@EJSMD @doctorwes: debate over industry reps

[Anonymous]

These two respected EP's have recently had discussions on their respective twitter feeds regarding the value of CRM/EP device reps. Dr. Schloss has been more positive toward industry reps and Dr. Fischer has been less accepting. Here is the real question: how would an industry rep interact with a physician customer who is famous on twitter or a well known blogger versus a traditional average community physician? I'm a CRM rep in a somewhat rural area far from both these EP's, but I think it would be stressful to sell to and serve "famous" physicians. Dr. Fischer does not see reps as colleagues, and places a proverbial wall between industry reps and his practice. Dr. Schloss seems to be appreciative of the service, and is not afraid to be "sold to." I wonder what other reps think about their twitter thoughts on industry reps?

 

[Anonymous]

Let's face it, there are some used car salesman disguised as CRM reps out there but they are becoming fewer and farther between as the knowledge base that is required to survive in this field gets broader and broader.....EP topics, CHF and healthcare economics to mention a few. It isn't difficult for an intelligent person to filter those folks out and avoid them. After that, in my opinion, a doc is smart to maintain a positive working relationship with reps that he trusts from every company. History has proven that in the CRM industry you may have to put your first choice on the bench for a bit and look elsewhere for products and support. Docs look to industry reps for 24/7/365 coverage. They lean on us to help train their staff or assist their staff.

What if Fischer's device nurse has the flu and misses a week or two and there is no industry support. Who is he gonna call? Let's see Fischer go 6 months with absolutely no "rep" help. I am willing to bet that he will do a little back pedaling on his comment.

 

[Anonymous]

These two respected EP's have recently had discussions on their respective twitter feeds regarding the value of CRM/EP device reps. Dr. Schloss has been more positive toward industry reps and Dr. Fischer has been less accepting. Here is the real question: how would an industry rep interact with a physician customer who is famous on twitter or a well known blogger versus a traditional average community physician? I'm a CRM rep in a somewhat rural area far from both these EP's, but I think it would be stressful to sell to and serve "famous" physicians. Dr. Fischer does not see reps as colleagues, and places a proverbial wall between industry reps and his practice. Dr. Schloss seems to be appreciative of the service, and is not afraid to be "sold to." I wonder what other reps think about their twitter thoughts on industry reps?

"Dr. Fischer does not see reps as colleagues"

I would be careful with this one...I find that reps and docs who allow themselves to go down this path eventually get caught up in things that don't pass the sniff test. Reps deserve to be judged on a case-by-case basis, but 'colleagues'....no....resource is a better description of what we are...

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. Very useful and timely

 

[Anonymous]

Wes and jay need to spend less time on social media and more time putting in med orders.