that have gone so far as to say that they will no longer provide samples to our practice if we cannot be more accommodating to their needs. To this point, no reps have stopped coming in, they have only learned to conform. I believe that a drug rep, which is in essence as salesman, has to be bold and try to push their product to physicians. I believe that those that respect the rights of patients, as well as the providers’ need to provide uninterrupted care to their patients, are the most successful in their work. By hiring individuals that are truly concerned about the health of patients, pharmaceutical companies are able to have their product best represented. WORLDWIDE MARKETING. After a successful year in 1999, SmithKline announced it would be merging with Glaxo Wellcome, another leader in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry. With the combined finances and research and development of these giants in the industry, their bid for a successful future is quite secure. The combined efforts of the two may result in some job loss, as well as some product elimination, but the effect such a merger will have on the industry is remarkable. It is notable to add that this merger is on the heels of another marriage of two other leaders in the industry, Warner-Lambert Company and Pfizer, Inc. As these companies move ahead, the industry continues to grow. Research and development teams can boast the best personnel in the industry. Former competitors become teammates, and time and money is spend on educating the drug reps on the newly acquired products, as well as how to answer questions on the effects the merger will have on other products. People are the most important part of the pharmaceutical industry. Harnessing their skills, desires, energies, hopes, and dreams can make a company’s changes more positive, as well as a benefit to all involved. CONCLUSION. Pharmaceutical companies use many marketing strategies ...
