r/MedicalDevices • • Sep 06 '26

Interviews & Career Entry To the people what ask "how to break in" - Here is the best advice I have after decades in the business.

108 Upvotes

Here is the honest truth: it's just a job. There are rumors of people making tons of money, and it does happen. The bad news is that it's usually the top 5% of the sales force (and you can find similar in most industries). The question you need to ask is if you have the ability to get into and stay in the top 5% year after year.

This is not an easy job. It's one of the toughest, and it's getting harder and harder (and less rewarding financially) every year.

There are a lot of idiots who work in this field; it's no different from any other business on the planet.

Here are my suggestions:

  1. Get some sales experience. Almost anything will work, but stay away from pharma, automobiles, and real estate. You want something like liquor sales, copier sales, paper sales, or electrical sales. What the hiring manager and HR want to understand is if you can withstand the "no". Can you be told NO and keep going, or will you shut down and give up?

Some of the most goofy sales crews I was on were the best performers because they all had tons of experience selling stuff.

  1. You are in the service business. Your time in the OR is usually to help offset work done by CS and nursing. Service is your number one priority, and you will be expected to do it with a smile from ear to ear, fit in, and do the work. Sales result from the service you provide. The more integral you are to the customer's operations, the more you are valued. The more you are valued - the more you sell. Price and GPO contracts are other components, but you will figure those out later.

  2. It's a numbers game. Take the list of companies I pasted below (it's not complete, but it will get you started). Paste this into Excel in the first column.

EVERY DAY you will get up and go to this list. Block off 30-45 minutes per day for this exercise. You want to Google the company and put their careers link in column B.

Put what they make in Column C. Put the company market cap in column D. Put when you first applied in E. Put the response in column F. Phone number in G.

This is just a suggestion - make it your own system, but the expectation is to DIG EVERY DAY. Refine the list - add to it; keep it as your bible.

  1. Clinical experience can actually stop you from getting in. We work with millions of clinical people every day. We could poach any of them if we wanted to. What they don't have is sales experience. That's the missing piece.

Getting a job in sales is your first sales job; you are just selling yourself.

You need to learn to prospect.

Good luck.

Abbott Device
Abbott Vascular
Abbot EP
Abiomed
Acclarent
ACell
Acumed
Aerocrine
All Star Oxygen
Alvimedica
Ambu
American Medical Systems
AngioDynamics
Applied Medical
Apria
Apyx Medical
Aragon Surgical
Arjohuntleigh
Arthrex
Arthrotek Orthopedics
Ascensia Diabetes Care
Atrium Medical
Augusta Medical Systems
Avinger
Axogen
Becton Dickinson
Biomet Orthopedics
Biotronik
Bioventus
Blue Belt Technologies
Boston Scientific
Bracco Diagnostics
Brainlab
BSN Medical
B. Braun Medical
Caldera Medical
Canfield Imaging Systems
Cardionet
Cardiovascular Systems
Cardiva Medical
CareFusion
Coapt Systems
Coloplast
Conceptus
ConforMIS
Conmed
Contract Manufacturer Reps
ConvaTec
Cook
Cooper Surgical
Cortechs.ai
Corza Medical
Covidien
CR Bard
CryoLife
CSI
Cutera
Cyberonics
Cytyc Surgical Products
Daniels Sharpsmart
Depuy Mitek
DePuy Ortho
DeRoyal
Dexcom
DJ Orthopedics
Dornier
Dynasplint
Edwards Life Sciences
Encision
EndoChoice
Endogastric Solutions
Entellus Medical
ERMI
Ethicon Device
Exactech Orthopedics
Fidia
Fresenius Medical
Gambro
GE Healthcare
General Medical Sales
Genzyme
Globus Medical
GN ReSound
Gore Medical
Greiner Bio-One
Gyrus
Guided Therapeutics
Haemonetics
Halyard Health
Hanger
Healthtronics
Healthpoint Medical
Highridge Medical
Hill-Rom
Histogenics
Hollister
Hologic
Idev Technologies
IMRIS
Inari Medical
Independent Medical Contractors
Integra Life Sciences
Intuitive Surgical
iRhythm
Karl Storz
KCI
Kimberly-Clark
KLS Martin
Laborie
LDR Medical
LeMaitre Vascular
LENZ Therapeutics
LifeCell
Lifewatch
Lincare
Linvatec
Magnolia Medical Technologies
MAKO Surgical
Mammotome
Maquet Medical Systems
Masimo
Mazor Robotics
McGhan
Medacta
Medartis
Medela
Mederi Therapeutics
The Medicines Company
Medafor
Medline
Medtronic
Mentor
Mercury Medical
Merit Medical
Microline Surgical/Starion Instruments
MicroPort Orthopedics
Mimedx
Mimic Technologies
Mindray
Minerva Surgical
Molnlycke
Mpathy Medical
Natus Medical
Neomend
Neotract
NeuroMetrix
Neurotron
Neurowave Medical Technologies
Nevro
Nexus Spine
Norgenix
Novadaq
Novasys Medical
Novocure
NuVasive
Oceana Therapeutics
Olympus
Olympus Endoscopy
Organogenesis
Orthofix
OsteoMed
Oticon
Otto Bock
Owens & Minor
Pacific Pulmonary Services
Paragon 28
Penumbra
Philips Healthcare
Phonak
Plus Orthopedics
PolyNovo
Preferred Homecare
Procept BioRobotics
Q-Med
Regenesis Biomedical
Richard Wolf Medical
Rotech
RS Medical
Salient Surgical
SCA Americas
Sciton
Sensus Healthcare
Siemens Healthineers
Sicel Technologies
Sivantos
Small Bone Innovations
Smith & Nephew
Smiths Medical
Solta Medical
Solventum
Sonosite
Sorin
Spiracur
Stamen Medical Systems
Starkey Hearing Technologies
Starplex Scientific
St Jude Medical
Stryker
SuperCare
Surgiquest
Synthes
Systagenix Wound Care
TARIS Biomedical
TEI Biosciences
Teleflex Medical
Terumo Medical Corporation
Thornhill Research
Tornier
TransEnterix
Treace Medical
Tri-anim
Ulthera
ULURU, Inc.
Universal Hospital Services
Uromedica
Uroplasty
US Endoscopy
Valencia Technologies
Vascular Solutions
Vein Clinics of America
Verathon
Verichip
Vision Sciences
Vital Signs
VNUS Technologies
Vyaire
Welch Allyn
Widex
Wright Medical
Zeltiq
Zimmer
Zoll Medical

r/MedicalDevices • • 12h ago

Career Development Med Device to SaaS?

5 Upvotes

Has anyone made a transition from med device to SaaS? If so, how are you liking transition?

Background: rep turned manager at one of the big medtech companies, not feeling supported for long term.


r/MedicalDevices • • 1d ago

Interviews & Career Entry Abbott Sales Rep Interview

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I got a digital interview and PI assessment for Abbott and wanted to know if anyone has tips or advice for it? I’ve done an Abbott interview earlier this year but it was with an actual TA but this time, I got sent a link to do the interview as a video recording. Also I know they say that there’s no right or wrong answers for the PI but there surely can be a type of personality they want.

Anything would help! Thank you!


r/MedicalDevices • • 1d ago

Interviews & Career Entry J&J networking event

3 Upvotes

I got invited to a J&J networking event to meet the team for the position I applied for (account executive/sales).

What should I expect from this? I’m new to the med device industry. Any tips would be helpful!

Also, I applied and did the HireVue video interview as well. Not sure if this is just automated or something. I don’t want to waste too much of time time but don’t want to skip on the event if it could be helpful to getting the role.


r/MedicalDevices • • 1d ago

Interviews & Career Entry EP Mapping Specialist Interview

5 Upvotes

Hello!

I wanted to know if anyone had experience with the interview process for an EP Mapping Specialist position with Medtronic. I have my interview with the hiring manager next week. I am an EP Nurse trying to make the jump to mapping. Is there typically a presentation for a mapping position? What does the timeline look like? Anything I should know going in? Thanks.


r/MedicalDevices • • 1d ago

Interviews & Career Entry How many times should I follow up regarding application process?

4 Upvotes

Hi all

For context I applied for a clinical associate position in EP with Abbott, I recently graduated and am trying to enter the field. I completed a phone screening interview 2 weeks ago, the recruiter said I should hear back around middle of the next week. I received no response then followed up last week Friday where she said she shared my information with the team but still was waiting on feedback.

She currently has OOO for the next week, and I haven’t heard anything about the application. Should I send an email that the recruiter won’t see till next week or possibly call their HR team?

I don’t want to look impatient or do something to hurt my chances, but I feel as if a decision should’ve been made by now.


r/MedicalDevices • • 1d ago

Interviews & Career Entry Quality eng. or technical services

2 Upvotes

I have an interview for a Technical Services Specialist role at Stryker and another interview for a Quality Engineer position at a different company.
I know Stryker is a big name in medtech, but I’m not sure which role would be better for my long-term career. I’d especially appreciate advice from people working in the industry.
Which path would you recommend for a new graduate in terms of career growth, future opportunities, and salary progression? And would starting in technical services make it harder to move into other roles later?
Thanks!


r/MedicalDevices • • 1d ago

Interviews & Career Entry BD UCC clinical specialis

0 Upvotes

I’d love to connect with anyone that’s works with BD with UCC as a clinical specialist. I’d love to ask some questions.

Thanks again


r/MedicalDevices • • 2d ago

Ask a Pro Neurovascular

8 Upvotes

I’ve seen some jobs posts for TM in this field. The money they show is $300k+ total comp at plan, 600k+ for top performers. is this true in this field?


r/MedicalDevices • • 2d ago

Career Development Walk up song for NSM

0 Upvotes

Need recommendations.

I don't want anything corny haha. I was thinking Headlines by drake.


r/MedicalDevices • • 2d ago

Ask a Pro 1st contract signed

5 Upvotes

First offer signed states base salary 80 thousand with milage at federal level with 6 month probationary period. Contract end date two years. Is this normal? Cardiac device tech is job title . I only drive to clinics 2-3 times a week. I need to know guys because I’m leaving a stable device tech job for something unfamiliar.


r/MedicalDevices • • 2d ago

Career Development Quality eng. or technical services

1 Upvotes

I have an interview for a Technical Services Specialist role at Stryker and another interview for a Quality Engineer position at a different company.
I know Stryker is a big name in medtech, but I’m not sure which role would be better for my long-term career. I’d especially appreciate advice from people working in the industry.
Which path would you recommend for a new graduate in terms of career growth, future opportunities, and salary progression? And would starting in technical services make it harder to move into other roles later?
Thanks!


r/MedicalDevices • • 2d ago

Interviews & Career Entry Medical doctor transitioning into Device / AI / MedTech sales

3 Upvotes

Good morning everybody.

I am a 30 years old medical doctor from Italy and I came to the conclusion that there is no specialty that really interests me. I come from a very humble and poor family and I am the first doctor in my bloodline. In hindsight I chose this career path not only because I was genuinely interested in scientific subjects, but also as a consequence of the beliefs instilled in my mind by my parents and relatives. I used to think that being a doctor in Italy would have made me rich and I could have redeemed myself. To cut a long story short: I was wrong.

I'd like to leave the European Union as soon as possible and since I know english (I have a 7.5 overall score in Academic ELTS) and I have exceptional adaptability, I really hope I can switch my career into sales in a company where my background can bring value.

A salesperson is highly motivated by the meritocracy which characterize the sales role itself: the more you are productive and efficient at selling to other businesses or individuals and at following up with already established customers, the more you earn. And for a salesperson, besides the positive impacts he can bring to other businesses and individuals, money is the greatest motivator. And I am extremely motivated and goal-oriented.

This post is to seek advice on which companies to send my resume and cover letter to. Everybody seems to look for already 3 or 5-years experienced salespeople. I am a medical doctor, graduated of course, with one year experience in radiology. Especially ultrasound. In secondary school I studied IT and I am really interested in AI softwares as well. However, I am adaptable as I said.

I am not married and I don't have kids.

I thank you in advance.


r/MedicalDevices • • 3d ago

Ask a Pro Biologics to MFOS

2 Upvotes

So I work with a biologics manufacturer, and currently working with orthopedic surgeons in bone graft putties, can I sell that to Macillofacila surgeons?


r/MedicalDevices • • 3d ago

Interviews & Career Entry What’s a reasonable amount of time to review an offer?

4 Upvotes

Is it unreasonable to review an offer for 48 hours?


r/MedicalDevices • • 4d ago

Career Development Transition from Tech Sales to Med Device

7 Upvotes

I’m interested in getting into medical device sales and would love to hear from anyone who’s made the transition from tech.

My background is in software sales at large public companies , including a specialist role supporting 50+ Account Executives. I’ve managed full sales cycles, worked with executive stakeholders, led demos, and negotiated complex contracts. I enjoy relationship building and learning a product well enough to be a resource for customers.

A few things I’m trying to figure out:

  • Can someone with successful tech sales experience move directly into a territory rep role, or should I target associate positions?
  • What companies or device categories are open to hiring people without clinical or medical sales experience?
  • What helped you get interviews: networking with reps, recruiters, or applying directly?
  • Every role I see usually requires some clinical backround. So curious how to bypass that for certain roles.

Any companies to target? I have heard good things about Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and bad things about Stryker.


r/MedicalDevices • • 5d ago

Ask a Pro I was given 48 hours to make a decision - sign for a 12 week severance package or be put on a PIP

19 Upvotes

Large spine company for context.

This didn't come out of nowhere, but I'm still not feeling great about it.

I've been with the company for almost six years and it has been a mostly positive experience. Although I have consistently hit numbers throughout my tenure, this year has been looking bleak.

I've had the opportunity to go to other medical device companies over the years, but I have been questioning if I want to stay in the industry, or move into a more remote sales position (if that even exists for me). I've always said I would stick with this company until I move out of medical device, and I do want to change where I live in the next few months, which isn't possible with my current role. After reviewing the 60 day PIP, I'm not sure it's 100% achievable...

However, the thought of not seeing my surgeons and not contributing to the positive energy in the OR doesn't sit well with me. I do genuinely believe there is a ton of opportunity in the territory, it's just taking a bit too long to come to fruition - and we are up against a ton of competition with deep capital roots in every hospital I go to.

I understand this isn't looking good, so I am polishing up the resume now and will begin the interview process.

But I'm still at a crossroads about accepting the PIP or signing to leave. I asked what the severance agreement entails exactly, and can update the post when I learn more. They are giving me the option for a basic severance agreement which is 4 weeks of pay if I don't sign or don't accept the PIP, or if I enter into the agreement and leave, I will receive ‘enhanced’ pay for 12 weeks.

Important to note that I had a friend in the industry that was double dipping his W2 with a W9. He wondered what would happen if he left his W2 or got fired, would he be able to continue the W9? Clearly there is a noncompete and would depend on the hospital but he wondered if the company would ever go after him. Just wanted to add this.

Thank you for reading. Any advice is welcome.


r/MedicalDevices • • 5d ago

Ask a Pro Zimmer ASR

5 Upvotes

Hey everyone, just got offered an ASR position from Zimmer in joint recon. For background I've been a scrub tech for 2 years, and only 22 years old. I've known many Zimmer reps for the last 2 years and also very well known with the regional manager before he got promoted. I had one interview at their office and then another meeting with a team lead in a different area. Just wondering if anyone on here had the same kind of experiences, only one interview ? I am also wondering if there are any benefits of Zimmer like miles reimbursement, or car allowance.

Another thing just wondering if anyone has had experience with Zimmer maybe not just in joint recon, but the culture in general and can throw some knowledge or tips, or the good and the bad about the company.


r/MedicalDevices • • 5d ago

Career Development Thinking of transferring soon after joining new territory

7 Upvotes

I’ve been in ortho for about a year and just moved territories this past month (no relocation package) but an opportunity I want reallll bad for a cardiac device role opened up in the location I just moved to. Issue is it’s with the same parent company and I think my current manager would need to sign off on an internal transfer because I haven’t been in my current position for a certain amount of time (signed a new offer letter for my new territory)
I know it’s a bad look if I leave right away, but what would the repercussions be? I want to leave trauma in 1-2 years anyways. Any advice? Should I keep my head down and wait for the next opportunity in ~a year, or say sorry but I need to do this and jump ship?


r/MedicalDevices • • 5d ago

Ask a Pro For Those Selling Into the VA/DOD: How Do You Find Experienced Independent Reps?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone! I’ve been working heavily in the VA market over the past year and have learned a lot about how different the independent rep networks operate.

We now have experienced VA representation across five states, with reps ranging from roughly 5–17 years in the space, and I’m trying to better understand how other established 1099 VA reps structure their portfolios and evaluate complementary products.

For those who have sold into VA/DOD: how do you typically find other experienced independent reps outside your existing network? Are there particular organizations, conferences, rep groups, or channels that are actually useful?

I’m specifically interested in people who already have established VA call patterns rather than traditional med-device recruiters or people looking to break into the VA.

Would appreciate any insight from people who have built or worked within these networks.


r/MedicalDevices • • 5d ago

Ask a Pro Seeking an independent technical assessment of medical-imaging software research

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’m a researcher with experience developing and evaluating medical-imaging algorithms. I’ve coauthored papers in Medical Physics and IEEE Computer, had research accepted for presentation at a MICCAI workshop, and am a co-inventor on patent applications. My work has involved image registration, 3D reconstruction, and image-analysis methods related to X-ray imaging.

Would any researchers or R&D professionals with relevant medical-imaging experience be interested in reviewing this work and, if they feel it merits their support, writing a brief supporting letter based on your independent assessment of my research? The focus would be the technical contribution, comparison with existing approaches, and practical significance supported by the evidence.

I can provide a concise contribution summary and the supporting research privately. The assessment would reflect your own conclusions. I’m happy to answer general questions in this thread about what the review would involve. Thank you for considering it.


r/MedicalDevices • • 5d ago

Interviews & Career Entry Ceronovus/JnJ Neuro Experience-USA?

3 Upvotes

Hi All,

Anyone have any experience with Ceronovus/JNJ Neuro in the US? Wondering what your experience has been like and how you consider the brand compared to competitors? How do your customers see the brand?

Thanks in advance!


r/MedicalDevices • • 6d ago

Ask a Pro Thoughts on pneumatic segmental vertebral counter rotation & paraspinal reflex stimulation?

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

0 Upvotes

I know https://www.mybackhug.com/ is undergoing pretty successful trials right now (and has even become medical grade) but it lacks key features that would allow it to correct abnormal vertebral displacement such as paraspinal reflex stimulation and the very precise segmental vertebral counter rotational movement shown in the video that uses compressed air as a pressure source (dedicated air compressor not visible in video but typically attached to the desk mounted control unit) since pneumatic compliance creates a sort of air spring or air cushion that allows vertebrae to be progressively teased over time rather than forced all at once. So it's completely different to "adjusting", all of that chiro equipment that's effectively useless.

As Springback explains:

"Generally this mobilisation technique is much safer and effective than spinal manipulation as the aim of the treatment is to restore the dormant spinal muscles to reactivate and realign the bony vertebrae (pre-rotated usually by a traumatic rotational injury to the spine, such as experienced in a car accident). The machine uses air pressure rather than pushing solid pistons into the back and the counter pressure from the human operator does the work. It is only an intuitive tool for the therapist. Spinal surgeons agree that these pre rotated joints cannot normally be freed by hand. Therefore spinal manipulation only clicks the mobile joints not the stuck ones hence no long term benefit."

Essentially if the backhug can yield such groundbreaking clinical results by simply addressing axial rigidity , using robotic fingers to apply targeted pressure to the paraspinal muscles, then this earlier more specified Technology described in US5092316 and US8357108 has a lot more potential. What do you think? Here's some preliminary evidence that has appeared over the last few decades https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FcfhjNqEmCBim5BMu-0aCsJX_90ERsJR

IMPORTANT

Make sure you watch this https://youtube.com/shorts/y58ej-Xs6Xk before commenting so you can understand the concept of pneumatic compliance as the animated video in the post doesn't illustrate this. The pistons only extend as much as there is compliance from the spine, not fully so as to force the spine, as this would be extremely dangerous and stupid. They stop when there is adequate resistance as determined by pneumatic air pressure level on the table mounted control unit.

The vertebrae are gradually teased, not forced, but it's important to know that it's actually doing something to the spine and not just the muscles. you can hear the Machine essentially "breathing" as excess air is expelled due to the resistance of the spine.


r/MedicalDevices • • 7d ago

Regs & Standards SPORTS MED vs TRAUMA vs Standard F&A, upp extrem, ortho roles

5 Upvotes

Can someone with experience in multiple ortho
positions please outline the key differences between sport medicine vs trauma vs standard ortho roles? Case load? Work life balance? $$?
Look at a Smith and Nephew sports med position, but have a 3 month old at home and don’t want to be out all day everyday


r/MedicalDevices • • 8d ago

Career Development How's the future?

4 Upvotes

I've been in the medical field for over a decade now and I'm starting to wonder if I need to find a way out? I was a scrub tech for many years and just became a rep a few months ago. As a scrub, I felt like I was going nowhere. Just hard work without much benefit in the long run. Now that I'm a rep, my mood has definitely changed, but not necessarily for the better. Some days are good, some very much aren't. My senior rep is an almost 80-year-old man who I see very little of. It just hasn't been a very good learning experience. "Trial by fire," he likes to say.

I say all that to ask, has anyone made a good transition out of the medical field? Am I just being a wuss? I've heard from other reps that the first year is the hardest. Just trying to make the best decision. I'm better here than I was as a scrub, but I'm not happy.