Overview of job positions in the pharmaceutical business

The pharmaceutical industry is not only closely linked to research, formulation and drug manufacturing, but also opens up a very dynamic and promising career path: drug promotion, sales and marketing. This field plays a bridging role between pharmaceutical companies and the rest of healthcare system – from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies to patients.

Pharmaceutical business plays a vital role in ensuring that drugs are distributed to patients quickly, safely and legally. The Vietnamese pharmaceutical market is experiencing strong growth, projected to reach US$8 billion by 2026, with a network of over 250 international certified manufacturing plants and more than 60,000 pharmacies nationwide. The two main distribution channels are:

ETC (prescription drugs - hospital channel): accounts for large proportion, linked to drug bidding and professional reputation.

OTC (over-the-counter drugs - pharmacy channel): popular and accessible to the public, where pharmaceutical brands build trust and recognition.

Job opportunities are available at multinational pharmaceutical companies, domestic pharmaceutical companies and drug distribution companies in various positions within this field. Some typical job positions in this field include:

Medical Representative

Medical representatives, often called "med reps," are the first line of offense - bringing pharmaceutical products closer to doctors and pharmacies. They are not only salespeople but also "scientific information communicators," helping doctors understand the ingredients, mechanisms of action, indications and side effects of medications. The daily work of a medical representative includes:

Updating product information and researching market needs.

Developing sales plans and organizing product introduction seminars.

Building and maintaining relationships with doctors and pharmacies.

Communicating information truthfully, accurately and ethically.

This is a common starting position for many pharmacists who want to pursue a career in business, helping them hone their sales, presentation, communication skills and virtue of patience.

After working as a pharmaceutical sales representative for a period of time, there are many opportunities to advance to higher positions such as team manager, product manager, or to move to other positions such as tendering or marketing.

Pharmaceutical Marketing

Pharmaceutical marketing combines medical and pharmaceutical expertise with modern business and communication strategies. The dual objectives of this field are:

Health objectives: Raising public awareness and supporting doctors and patients in accessing optimal treatment methods.

Economic objectives: Increasing sales, expanding market share, and developing a sustainable brand.

The unique characteristic of pharmaceutical marketing is its objectivity, accuracy and strict legal compliance, because every information directly affects human health. This requires marketers to possess both medical expertise and analytical, creative skills, as well as a deep understanding of communication strategies.

Effective marketing strategies often involve multi-channel communication, combining scientific conferences, traditional channels and digital platforms. In particular, ethical principles in marketing are crucial – honesty and transparency build long-term trust with customers and partners. At the highest level, pharmacists not only ensure sales but also play a strategic role, leading teams and building the company's brand in the market.

The business and marketing field in the pharmaceutical industry opens up a promising career path for pharmacists who enjoy communication, market analysis and strategic thinking. This job requires a combination of scientific expertise, business skills and professional ethics, while offering career development opportunities in a dynamic and challenging environment.