of him and carved out a nice territory for him. He was praised for getting lot of onesy twosey docs to write a pump order. This ability was praised. Dumbass had to get a lot of docs to write in order to make up for the docs he pissed off. He was promoted to Atl to inspire those in the area to sell like he did. His reps loved when he instructed them to rent a copy of A Few Good Men. His instructions were "Crystal" Clear. He explained that each dmc should have the same intensity each day that Tom Cruise's character posesssed in the pivotal courtroom scene with Jack Nicholson on the witness stand.
That, paired with the wonderful contest he threw for his team, has me excited to sell against MDT. He offered them a prize of dinner at his home with he and his wife. How Thrilling?!
Mike follows a long line of clueless douchebags that mdt continues to promote and support. Horan, Gill, Oertel, and DiGuolio. Throw in a preacher, a farmer's daughter, and/or a lightbulb for the best punchline in the history of CSII.

don't forget hussey....what a bonehead

[Anonymous]

What I hope is that someone in Northridge realizes that Mike D is an ok manager, however he is a destructive leader. He doesn't build unity or align his region towards a common goal, rather his style instills fear of underperforming instead of a belief in achieving. His arrogance and self absorbtion are immediately apparent. At a division meeting he subjected us to several Mike D testimonials..."Good success story John, that reminds me of a success in I had in my territory in Atlanta when I...". No lie, after we are all laughing that every interjection he makes is a "Mike D is great" validation story he can't resist one more and says..."At the risk of telling another story about myself, that comment Bill just made remminds me of another account I converted in Atlanta where I..." Mang through fear works...but it only works for a short time. Like wipping a thuroughbred, they do run faster, but only for a short burst. People like to avoid pain and fear, and those are his mang tools. It would be refreshing to see leadership through trust, development and inspiration, but that isn't built from just being one of MMeds good ol' boys.

[Anonymous]

I happen to work in the west with medtronic minimed and couldn't disagree with you more. I have only been here for going on 2 years and have had a great experience. I have also gotten a chance to know Mike D. since he came to the west as well as other leaders in my short tenure and you are dead wrong. He is a great guy and cares about the people he works with. It's too bad you are spending so much time writing this crap rather than doing something more productive.

[Anonymous]

I happen to work in the west with medtronic minimed and couldn't disagree with you more. I have only been here for going on 2 years and have had a great experience. I have also gotten a chance to know Mike D. since he came to the west as well as other leaders in my short tenure and you are dead wrong. He is a great guy and cares about the people he works with. It's too bad you are spending so much time writing this crap rather than doing something more productive.You are obviously a major suck-up and must be trying to get into the home office or get a field promotion. And I hope you don't get it, because that will just perpetuate the problem. If you cannot see what is going on, then you don't deserve to be promoted. Whether you like him (or how he manages) or not, it is not working for everyone else. And that is NOT going to change unless he changes how he manages. Unlikely....

[Anonymous]

I'm not a manager suck up, just focusing on doing my job with a positive attitude and making an effort to really get to know people. Sounds like you are a rep and don't even work directly for him and that your opinion is based on one meeting?? Doesn't sound like you have enough information to form an accurate opinion.

[Anonymous]

I'm not a manager suck up, just focusing on doing my job with a positive attitude and making an effort to really get to know people. Sounds like you are a rep and don't even work directly for him and that your opinion is based on one meeting?? Doesn't sound like you have enough information to form an accurate opinion.

I agree with your sentiments and your right, you should get to know people...that's the suggestion I would make to Mike D. Instead of leading and coaching by constantly telling people what he did to make him "successful" and making the limited interactions he has with his reps/dm's all about him, how about genuinely spending time getting to know others. Let me ask you...have you watched his DVD yet on new accounts?? I know he offered it to you, so don't lie!! I was offered a free copy three times by him in case I wanted to spend more time with him. An RBD has extremely limited time with field reps, less than even our DMs, so wouldn't common sense and good fundemental leadership and coaching lead you to take each precious, limited opportunity to make a positive impact on your region reps who form opinions about their leader from these brief encounters. Do any of the 60 plus reps in the region get more than a handful of encounters with their leaders? I spent more time with him than just at a meeting and the interaction was the same. No interest in what I wanted professionally, personally or what it is that motivates me. Without knowing these things, how can you lead, develop or motivate a person effectively??

This gripe is about leadership so I'll wrap this up with on of Mike D.s favorite sources of inspiration, John Wooden. Mike speaks highly of John Wooden's pyramid of success, which is a great tool for any team in any industry. He is right that Wooden has honed his leadership skills and produced highly effective teams. So my suggestion is that you work with Mike on the block in the pyramid that Mr. Wooden chose as the foundation of his pyramid, his choice for the bottom-center block that the entire pyramid is built on top of...."Loyalty". Wooden says that... "Most people, the overwhelming majority of us, wish to be in an organization whose leadership cares about them, provides fairness and respect, dignity and consideration." Given that definition, how do you, and the overwhelming majority of the western region reps, feel Mike and MMed do at showing loyalty to their most valuable assets, their employees?

[Anonymous]

Interesting. This is the first time I have been on this site and work for Medtronic Minimed. It sounds like your attitude in general is negative towards the company and upper management. In my experience, the people that I have worked for here care. In the beginning of my career, I was interested in a progression plan and worked with my manager at the time to lay out that plan. This manager spent hours with me on the phone and coaching me in the field. He encouraged me and taught me the business. He recognized the things I was doing well and coached me on where to improve. He gave me exposure to higher level management, was intersted in my development and cared. Since that time I have reached the goals in that plan and have been promoted. In fact, I am one of seven people on that same team to be promoted. The tools available from the company where offered to me as well as an opportunity to learn and that's how I used them. I found them a great resource in my territory and development. I am grateful for how much this manager cared about me and my career. By the way, that manager was Mike Digiulio. It seems pretty cowardly of you to hide behind an anonymous user name when you claim to know so much.

[Anonymous]

Interesting. This is the first time I have been on this site and work for Medtronic Minimed. It sounds like your attitude in general is negative towards the company and upper management. In my experience, the people that I have worked for here care. In the beginning of my career, I was interested in a progression plan and worked with my manager at the time to lay out that plan. This manager spent hours with me on the phone and coaching me in the field. He encouraged me and taught me the business. He recognized the things I was doing well and coached me on where to improve. He gave me exposure to higher level management, was intersted in my development and cared. Since that time I have reached the goals in that plan and have been promoted. In fact, I am one of seven people on that same team to be promoted. The tools available from the company where offered to me as well as an opportunity to learn and that's how I used them. I found them a great resource in my territory and development. I am grateful for how much this manager cared about me and my career. By the way, that manager was Mike Digiulio. It seems pretty cowardly of you to hide behind an anonymous user name when you claim to know so much.
Seems to me you just posted anonymously too. So...who are you?

[Anonymous]

Interesting. This is the first time I have been on this site and work for Medtronic Minimed. It sounds like your attitude in general is negative towards the company and upper management. In my experience, the people that I have worked for here care. In the beginning of my career, I was interested in a progression plan and worked with my manager at the time to lay out that plan. This manager spent hours with me on the phone and coaching me in the field. He encouraged me and taught me the business. He recognized the things I was doing well and coached me on where to improve. He gave me exposure to higher level management, was intersted in my development and cared. Since that time I have reached the goals in that plan and have been promoted. In fact, I am one of seven people on that same team to be promoted. The tools available from the company where offered to me as well as an opportunity to learn and that's how I used them. I found them a great resource in my territory and development. I am grateful for how much this manager cared about me and my career. By the way, that manager was Mike Digiulio. It seems pretty cowardly of you to hide behind an anonymous user name when you claim to know so much.


Considering the lifespan of a rep here is 18months or less, they promote anyone who sticks past the two year mark.

[Anonymous]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That was funny...very true, but still funny. The really sad part is that these people really believe they serve these promotions and that they are great leaders. It is an endurance award guys...that is about it. You got the promotion because you are the only ones that will sacrifice your family for a title. But, hey...if it means that much to you, go for it. The really smart people at Medtronic are the ones who could see the big picture and left. Not seeing your kids, missing family events, screaming when you are home because you are still working and your family is making noise (otherwise known as having a life)... Just not worth it. Everyone I know who has left has looked back and really seen how insane it was. And NOT ONE of those people regrets leaving. In hindsight they all wish they had gone earlier. It is a great experience to work with pump therapy...but just keep it short and have your sights on your next job.

[Anonymous]

I am a former Minimed rep. I knew lots of reps around the country and have met some great people. I decided to leave the organization and still stay in device sales because I wanted a better quality of life. I read some of the messages above and finally realized who has been writing some of this bullshit about blaming everyone else for their failures.
Ed Stewart, if you want to express yourself then at least be couragous enough to not be anonymous. The reality is that you are no longer with the company because you weren't good enough to be successful there. i left because I wanted to and don't point the finger at others for my decision. Blaming others for your lack of success is weak. Maybe the lack of character that you have shown here is part of the problem. By the way, the territory you used to have is one of the top territories in the country now. The question is, was it everyone else's fault that you failed or was it yours?

[Anonymous]

Interesting. This is the first time I have been on this site and work for Medtronic Minimed. It sounds like your attitude in general is negative towards the company and upper management. In my experience, the people that I have worked for here care. In the beginning of my career, I was interested in a progression plan and worked with my manager at the time to lay out that plan. This manager spent hours with me on the phone and coaching me in the field. He encouraged me and taught me the business. He recognized the things I was doing well and coached me on where to improve. He gave me exposure to higher level management, was intersted in my development and cared. Since that time I have reached the goals in that plan and have been promoted. In fact, I am one of seven people on that same team to be promoted. The tools available from the company where offered to me as well as an opportunity to learn and that's how I used them. I found them a great resource in my territory and development. I am grateful for how much this manager cared about me and my career. By the way, that manager was Mike Digiulio. It seems pretty cowardly of you to hide behind an anonymous user name when you claim to know so much.

Roch---enough already- I'm gonna throw up in my mouth.

[Anonymous]

Minimed started going downhill when Chris O'Connel took over. How lame was the game on video they showed us at the sales meeting..Animas & Omnipod both have better products right now and our sensors are the worst in the industry as far as reliability. Yeah the new patch pump is going to save us all....like pissing on a fire

[Anonymous]

Minimed started going downhill when Chris O'Connel took over. How lame was the game on video they showed us at the sales meeting..Animas & Omnipod both have better products right now and our sensors are the worst in the industry as far as reliability. Yeah the new patch pump is going to save us all....like pissing on a fire

Pissing on a fire would do something now. It should be criminal to talk about or even refer to a "patch pump" that is not in front of the FDA and likely will not be seen for a few years. Some of us have diabetes and selling futures is not appreciated, especially when there is not a concrete date for the future. Keep this up and whistles will blow, and not in admiration.