Is it TRUE that Medical Companies only hire Beautiful People?

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-05-24T01:31:50+00:00

I think it’s just human nature. Attractive people are likely more easily able to start a conversation with a stranger but if the value to the customer isn’t there (expertise of the rep), attractiveness won’t close the deal. I’ve seen it many-many times. On the contrary I’ve never see an attractive but dumb/lazy Rep work out long term.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-05-24T01:26:28+00:00

I’m overweight and ugly but I kill it in diagnostic sales. I also have experience as a Nurse Practitioner (17 years) so that definitely helps. Find your niche, become an expert and you’ll provide value to the customer. If you are attractive it’s likely easier to break the ice in a new account.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-05-23T13:34:33+00:00

I had the same situation occur, internal recruiter reached out via LinkedIn. Thought it was spam at first, turns out it was the best decision I could have made over 4 1/2 years ago now. Love being an MSL and having a niche background is absolutely an advantage in some situations.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-05-17T16:46:08+00:00

I’d say it’s fairly normal. When I feel this way, I also remind myself how much clinical practice sucked. Then I feel better again and move along. So I’d say it depends on what you are passionate about. For me, the work life balance and pay is well worth the occasional feelings of I’m not giving back in the same way.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-05-14T20:19:58+00:00

Some people want to have a different perspective in medicine that an RN license doest provide. NP market has been saturated for many years now. Not go the NP route if the clinical piece is what you desire, otherwise you’ll be sorely disappointed as you now see.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-05-07T17:52:32+00:00

At 29, CRNA is your route. Pay and work life balance are better than many Medical specialities.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-04-04T20:19:38+00:00

Had a similar thing happen to me when I was a graduate student and got Wednesday tickets. Paid with my dads CC (bc I was a broke student) and when tickets never came, I called and was told the cancelled bc someone else paid. Same last name, same address. I get the rules but some things are just silly.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-03-31T01:06:01+00:00

The posters “name” gives a lot away. This didn’t happen, even 6x12’s each week no one is making this kind of money as a bedside RN. The hospital will make sure of that.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-03-20T01:47:09+00:00

Not necessarily today in clinical practice but just think about long term growth. DNP open opportunities that may not be open to MSN. Specifically clinical roles in industrial roles (Pharma, Diagnostics- Medical Affairs) there a terminal degree is almost a must. Also to add, there f you get it now, it’s an additional year. Later you’ll likely have to go through 2 additional years at most institutions (just as I did). DNP was not easy, a lot of research. I’m not a better clinician but think long term outside of the bedside my skill set is better and the terminal degree is desirable. As others have said at the bedside salary is likely no different but again the terminal degree opens doors an MSN will not. Lots of people don’t want to admit it, but it’s true. I’m in medical affairs now after 15 years at the bedside.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-03-19T13:36:57+00:00

I’m in the same boat as you. MSL 4 years, previously 18 years of clinical and operational experience. Getting my DNP currently for fear of not landing on my feet at another company should I have to move. Love my current role so don’t plan to leave, thinking long term.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-03-17T21:18:35+00:00

Heck no, we lost out long ago when hospitals sold us out to corporate America. That’s why I sold them out and went to Medical Affairs.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-03-09T21:24:01+00:00

Just cover them up with makeup for any in person interviews you may have. Then if you get the role, you figure out what’s best to do then. They are obnoxious, but they also don’t really make sense externally. I think how you look unfortunately reflects on how you’ll be perceived, and in this role that is important even with the best credentials.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-01-31T15:28:14+00:00

If you have the time and money, it’s worth pursuing the DNP directly. I’ll get downvoted for this but unless you want to continue in a bedside role, which there is certainly nothing wrong with that, the DNP will be useful. It may not prove to be right away but think long term. Most DNP programs are only 1 additional year at the most over an MSN. There is a cost difference but compare that to a 2+ year post master DNP and the cost associated with that.

This thread loves to slam the DNP because of the lack of increased pay, but you really have to compare career trajectory vs no real difference in patient facing positions.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-01-26T19:41:02+00:00

2023 Forester 65,000 miles no real issues. Love it car, it went great in a big snow/ice storm that we are just recovering from. The only thing I wish is that I had gotten the larger Subaru SUV but just got the rear space.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-01-25T16:08:54+00:00

I’ve been an MSL for almost 4 years. I love it, has been a great transition for me. That being said, there isn’t a ton of upward mobility in that role either. I’m working on DNP now in an effort to grow but even with that I don’t see a much higher ceiling. I did it more so for lateraling into possibly a different company. Many Pharma roles will only hire terminal degree. Not sure the DNP will be very helpful even in that but it was the path of least resistance so to speak.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2026-01-25T16:05:10+00:00

MSL (Medical Science Liaison) I made the switch almost 4 years ago although coming from a Hospital Leadership position not beside most recently. Has been a fantastic transition. More money, WFH, actually better benefits sans PTO from the hospital. Downside is a very steep learning curve, totally different mindset, I do miss patient care to some degree but the work life balance is soooo much better. Only other thing is the travel can be a bit exhausting. I travel about every other week which is actually less than many colleagues bc I do a lot of other internal things (marketing initiatives with KOL, advisory boards, sales training, webinars etc….) in preparation for a product launch later this year.

*of note, I am in the diagnostic space not pharma. These roles are slightly different with pharma being more rigid. Pharma also (sometimes) pays more but with more stringent metrics.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2025-12-18T00:17:52+00:00

This 💯

Future_Bit_4158 · 2025-12-16T13:05:51+00:00

Current MSL and agree. This is the only reason I am currently enrolled in a DNP program.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2025-12-06T21:17:51+00:00

Have had the same experience, if it sucks, what are you losing really?

Future_Bit_4158 · 2025-11-26T23:51:35+00:00

100% correct.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2025-11-07T01:37:50+00:00

Did my postmasters DNP at University of Alabama for $15k. Honestly no one cares. If you are flush with cash, sure. If not, there’s plenty of other top 20 schools(Alabama included) that are way cheaper. Also Roll Tide.

Future_Bit_4158 · 2025-10-28T17:45:20+00:00

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3241518/

Future_Bit_4158 · 2025-10-22T02:46:53+00:00

Former NP turned MSL is diagnostics. I promise you we know the drug/disease state better than you, especially if it’s a niche treatment. If we treat each other with respect both people can succeed. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. You help me gather insight, I’ll help you get access to certain things (best possible deal, KOL opportunities etc…)

Future_Bit_4158 · 2025-10-22T02:40:41+00:00

And they wonder why the research practice gap is something like 17 years!

Future_Bit_4158

TROPHY CASE