Pharmacy student question - Managed Care Position

Quote

Anonymous

Guest
Hi,

I'm a pharmacy student at MCP in MA, but I am interested more in working for Pharma than in retail or hospital.

I know Vertex is in MA. Can someone tell me what the "job" is called that basically negotiates managed care contracts, or who works to get your drug on State Medicaid formularies? I'm not looking for a person...just what kind of job it is called so I can research qualifications, etc.

Thanks!

SC
 






Anonymous said:
Hi,

I'm a pharmacy student at MCP in MA, but I am interested more in working for Pharma than in retail or hospital.

I know Vertex is in MA. Can someone tell me what the "job" is called that basically negotiates managed care contracts, or who works to get your drug on State Medicaid formularies? I'm not looking for a person...just what kind of job it is called so I can research qualifications, etc.

Thanks!

SC
Click to expand...

They are called national account managers or regional account managers depending on the company. Or they are called useless - that also depends on the company. Chances are you are not qualified - you have too much education!
 






Anonymous said:
They are called national account managers or regional account managers depending on the company. Or they are called useless - that also depends on the company. Chances are you are not qualified - you have too much education!
Click to expand...

LOL.

I see. I appreciate that.

So do these folks actually get to go out and meet with the various P&T committees and DUR committees of health plans and negotiate for better tier placement or formulary status? That seems fun to me. But I've never actually seen it done.

Thanks so much!

SC
 






That is exactly what they do....if they do it. Your right, it is an interesting position. Problem is you have to have experience in that area to be even considered. Good Luck!
 


















Anonymous said:
Hi,

I'm a pharmacy student at MCP in MA, but I am interested more in working for Pharma than in retail or hospital.

I know Vertex is in MA. Can someone tell me what the "job" is called that basically negotiates managed care contracts, or who works to get your drug on State Medicaid formularies? I'm not looking for a person...just what kind of job it is called so I can research qualifications, etc.

Thanks!

SC
Click to expand...

You are not anywhere near being qualified for the job, so dont worry about it. This is a senior level position. Start out trying to get a marketing fellowship, with a drug company. There are usually low paying, but well worth it, maybe supplement your income with retail work. When the fellowship runs out, you jump straight to the head of the line into fulltime marketing. At some point you will need to do the following, 1. Rep, 2. Sales Manager, 3. Marketing, 4. Managed Care stuff. There is a process, and you are about ten years removed from even being close.
 






Anonymous said:
You are not anywhere near being qualified for the job, so dont worry about it. This is a senior level position. Start out trying to get a marketing fellowship, with a drug company. There are usually low paying, but well worth it, maybe supplement your income with retail work. When the fellowship runs out, you jump straight to the head of the line into fulltime marketing. At some point you will need to do the following, 1. Rep, 2. Sales Manager, 3. Marketing, 4. Managed Care stuff. There is a process, and you are about ten years removed from even being close.
Click to expand...

This post is pretty close to correct. You may not need to be a rep if you do a marketing internship/fellowship and then work your way up in marketing (product manager etc) - you could from there go out to the field to become a manager to gain "sales" experience and then move into managed care or national accounts but but I agree with the above poster, experience as a sales rep would definitely not hurt as this is where you learn to cut your teeth and truly understand the basics of the business; an MBA or Pharm D are great but you need the experience. I have been doing this for 18 years and to be honest, i agree that you are about 10 years away from where you want to be.

Don't be discouraged, just focus on the job you have, do a good job and don't be an ass and keep your eye on the prize without getting discouraged. Before you know it you will be there. I used to have an eye on things like you but realized about 10 years ago that I enjoy my job in sales, in my small territory without the hassles that those in home office, marketing and management have to endure. That was my choice and I am happy and making great money without the intensity of home office bs - you make your choice. Best of luck!
 












Anonymous said:
Try working for a Healthplan first to gain insight and experience. I have heard of some being an intern or resident.
Click to expand...

Wont help much in Pharma. This person needs to get their foot in the door in Pharma. They cab apply for Pharm D felowships, or go to school for another 18 months, at a top MBA program, then apply to management training programs at a large pharma. These programs offer 12-24 month rotations in different parts of the organization, as a matter of right.
 






Hey, I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. Several of you explained very clearly the steps I would most likely need to take. Also, the reality that my goals will take some time to acheive. That is fine.

Can I ask 1 more question?

How do the pharma companies keep on top of what is going on at all the different health plan formulary discussions? How do they know, for example, when a health plan or hospital is going to be talking about their drug (or drug class) at a particular P&T meeting or DUR board meeting? That really interests me. I'm looking in to maybe sitting in on the Mass Health DUR meetings, just for the experience, but not sure if they allow students to do so.

Thanks again!!!
 






Sure you can do that!! Just bring them all to Ruths Chris and offer them bags of money for dessert. They would love to have you sit in... jesus h. christ, how naive are you!!!
 






Anonymous said:
Hey, I just wanted to thank everyone for their input. Several of you explained very clearly the steps I would most likely need to take. Also, the reality that my goals will take some time to acheive. That is fine.

Can I ask 1 more question?

How do the pharma companies keep on top of what is going on at all the different health plan formulary discussions? How do they know, for example, when a health plan or hospital is going to be talking about their drug (or drug class) at a particular P&T meeting or DUR board meeting? That really interests me. I'm looking in to maybe sitting in on the Mass Health DUR meetings, just for the experience, but not sure if they allow students to do so.

Thanks again!!!
Click to expand...

I would do some research and ask a P&T member for permission to attend. Just tell them that you are a graduating pharmacy student, and let them know that you are not affiliated with any company.
 






Anonymous said:
Hi,

I'm a pharmacy student at MCP in MA, but I am interested more in working for Pharma than in retail or hospital.

I know Vertex is in MA. Can someone tell me what the "job" is called that basically negotiates managed care contracts, or who works to get your drug on State Medicaid formularies? I'm not looking for a person...just what kind of job it is called so I can research qualifications, etc.

Thanks!

SC
Click to expand...

Many companies also have a position called Medical Science Liasion, or Medical Science Director which many require a Pharm D or MD, DO degree. These folks supplement the sales force/managed care departments with clinical information. This may be a better fit for you than an account manager.
 






Top Bottom
Back
Quote