Tell us a little bit about your career background.
I studied in Waterford Institute of Technology, where I graduated in 2006 with Bachelor of Business Studies Degree, specialising in Marketing. Throughout my college education, I worked in my local pharmacy as an OTC Sales Assistant which I thoroughly enjoyed as I learned something new every day. After a year of traveling in Australia and New Zealand, I returned home where I joined the pharma industry through a CSO.
How long have you been working in Healthcare Sales?
I joined the industry in 2008, on a Syndicated Sales Team, where I worked for seven years contracted to various different pharmaceutical companies. Here I covered the North Leinster territory, calling to GPs. In 2015, I joined Star Medical Ireland, where I am still employed. I cover the South Leinster Territory, on a Syndicated Sales Team.
What does your current role entail?
Working on the GP Syndicated Team, I am currently contracted out to three different pharma companies, detailing their product to GPs and Practice Nurses. I also call to Pharmacies as part of my role. The best thing about Syndicated Sales is that you get to learn so many different therapy areas and get to work for many different Pharmaceutical Companies.
Why do you do the job that you do?
My Dad was a Medical Rep for years, and I always loved listening to his stories about what his day entailed. It was different every day for him and I saw how well planned and organised he had to be to succeed. It was definitely a role I was always interested in pursuing and I love the social aspect to it also. Mainly, if I can get through to a GP exactly how the products I am promoting can benefit a patient and help them, to me, that’s a good days work done.
Have you always been involved in the MRII?
I became a member of the MRII as soon as I joined the industry and registered to sit the exam within the first year on the road. I find it is a great way to keep up to date with the trends in the ever changing pharmaceutical environment. It is also a great way to network with my peers. I always find it interesting to hear how other companies operate.
What advice would you offer to any new entrants to pharma sales?
The three pieces of advice I would give to any new entrants into the industry are: to be flexible, embrace change and always be curious. I would also highly recommend joining the MRII and completing the exam as soon as possible, even while attempting to secure a role within the industry. Not coming from a science background, this exam really helped me when undergoing product training in various disease areas.
What are your interests and hobbies?
I love to run. I started running in 2010, and completed my first 5k race shortly after. I love taking part in races. I am always registered for a race to have a goal to work towards and train for. I am currently training for my third Dublin City Marathon, taking place in late October. My training has gone really well and I’m looking forward to seeing what I can achieve this time round.
Do you have a favourite place to stay in Ireland?
There are so many parts of Ireland I have yet to visit but one place I have stayed a few times is Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. The scenery is breath taking, with fab walks along the upper and lower lakes. The hotel there is small and quaint with lovely food and an open fire to enjoy drink.
What is your motto or personal mantra?
If you always try your best, then you never have to wonder about what you could have done. You can say ‘I gave today all I had in me’.