In this episode, Kevin Kelleher (Director of Medical Affairs at Medtronic & founder of the Rural Health Technology Consortium) shares his journey from nurse to sales leader, and why passion, and not just money, must drive your career.

Kevin’s story really stuck with me. He went from nursing into sales, but what makes his perspective different is how he ties everything back to passion and purpose. He also opens up about what it’s like serving rural communities, the push for more diversity in clinical research, and even how he balances leadership with family life. Honestly, it’s one of those conversations that leaves you rethinking your life.

From breaking into medical sales, building trust in rural healthcare, and tackling diversity in clinical research, to leadership, productivity, and family balance... Kevin brings powerful lessons you can apply today.

From pharmacist to Eli Lilly sales rep in just 5 weeks.

In this episode, Francesco Russo shares how he went from burnout in retail pharmacy to landing a high-paying role in pharmaceutical sales thanks to strategy, networking, and a customized plan. His story proves that even highly educated professionals need more than degrees to stand out.
Do you want to break into pharma or medical sales? Learn the strategies Francesco used inside this episode.

From trauma orthopedics to plastic surgery sales: Alexandra Flax shares how she broke into Stryker, transitioned into a role she loves, and built a LinkedIn presence that inspires thousands. Learn what it takes to succeed in medical sales, manage the grind, and create a career (and life) you actually enjoy.

Alexandra's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandra-flax/

Kyle Dunn, founder of Hyperdrive Bio and creator of Voyager, shares how his innovative sales intelligence platform is transforming medical and diagnostic sales. Learn how Voyager gives reps and startup leaders the ability to target physicians more strategically using real data, including prescription patterns, research interests, and Medicare billing. Discover how this tool helps both aspiring and experienced reps stand out in interviews, break into oncology and diagnostics, and boost sales performance with personalized outreach and pre-call planning.

Follow Kyle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyledunndx/

What if sales weren't about selling at all? In this episode of Medical Sales U, Paul Kesig shares how loving people, not just products, can transform your career in medical and pharmaceutical sales, believe it or not.

From breaking into the industry to building real connections, this conversation flips the script on what success looks like in sales.

Most people think sales is about pushing products. Kendy Elmore thinks it’s about treating people with genuine respect.

In this episode, we go beyond quotas and KPIs to explore what really builds great salespeople: humility, emotional connection, purpose, and yes, gathering face to face with meal or drinks. Whether you're overconfident, underconfident, or just curious about what it means to love what you sell, this one’s for you.

Sales isn’t just a job: it’s a legacy.

Stay on the red dot. Show up. Bring value.

And don’t let your competitor’s car scare you away from your next breakthrough.

In this powerful episode of the Medical Sales U Podcast, I sit down with Nick Rich—cancer survivor, AYA advocate, and now a Senior Oncology Account Specialist at Pfizer. Nick opens up about his deeply personal journey from battling cancer to building a career in oncology sales, where he now helps bring life-saving treatments to patients fighting the very diseases he once faced.

We discuss how his diagnosis shaped his purpose, the pivotal moments that led him into medical sales, and how his fundraising team helped raise over $50,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You’ll hear the grit behind his transition from patient to professional, and how he channels his pain into purpose every day on the job.

Whether you’re in sales, healthcare, or simply looking for inspiration, this conversation will move you. Nick’s story is a testament to resilience, faith, and the impact of using your story to serve others.

Most people who try to break into medical sales fail not because they are not smart, hardworking, or talented but because they do not know the rules. In this episode, I break down the three nonnegotiable traits that every hiring manager is looking for: coachability, curiosity, and collaboration. These are not buzzwords. They are the difference between staying stuck in a 40K job and earning 100K in your first year.

I share real stories from the field including how I got humbled by a manager named Bud and what Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and even Navy SEAL David Goggins can teach us about leveling up. If you are tired of spinning your wheels, submitting endless applications, or hearing silence after interviews, this episode is for you. Learn the mindset, the strategies, and the daily habits that get people hired and make you a force in this industry.

From Nurse to Oncology Sales: Catina Pitzen's Journey

What does it take to go from bedside nurse to top oncology sales rep? In this episode of Medical Sales U, I sit down with Catina Pitzen, Senior Oncology Sales Representative at Eisai and board member of the Columbus chapter of the Oncology Nursing Society.

Catina shares how her nursing roots—especially her love for labor and delivery—prepared her for success in one of the most complex areas of pharmaceutical sales.

We discuss the realities of breaking into oncology, the power of pre-call planning, and how her commitment to lifelong learning shapes her approach. Whether you're a nurse considering a new career or a sales professional exploring oncology, Catina’s story is a powerful reminder that clinical experience and curiosity can open doors in medical sales.

In this episode, I had the privilege of chatting with Holli Brackman, a recent graduate of Medical Sales U and one of Canon Medical Technologies' newest hires. Holli’s journey from exercise science and cardiac rehab to breaking into medical sales is nothing short of inspiring. We dove into her strategy for standing out, from crafting a standout LinkedIn presence to creating a customized brag book that sealed the deal. Holly also shared what it’s like to step into her first role, starting December 2nd, and how she’s preparing for success. If you’re looking for practical advice on getting into medical sales—or just need some motivation to take that next step—this episode is for you.