I know you'll get some bogus and negative responses, so I'll actually give you some truth:
Depending on the type and length of procedures, as well as the case volume in the territory in any given week, you should expect to be in 2-3 cases per day, or at least 12-15 per week. Of course that doesn't mean you should be in cases just to be in a case; ideally, they should be cases where there are significant selling opportunities that correspond to your sales objectives/business plan/sales incentives.
As far as providing value, since most of our products are commodities that have been around for awhile, most of the value you can provide comes in the form of:
- providing feedback on best practices related to making procedural techniques more efficient (triple staple technique vs. pursestring; linear anastomosis vs. circular on a GJ pouch anastomosis; etc.)
- professional educational opportunities in the form of both local/regional and national courses (SSL, advanced lap, lap suturing, VATS). Despite modern advances, many surgeons still don't perform MIP for all their cases
- OR operational efficiency to smooth cases for surgeon (training and in-servicing OR staff, ensuring preferred devices are available/in-stock, and troubleshooting during cases). This is, at times, an account management job: you'll have to do a lot of customer service, technical troubleshooting (RF60, GEN04, etc), and price quoting/order taking. This explains the relatively higher base salaries that we're paid compared to other device jobs.
Yes, like all jobs, some parts of this job blows. But its still a good job with good pay. Just try not to get too frustrated by the lack of innovation, the slow pace at which new products come to market, the often incompetent marketing department, and the BS admin work. Good luck!
