tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post3468094072220802716..comments2024-02-24T06:25:59.743-08:00Comments on The Spine Blogger: Eve of Destruction or Reconstruction? You Be the JudgeMusculoskeletal Manhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14873819014357051373noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-77272622814509286502011-08-31T14:36:35.315-07:002011-08-31T14:36:35.315-07:00The wonderful world of the “rock-star” medical dev...The wonderful world of the “rock-star” medical device sales rep is in danger of becoming extinct. For those of you still knee-deep in the industry and in a current state of denial, please bear with me as I share with you your demise. Some of you are probably waiting around for the next “hot thing” or that start-up paying big $ and promising you that they are going IPO. In the interim, you are at your third company in the last five years walking a round like a zombie from hospital to hospital because you know that this ship is taking water too. You have either just left another National Sales Meeting (NSM) or are headed to one and know full well that it will be a waste of 3-4 days of your life because you are totally disengaged. I bet you are real excited to hear another round of marketing presentations by some folks that have little clue as to what actually happens in the real world. I forgot about the drink tickets that they now give out too to avoid any mishaps like last years disaster at (NSM). Wake up call !! Lets focus a minute on your current reality.<br />Hospitals do not want your kind in their facilities anymore. You are probably wondering what “your kind” is but you know that sales rep who walks around the hospital like they actually work there. The kind of sales rep who actually starts to believe that they are as critical to the success of their surgeons’ cases as the actual surgeon. That sales rep who wears scrubs to and from the hospital and down deep starts to believe that they actually add value in the operating room by merely standing in the back of the room. The sales rep who feels the need to share their knowledge with the rest of the sales force as to what it takes to make it happen on a consistent basis without even being asked. Really? You know that sales rep that is paraded around like a show horse because they have figured out the secret sauce (according to sales management) to making their # quarter after quarter, year after year etc.,. Come on everyone; just do it like him! Do you happen to work with anyone who fits this description? I bet you do. The truth hurts sometimes but sunshine is often the best disinfectant. Your world has changed and you just don’t see it. In some ways, you are not that much different from a vampire who hides in a coffin to avoid the realities of the world.<br />Most hospitals now understand that the quickest way to control cost is to limit your availability to their physicians. Now what? The thought of spending time in offices is beyond comprehension. I mean seriously, I am a medical device sales rep. The days of hanging around Operating Room (OR) lounges, walking from room to room, scrub sink cold calls and literally camping out all day in an (OR) are long gone. Instead, you have now have RepTrax, Vendormate, Vendor Clear and a host of other monitoring systems to keep an eye on you every time you arrive and depart their facility. Ouch! Awfully, difficult to cold call on the new surgeon who is busy and using the competitive product, isn’t it? This coupled with pricing pressures, competition, commoditization, compliance etc…. it certainly is not like the good ole days.<br />I know that sounds harsh but if you really think about it for a few minutes, you know that I may be on to something. Now what? You can certainly hop from company to company hoping that one of them will be a home run if their stock price goes through the roof. I am not sure that is a viable strategy but HOPE can certainly cloud ones judgment. Do yourself a favor and buckle your seat belts because your ride is going to be a bumpy one unless you change. What’s next? Stay tuned!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-28444396848370138842011-08-23T22:54:24.837-07:002011-08-23T22:54:24.837-07:00Reflecting on all the posts for the last year....
...Reflecting on all the posts for the last year....<br />Let's look at the device industry as a whole. From somebody who has been selling devices since 1989, I've seen urologists invest in eswl units for their patients (trailers) and surgery centers; Plastic surgeons, along with eye surgeons, general orthopaedics, etc. own surgery centers or are investors. GYN's are doing procedures in the office that they used to do in the OR. Surgeons are getting squeezed each year, we all know why- by reimbursements, insurance and liability. It's sad when there are more "smart" (ha) wanting to go into law vs. becoming a dr.<br /><br />What about spine docs? Their personality is already aggressive because of the anatomy they are dealing with, we all know that. No spine surgeon wants to admit, but they have the coldest rooms I have been in because of the pressure they are in in a case. Between cases, they sit in the lounge hearing their compadres discuss all the above. Do they really have any options in the surgical treatment of their patients like other specialties do? No. Unfortunately, some of them have gotten sucked into the unethical side of this business.<br /><br />So, as with anything, you have the sleazebags and the honest guy, the good surgeons and the bad. Life is a game, and we all just want to feel like we are surviving. As we all outlive our parents by 20 years and have to get tweaked, when you are in the OR, think about who you want cutting you and whether it really matters whose screws are used.<br />In the end, we all get screwed, it just depends on when......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-50892439444059217322011-08-22T10:52:44.309-07:002011-08-22T10:52:44.309-07:00"815 I do it cause I make a phate bank roll b..."815 I do it cause I make a phate bank roll bro. Probably 3x what ur R&D ass is making."<br /><br />Yessir 1:29, happily representing the fraternity of spine salesmen. Mortgage salesmen had a good run also. 90% of them are back in the trailer park now. You'll be there soon, start looking for a double-wide away from the septic tanks. Or not, whichever you prefer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-43394784556725307402011-08-21T08:17:53.198-07:002011-08-21T08:17:53.198-07:00yea take it down...what a JOKE this has been.yea take it down...what a JOKE this has been.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-45403958533756593012011-08-21T01:23:20.550-07:002011-08-21T01:23:20.550-07:00Yeah, take the blog down.Yeah, take the blog down.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-26211770006389569452011-08-20T23:15:20.945-07:002011-08-20T23:15:20.945-07:00The one and only reason to read this blog is to ma...The one and only reason to read this blog is to make sure your name isn't mentioned in it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-59321247851582745132011-08-20T20:38:56.872-07:002011-08-20T20:38:56.872-07:00Zimmer Spine needs their own blog. Seriously, I&#...Zimmer Spine needs their own blog. Seriously, I've never seen so much attention paid to a sub $150M USA sales organization. I guess it helps current Zimmer Spine folks feel relevant? Fact is, they are the bastard child of a fairly well run organization. Zimmer Spine has too many offices and f'd up IP (Endius, Abbott, Implex, and smaller licenses) to be worth anything to another organization. It's laughable to hear all of the layers of management they continue to add for 3+ years of declining sales. <br /><br />That's right Zimmer Spine devotees with blue kool-aid stained around your mouth ... keep believing the "big purchase" is coming ... that this President (and not the previous 6 in the last 8 years) will get it right ... nooooo Dvorak isn't kidding this time! ... you're bag will get better! ... your distributor really cares about you (reality = they are praying to get bought out)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-55835148476246387132011-08-20T19:18:30.026-07:002011-08-20T19:18:30.026-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-39645976746042769932011-08-20T18:48:37.005-07:002011-08-20T18:48:37.005-07:0011:24,
What a pile of crap you are! Russ Wright...11:24,<br /><br />What a pile of crap you are! Russ Wright is a stand-up guy. Zimmer Spine lost millions when they kicked Zimmer Cook to the curb for Dan Kirkpatrick's crap former Abbott Spine distribution. Dan Kirkpatrick term as VP of Sales destroyed a vast majority of Zimmer Spine. His partner in crime ... Mike Watts is gone. <br /><br />Russ is a good guy. You are a coward.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-82629734551791447112011-08-20T18:41:32.386-07:002011-08-20T18:41:32.386-07:00I have to agree. I never post here, only read for ...I have to agree. I never post here, only read for enjoyment and to find out what's happening in this industry. These guys/girls are some of the bad apples in this business (which every business has). Only wish they wouldn't make the rest of us look like doushbags with the way they act. Grow up!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-58311210876865955482011-08-20T17:38:33.044-07:002011-08-20T17:38:33.044-07:00This entire blog post has went to hell in a handba...This entire blog post has went to hell in a handbag, embarrassing to say the least.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-50780869787651824132011-08-20T16:02:50.936-07:002011-08-20T16:02:50.936-07:00TSB, I suggest you remove this blog site as it onl...TSB, I suggest you remove this blog site as it only portrays a negative image on the entire industry. You've had some good topics, but as of late they all resort to name calling, money, and a lack of understanding. Thanks for the good intentions but enough is enough.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-6070382229474163452011-08-20T13:29:44.137-07:002011-08-20T13:29:44.137-07:00815 I do it cause I make a phate bank roll bro. Pr...815 I do it cause I make a phate bank roll bro. Probably 3x what ur R&D ass is making. Who says I have to or need to enjoy whom I work with as long as i am happy and my family is taken care of. No I don't need to brag like you did about all the "products" you have made or been " a part of". But hey my man we can go there. You want to challenge my knowledge and background in this biz? Dude you I wouldnt let you 25ft near a case of mine much less have you in the room bragging about the universal screw removal addition you are going to custom make my surgeon. Man I would have been more impressed had you told me ypu were in Marketing or Education but f-ING R&D? Isn't that where they demote the Product Managers that they feel sorry for cause they have been "around since the begging".Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-45200873084823839502011-08-20T12:04:29.209-07:002011-08-20T12:04:29.209-07:008:15
Forget about whether the earlier poster rep...8:15 <br /><br />Forget about whether the earlier poster represents the intellect of R&D. If you are representative of sales personnel in this industry...(wo)man...just think about it the future...looks like a "bright dark"! <br /><br />10:01<br />If you call your work, routine and customers as a "scum", then you probably should get the hell out of this industry. If you do not pride upon what you do...then, why are you here? I'm quite sure there plenty of people in this industry who take extreme pride in what they do.<br /><br />What's the use of whatever money you earn...if you don't like your daily work & profession?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-86095626609118397982011-08-20T11:57:51.040-07:002011-08-20T11:57:51.040-07:00remember this date... Dec 22, 2012.remember this date... Dec 22, 2012.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-45349631681782237872011-08-20T11:44:55.558-07:002011-08-20T11:44:55.558-07:00(Translation) of an age old adage for those who st...(Translation) of an age old adage for those who still have some senses left:)<br /><br />"Humbleness is the key for survival/staying afloat; Arrogance is the key for self-destruction/drowning off." <br /><br />Life is Good!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-82315717710197208132011-08-20T11:44:42.673-07:002011-08-20T11:44:42.673-07:0010:54, Wish I could argue with you....I particular...10:54, Wish I could argue with you....I particularly "like" the grey pinstripe<br />Guido Suit he must have bought at Mens Warehouse. He is a clown, and all his entourage included....Can't understand why they have a "VP of Strategic Planning". Probably to show them how to close their doors...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-2836727796898555352011-08-20T11:24:24.050-07:002011-08-20T11:24:24.050-07:0010:54 thats funny shit! Sounds like the Russ Wrigh...10:54 thats funny shit! Sounds like the Russ Wright who used to be the spine manager for Spine Tech/ZS in California. What a joke he is...he was still wearing ties from his high school days and the soles on that dudes shoes...wow!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-43956937171581049522011-08-20T10:54:03.069-07:002011-08-20T10:54:03.069-07:00Dude who would work for that screw ball faggot any...Dude who would work for that screw ball faggot anyway??? What man of self respect would engage Butler as a leader or boss. I've seen him at shows and he has a sinse of self importance like he's the magical spine wizard. Give me a break you goofball!!! Get some shoes that match you suit too for GOD sakes!!!! Joke Joke Joke!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-46147952461379470132011-08-20T10:11:51.393-07:002011-08-20T10:11:51.393-07:00What's hapening at Life Spine? Clandestine mee...What's hapening at Life Spine? Clandestine meetings with surgeons, cutting long term distributors, trying to get case coverage for 8 Pts? I used to think all the rumors that I heard about Mike Butler, et al, were just that. What a real sanke in the grass....All the corporate people are jumping ship.....Classic case of desperation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-3786795668982160282011-08-20T10:01:40.196-07:002011-08-20T10:01:40.196-07:008:15 great post BRO!! 6:56 "claims" he&#...8:15 great post BRO!! 6:56 "claims" he's been in the spine field for over 12 years in R&D. Are you f-ing kidding me man? R&D? Until you get out and carry a bag and deal with the scum we have to deal with....shut your piehole! I have been in spine SALES for 13 years, since 1998 started with Depuy Acromed and then Depuy Spine all in sales, Mr. 6:56 R&D. I agree with calling punk ass bitches like you out and all the other wannabe reps that call themselves professionals in this biz. Like all the Styker reps in N. Cal! <br />I think TSB has fallen asleep at the wheel listening to all these cry babies asking when Globus will go public or NuVu lack of biz knowledge from any of their reps/management. Or some R&D guy with 12 years of spine/implant knowledge spouting off how much his idea of how to stop a set screw from stripping out has helped or saved the industry. Dude I would recommend you not post here any longer as you made me piss my pants.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-88753802451936159212011-08-20T09:24:54.469-07:002011-08-20T09:24:54.469-07:00If you're gonna bash someone. Which I advise y...If you're gonna bash someone. Which I advise you to not. Get the name right!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-34195436574911911522011-08-20T08:15:32.029-07:002011-08-20T08:15:32.029-07:006:56, if you represent the intellect of R&D pe...6:56, if you represent the intellect of R&D personnel across our industry, we are in deep trouble. Can we start over with an entirely new blog? You can screen membership based on industry experience/qualifications,and a basic IQ test...maybe the Wunderlich test...something to weed out the illiterate. I am not quite sure how we can weed out the immature, though, since some of them are probably pretty bright (born into privilege, and are just behaving like the spoiled brats they are,) and have decent industry experience. <br /><br />Until TSB brings a new forum, let's make this interesting...let's start naming the filthy, dirty reps out there. I will start: Carl Webb.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-71019896913603661012011-08-20T06:56:23.882-07:002011-08-20T06:56:23.882-07:00This is 8/19 3:12pm to 8/19 4:00pm:
Buddy...chill...This is 8/19 3:12pm to 8/19 4:00pm:<br /><br />Buddy...chill out! Your post seems to based on lot of arrogance, lack of knowledge and experience...if you sold few implants (that you probably did not contribute at all) or if you are those countless AVPs...that does not mean you are expert of spine industry. I'm still happily employed in this Spine industry for more than 12 years...and, unlike you...I work in R&D and have developed/seen more technologies...than you can ever imagine! So...just step back and retreat in your "cozy" hole!<br /><br />I know most of the management team at ZS...and, if you know your business and check with your knowledgeable friends in the industry...you will know what direction ZS is going to! If you are ZS employee/sales rep/AVP...then, good luck in buying the BS of the management. They certainly don't have any clue...and, yes...don't assume only sales/mktg people "know the stuff"...you will be sadly mistaken! <br /><br />You claim to know firsthand that ZS will be making a purchase...if you are part of the deal, then you and your team should better go and check your sanity. They don't know how to acquire and integrate a single product...forget entire company. Unless you have good infrastructure and people, you can only go to certain extent...let's face the fact that ZS will always be running behind of top 4-5 companies in the Spine to catch up!!! Unless they gobble up MDT...which has a fat chance of 0.00001%!!! RIP.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-126852961571725269.post-60335719165736098902011-08-19T21:59:14.436-07:002011-08-19T21:59:14.436-07:00741- hilarious!!!741- hilarious!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com