What’s everyone’s thoughts on a career in med device vs a career in pharma? I’ve worked in both (currently in big pharma oncology), and I absolutely hate pharma. I think med device is more exciting, innovative, and love the tangible products, but I feel like pharma (particularly oncology and cell & gene therapy) get all the attention. Also, in my experience the pay and benefits in pharma is much better.

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It depends.. what do you hate about pharma?

I’m with you on this! Even as a CRA, the pharma meds can be so taxing after a while. Especially when we don’t know if product will pass approval until end of study, or sometimes mid study if primary and secondary endpoints are high risk to patient safety. The money is great, but if you can find your way back in med device sales, I would do it- and then send me the recruiter who hired you because I’m also looking to butt out of pharma lol

Well it depends on your role IMO. I've never done pharma, but the money in medical devices can be great, especially if you can land a large hospital IDN contract. There are more layers you have to peel to get your product in with medical devices, so there is a lot more face time and "boots on the ground" to be successful. Sales process can be easily 1-2 years on larger projects, so you have to use numerous strategies to stay relevant and keep the customers engaged. This can mean a half dozen meetings, redoing proposals and value reports, and utilizing all your team members (clinicians, engineers, product managers) as you work up to large contracts that can easily be $2-3 million or more.

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