I can conceive of a way to do the rep job that could be truly beneficial for both providers and the rep. The problem is, the corporation does not conceive the role the same way. In fact, their way reduces the value I can provide, and makes me want to change occupations.
For starters: The right rep, sufficiently trained and equipped can do the job of several employees under the current configuration. That is not only more efficient for the company, that rep now carries a much greater value to customers and access will improve.
Second: The right rep will get to know his customer's needs, preferences, staff, how to approach the problems when they arise, etc. and can be trusted to do the job with integrity toward both the company and the customers/patients. Everyone wins. No need for ride-along managers who interfere with the rep/customer relationship.
If you've been in this industry long enough you may have experienced this or at least a portion of this type of role? Perhaps that ideal is what makes you hang in there, in the hope that we'll get back to something like it? True, it hasn't looked too promising that pharma execs will ever se the light and fix the mess. And of course, it would mean more layoffs to trim down.