How to Succeed as a Clinical Specialist in Medical Sales With Gina Torres
Release Date: 03/12/2025
The Medical Sales Podcast
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John Crowder joins us to unpack what most medical sales reps are getting wrong in today’s healthcare landscape. Traditional sales tactics are no longer enough, John explains why, and what modern reps must do to stay competitive. We dive into the real impact of disruptive technologies, and how they demand a completely new skill set. John shares how emotional intelligence has become a key differentiator in sales, and why understanding both logic and emotion is essential for building trust and closing deals. Training isn’t what it used to be. John outlines how microlearning, repetition, and...
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Courtney Turich shares the journey of Cooler Heads, the startup behind a scalp cooling device that helps chemo patients keep their hair and dignity. From early challenges to reaching over 100 infusion centers, she reveals how awareness, advocacy, and social media-fueled their growth. We explore the emotional impact of scalp cooling, the barriers to oncologist adoption, and the company’s commitment to patient education. Courtney also offers career advice for breaking into medical sales, thriving in startups, and leading with purpose. This is a must-listen for...
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Ready to elevate your medical sales game? In the final episode of our Unfiltered Medical Sales mini series, seasoned expert Todd Crowder shares his top strategies for mastering client interactions and building lasting relationships. From choosing the right setting for a meeting to reading the emotional cues of your audience, Todd breaks down the art of creating connection while driving results, comparing the process to learning a manual transmission — smooth, responsive, and always in control. We explore the deeper side of sales, where emotional intelligence, patience, and authenticity...
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In this episode, industry veteran Todd Crowder shares powerful insights on professional presence in medical sales — from wardrobe choices to workplace dynamics. Drawing clever parallels between interviews and first dates, Todd explains why business dress still matters and how details like grooming and attire can shape first impressions in both virtual and in-person settings. We dive into the complex role of appearance in the medical device industry, including how visible tattoos, piercings, and personal style can impact hiring outcomes. Todd offers thoughtful advice on navigating these...
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In the Unfiltered Medical Sales Series, Todd Crowder pulls back the curtain on the raw, real-world challenges of breaking into and thriving in medical sales. Through gripping stories and behind-the-scenes insights, Todd shares the high-stakes interview moments that test candidates' resilience, adaptability, and character — giving you a no-nonsense look at what it truly takes to stand out. From navigating uncomfortable conversations to turning interviews into opportunities for authentic connection, Todd shows why top performers in this industry are more than just polished resumes — they're...
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Jasper Freeman, Director of National Accounts at SC Pharmaceuticals, didn't just return to medical sales—he came back with a mission to change it. In this episode, Jasper shares how he helped launch FUROSCIX, a revolutionary heart failure treatment designed to keep patients out of the hospital and improve care at home. But that's just the beginning. We dive into: The untold story of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and their massive influence over drug pricing and access Why the insurance-sales-patient triangle is the key battleground in healthcare innovation What the U.S. can learn from...
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In this episode, Dr. Vishal P. Rekhala, an interventional pain management specialist, joins us to explore a game-changing approach to launching private medical practices through Independent Practice Partners (IPP). We unpack how IPP helps physicians go from concept to fully operational practice in as little as six months — without the usual red tape and overwhelm. Dr. Rekhala shares how a visionary group of ophthalmologists founded IPP to challenge the status quo and empower doctors to reclaim control of their careers. We discuss how this model is giving new life to private practice,...
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In this episode, we sit down with Sara Schweitzer, a passionate recruiter in Stryker's spine division, whose journey into medical sales and recruiting is anything but ordinary. Sara opens up about her transition from the pharmaceutical world at AbbVie—where, during the pandemic, her work felt more like moving boxes than impacting lives—to finding real purpose in helping others land life-changing careers in med tech. Sara gets real about what it takes to succeed in this competitive industry. From breaking down the misconceptions about medical sales to highlighting the grit,...
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Todd Crowder's path into medical sales wasn't just a career choice—it was a legacy in the making. Growing up with a father who built a prolific career at Ethicon, Todd was immersed in the industry from an early age. But instead of simply following in his father's footsteps, he forged his own path, bringing a unique blend of military discipline, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial drive into the world of medical sales. In this episode, Todd shares: How his experience as a Patriot Missile Officer shaped his leadership and sales approach. The realities of working with his wife, who owns...
info_outlineBreaking Into Medical Sales: Gina Torres's Journey from Nurse to Industry Expert
In this inspiring episode, Gina Torres, a seasoned peripheral vascular representative, shares her incredible transition from a peripheral vascular nurse to a top medical device sales expert at Shockwave. Discover how she leveraged her clinical background to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes, particularly in preventing amputations for those with peripheral arterial disease.
Gina dives deep into the transformative power of intravascular lithotripsy technology and the critical role medical sales professionals play in advancing treatment solutions. She also sheds light on the evolving responsibilities of clinical specialists, balancing in-depth product knowledge with the art of sales.
If you're considering a career in medical sales, Gina offers invaluable advice on how individuals from non-clinical backgrounds, such as marketing professionals, can successfully break into the industry. She also opens up about the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, sharing practical strategies for success.
From launching Nurse Elevator to help nurses and techs transition into medical sales to her go-to book recommendation, Influence by Robert Cialdini, Gina's insights are packed with actionable takeaways. And, of course, we wrap up with a fun lightning round, including her must-try meal at Pecan Lodge in Dallas.
Whether you're a healthcare professional, an aspiring medical sales rep, or simply curious about this dynamic field, this episode is packed with motivation, industry knowledge, and career-changing insights!
Meet Gina:
Gina is a former ICU and Interventional Radiology nurse who successfully transitioned into the medical device industry, where she is now an executive sales representative and a recognized expert in peripheral vascular interventions. Despite having no formal sales training, her deep clinical expertise and firsthand understanding of patient care have propelled her to excel in the field.
She began her industry journey as a Clinical Support Specialist, where she quickly mastered the sales process with the guidance of exceptional mentors. Her ability to bridge the gap between clinical knowledge and sales strategy led her to secure a sales role, where she has since earned back-to-back President's Club awards.
Passionate about helping other healthcare professionals leverage their skills beyond the bedside, Gina founded **Nurse Elevator**—a platform dedicated to guiding nurses, techs, and other clinicians into medical device sales and related non-hospital careers. She firmly believes clinicians bring unmatched value to the industry due to their deep understanding of patients and treatment algorithms. Through Nurse Elevator, Gina is on a mission to create a supportive and educational community that empowers healthcare professionals to confidently explore new opportunities.
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The views and opinions Gina expressed are her own and not a reflection of Shockwave Medical or Johnson and Johnson MedTech.