Pharma Sales vs 1099: The Real Tradeoffs No One Explains
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel Adeyinka sits down with Bruce E. Brown, a seasoned sales professional with over 20 years in pharma who made a rare and successful transition into medical device sales as an independent 1099 distributor. Bruce shares how he broke away from the corporate structure, built his own LLC, and created a sustainable business by representing multiple product lines. He reveals unconventional but effective strategies for gaining access to surgeons and hospitals, lessons learned from the opioid era, and the realities of commission-only sales. This candid...
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What Every Sales Rep Needs to Thrive in the Medical Sales Industry
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with Amy Harrington, a seasoned sales training and enablement leader who has built and scaled training programs across startups and global medtech organizations. Amy shares her unconventional path from surgical tech to nurse to orthopedic rep, and ultimately into becoming a trusted architect of sales education and practice development. She breaks down what truly makes sales training effective, why confidence comes from knowledge, and how reps can sell with science instead of scripts. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how...
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How He Went From Sales Rep To Successful Leader
The Medical Sales Podcast
In Part 2 of this Medical Sales Podcast conversation, Samuel continues the deep dive with Rashago Kemp, a regional director in the biologics and wound care space, breaking down the real differences between W2 and 1099 medical sales. Rashago shares how he manages independent reps, why leverage and motivation work differently outside of W2 roles, and what separates average reps from elite performers in the 1099 world. They unpack earning potential, commission structures, distributor models, and how top reps scale into multimillion-dollar businesses. The conversation also explores leadership,...
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Revolutionizing Wound Care With Biologics
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with regional director Rashago Kemp to explore the world of biologics and regenerative wound care, revealing how amniotic tissue is transforming outcomes for diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure injuries, and complex wounds that traditional care can’t heal. Rashago breaks down the science behind why this tissue works, why amputations are rising in the U.S., and how patient compliance can make or break recovery. He shares powerful real-world cases, including a patient who healed after living with a wound for 20 years,...
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Breaking Into Medical Device Sales: The Endoscopy Advantage
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with endoscopy leader and author Jon Alwinson to break down what makes GI and ASC sales one of the most predictable, high-impact spaces in medical devices while unpacking Jon’s journey from failed entrepreneur to Stryker associate, rookie-of-the-year rep, and now ASC leader at Boston Scientific. Jon shares the systems that drive top-tier performance—true pre-call planning, zoning a territory with precision, and running each week with a focused attack list—while also exposing the pitfalls that hold reps back, from fear and...
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Part 2: The Unseen Side of Pharma Sales During the Opioid Crisis and How it Led to Innovation
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this gripping episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with Jennifer Jones, a former top Purdue Pharma rep who lived through one of the most turbulent eras in pharmaceutical history. Jennifer recounts her shocking personal encounters with the FBI, the emotional strain of grand jury testimony, the collapse of Purdue from the inside, and the complicated reality reps faced far beyond the headlines. She shares raw stories of ethical dilemmas, patient advocacy, “pill mill” misconceptions, and the unseen pressures of pain management in the 2000s. Jennifer then opens up about...
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Part 1: Pharma to Entrepreneurship: The Inside Story of Selling Through the Opioid Crisis
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with Jennifer Jones, a former top Purdue Pharma rep who lived through the rise, collapse, and aftermath of one of the most controversial chapters in pharmaceutical history. Jennifer opens up about her early passion for pain management, what reps were taught, how Q12 vs Q8 dosing shaped patient experiences, and the moment Purdue shut down while she was on vacation. She shares the emotional toll of grand jury testimony, FBI investigations, and watching once-trusted leaders face prison time, while also revealing the patients and...
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Part 2: Mastering Communication in Medical Sales
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel sits down with Dan Docherty, partner at BrainTrust and co-author of NeuroSelling 2.0, to explore what it truly takes to become a world-class communicator in medical sales. Drawing from his decades of experience in pharma and neuroscience-based training, Dan reveals the five key skills every rep must master—developing a communication process, asking powerful questions, listening actively, storytelling with emotion, and building emotional intelligence. This episode is a masterclass in how top performers connect deeply, earn trust fast, and...
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The Power of Building Trust in Medical Sales
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel talks with Dan Docherty from BrainTrust about how neuroscience is transforming the way medical sales professionals build trust and communicate with impact. Drawing from his 25-year career in pharma, Dan explains how traditional training focuses too much on product and not enough on human connection. He introduces the concept of NeuroSelling®, showing how value-based storytelling and empathy drive real influence in conversations with healthcare providers. This episode reveals how the best reps in 2025 use emotional intelligence,...
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Mastering the Medical Sales Industry
The Medical Sales Podcast
In this episode of the Medical Sales Podcast, Samuel interviews Steven Drummond from Intellijoint Surgical, who shares his journey across endoscopy, wound care, trauma, ophthalmology, and tech-based orthopedics. Steven reveals how Intellijoint’s navigation system empowers surgeons with precision and autonomy, and what it really takes to succeed in medical sales—from mastering structure and time management to building trust and balancing high-pressure cases with business growth. Packed with real stories, discipline, and insights. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to break in...
info_outlineUnlock the secrets to thriving in the world of medical sales with insights from our special guest, Ali Flax, a veteran in plastic surgery sales with Mentor Worldwide, a Johnson & Johnson subsidiary. Ali shares her in-depth knowledge on managing a sales territory in the bustling city of Austin, where she specializes in breast implants and tissue expanders. Discover how her role uniquely combines hospital and private office environments, surgical procedures, and business development, offering a roadmap for those considering or already navigating the medical sales industry.
Join us as we explore the dynamic trends shaping aesthetics sales, from the emotional impact of breast reconstruction to the surging interest in cosmetic procedures. I recount my own journey from the high-pressure world of orthopedic sales to finding fulfillment in aesthetics, emphasizing the importance of aligning career paths with personal values and lifestyle goals. We delve into the complexities of breast implant options and the pivotal role of skilled surgeons in achieving patient satisfaction, providing a comprehensive guide for anyone curious about the industry.
The conversation takes a critical turn as we expose the dark realities of medical aesthetics, including dangerous black market practices abroad. Ali and I stress the importance of thorough research and selecting qualified professionals to avoid the pitfalls of unsafe procedures. We also reflect on the demanding nature of trauma medical sales, which fosters resilience and prepares individuals for success in less intense medical sales sectors. Tune in to gain a well-rounded understanding of the aesthetics sales landscape and how you can align your professional life with your core values and aspirations.
Meet the guest:
Ali is a dynamic medical sales representative with a diverse background spanning IT sales, orthopedic sales, and now specializing in plastic surgery. After beginning her career in the tech industry, Ali discovered a passion for healthcare and the profound impact that innovative medical solutions can have on patients' lives.
Transitioning into orthopedic sales, Ali honed her skills in building relationships with healthcare professionals and understanding orthopedic procedures. Her dedication to empowering surgeons with the latest advancements led to significant growth in market share and patient outcomes.
Now in plastic surgery, Ali continues to drive success through a commitment to education and support. She is motivated by the transformative power of plastic surgery, believing in the importance of both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures. Ali's approach emphasizes collaboration and empowerment, ensuring that both surgeons and patients feel confident in their choices.
Connect with her:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-flax/
Join this event this January 2025!
https://evite.me/EYS_IgniteNexus_WinterBash