Just my opinion: RTBKPL

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RTBKPL

RTBKPL

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  • RTBKPL   Apr 02, 2011 at 09:44: AM
Just had a morning coffee session with an old doctor friend who has commented on some of the changes in Pharma. Perhaps there might be some good things come from all the changes for those of you left carrying the bag. First, since there are far fewer reps there might be more access for those of you still there. The big problem as we all know is managed care and the physicians being virtually forced to Rx generics. Yesterday a rep with a manager asked him to use a drug not on any of this top formularies. Now I know you are supposed to close and ask for the business but for gosh sakes, know where you are on and where you are not. He had to tell this young person he could not Rx their drug due to his circumstances, not anything to do with the excellent dosing, efficacy, Se's and studies available. It's all about cost. I always tried to know my local plans, who accepted them and if I was or was not favored. Managers never seemed to be able to explain why we were compelled to make such calls.

I always marveled at the skill of the RAMS to tell us that our drugs were AVAILABLE on formulary. EVERYTHING was available, just at full price which makes no sense. Our ram always seemed to be on vacation or recovering from some form of surgery. It also took him a year to realize when we were no longer first tier on a program.

Now as I await the formation of some good lift and hopefully some cumulus to guide me in my search for altitude today, I remember fondly my days carrying the bag. The first 10 0r 15 years were great, the last 10 not so great but still I enjoyed most of my career. I met some great people, some not so great but that's life. I truly hope things get better for those of you left working. I have learned that you must find something to do that you truly love, hopefully for a vocation but if nothing else, perhaps as an avocation.

Hang in there folks and remember

Never let the bastards get you down.

RTBKPL
 






Great to hear that you are still out there. I suspect I am now the oldest rep working for Novartis and I have a large circle of Physicians who are personal friends and in my social circle. The docs complain constantly about the absolute panic that most reps are in. Last night, a cardiologist friend stated that the Novartis CV rep was almost in tears begging for just a few more scrips. This is a good, tenured rep, and he has been forced to plead. I think it is a shame that most of us will retire in shame rather than with a tiny shred of pride in how we have paid the bills for the last 30 years. Because I am so close to going out on my own accord, I suspect I will remain the token geezer for the franchise so I don't feel the pressure, but it is a truly sad state of affairs.
 






Great to hear from you RT. As always, I value your posts. It's always nice to hear a voice of reason on what can often be a vicious, hate-filled board.

I share your sentiments regarding our profession. Having been around here for nearly twenty years now, I am getting ready to walk away in the next few weeks. I've just had enough. With a bulldog manager who's carrying out the orders of an even more aggressive RD, I refuse to go in and beg for more prescriptions from prescribers I've know for years, many of whom are good friends. Every day I feel more like the proverbial round peg trying to fit into the square hole. Everyone, and I mean everyone, is trying to justify his or her job. And it's getting more difficult to try to justify anything that happens in this company. It's just not any fun anymore.

I've chosen to move on and do something I enjoy. Life's too short to do otherwise. While many hold out for nice severance packages and unemployment benefits, I've saved wisely enough in my time here to justify catching my breath for a few months before doing something I want to do.

Blue skies to you, RT.
 






  • RTBKPL   Apr 04, 2011 at 10:54: AM
It's quite disheartening to hear of what appears to be the demise of a once great industry and occupation. There will always be reps but again, far fewer than in the past. The key is to hang on long enough to reach that point where the job makes sense once again.

The stories I am hearing from physician friends are quite amusing. The begging part seems to be accurate and across the board. The RAMs need to get busy and insure that a rep has a fighting chance in front of a doctor. There was a time when things were done locally instead of regionally or nationally, and a good rep could influence formularies in his or her territory.....no more. One must rely on others to make such things happen and relying on others is not a good, long term proposition.

The bean counters and decision makers need to understand that relationships are everything, they do not develop over night and new reps are seldom favored by older physicians. It all comes down to the bottom line though, who can we keep at a lower cost in the short and long run.

Hang in there my friends and remember.....

Never let the bastards get you down.

RTBKPL
 












  • RTBKPL   Apr 06, 2011 at 12:34: PM
Anonymous said:
Enjoyed the glider ride RT (W). My stomach is still up in my throat but otherwise I am fine. I guess those "tasty" thermals are just not for me.

PJ
Click to expand...

Some days are not meant for rides, you got a bumpy day but at least you didn't puke. Hope the ride home was better. BTW the magazine is picking up my story on my ride in the SC's. Maybe this will lead to my writing career.

Never let the bastards get you down.

RTBKPL
 












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