Pharmaceutical companies hire Medical Representatives to market, promote, and distribute their product samples. They arrange meetings and presentations with hospital administrators, nurses and medical practitioners. These representatives have to be very informed about the product and able to answer any questions asked of them. They have to be able to sell the idea to the doctors, who do not have a lot of free time.
A Medical Representatives usually performs many of the following tasks:
•  Making phone calls and scheduling appointments
• Attending meetings with doctors, nurses and pharmacists
• Delivering product pamphlets
• Going to product training sessions
• Promoting products

Expertise in the following areas is an asset:
• Networking with doctors and physicians
• Being flexible and focused
• Being self motivated and able to work on own initiative
• Oral and written communication
• Being patient and understanding
• Handling stressful situations
• Negotiating with health care administrators
• Time management
• Planning and traveling
• Being amicable and confident
• Being commercially aware
• Managing interpersonal relationships

Medical Representatives have some kind of medical or scientific background. They are very conversant and aware of the products they sell. These professionals also have very good sales skills, and are able to manage orders and persuade or convince doctors to invest in their products. Some employers will hire graduates who do not have a medical background and offer them on the job training. Bachelors or Masters Degree holders of areas such As Biology, Chemistry, Physiology, Science, Engineering, Medicine and Pharmacology are highly desired for this position. People who are interested can pursue courses at the National Association of Medical Sales Representatives (NAMSR).