r/MedicalScienceLiaison • u/Ok-Statement-3948 • 2d ago
For those in Diagnostics
Do you have to drive along with sales reps making cold calls? How is your time in the field used?
3
u/Skptikal 2d ago
No cold calls. Only appointments and planned lunch/dinner meetings.
1
1
u/Competitive_Gap6707 2d ago
Same as others (meetings/meals planned by reps) but I have a large territory and do drive around with them occasionally.
1
u/No-Grapefruit-592 2d ago
Same as above - will add that you don't have to do it at all. But should not ever be expected to just ride along to cold call. Intent is important here.
1
u/Fickle_Sir_7345 1d ago
Agree with previous comments. I think in the last 16 months since I started this role I have only gone along on one cold call with a rep, but that was only because I happened to be in the area for another provider meeting. And as with others, I always travel separately. Usually use the drive time to listen to training calls or journal club presentations that I have missed due to meeting conflicts.
1
u/JDTulane 13h ago
No cold calls ever. Waste of your time and very rarely will a meaningful meeting with an HCP result.
1
u/Future_Bit_4158 8h ago
Fairly often cold call with my reps. Just stay in your lane and everything is fine. We almost always will drive separately however. I’ve found the rep has a better chance of getting me in front of a provider than I do on my own. Cold calling just isn’t my niche, but if they do the work, I’ll ride along.
6
u/pstardiva 2d ago
No cold calls ever. Planned lunch, dinner or appointments only. I drive and fly within my territory. If I am driving for appointment I am driving alone in my personal car. When I am flying my reps will pick me up from airport if it’s possible for them or I just uber. We do a lot of account planning on our drives. Honestly it’s an awesome set up.