The ABPI (Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry) was founded in London, England in 1891 and was traditionally known as "The Drug Club". The headquarters for this company is located in London, England, where the organization's primary function is to act as an association for the pharmaceutical trade for companies in the United Kingdom producing medicines for humans. Its secondary task is to provide complimentary resources, such as pamphlets, to schools in the United Kingdom in order to facilitate and promote science and its applications in the industry. These pamphlets are aimed at providing information to patients and healthcare professionals, in addition to providing information about associated careers.
In the first three to six months in the United Kingdom, the new sales person will typically spend time learning their territory, the customer, and the product. Medical Sales Representatives are also required to pass the ABPI within two years of accepting a job as a Medical Sales Representative. After two yearsare over, the representative will be unable to work in their profession without this qualification. Traditionally, the hiring company will cover the expenses associated with qualifying for the examination and will offer an option for eLearning or distance learning at home.
Veterinary Sales positions are highly competitive due to the specialized nature of customers that are served by the Veterinary Sales Representative. While existing Medical Sales Representatives and Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives are often considered for these positions, because of their ability to cope with complex terminology and concepts within the medical field, veterinary nurses and/or other animal-based educated individuals are preferred. Candidates with the latter qualifications should typically possess a 2.2 grade point average or above in their course of study.
As with any other Medical Sales position, Veterinary Sales Representatives will be required to visit customers every day; set goals and then meet or exceed those goals; be persuasive and encourage interaction with the customer; be knowledgeable, organized, plan ahead, and obtain a high degree of autonomy. Veterinary Sales Representatives should possess a certain level of proficiency to quickly identify the needs or key services of the veterinarian's practice, so the representative can therefore select the products most beneficial for the client. One of the benefits to Veterinary Sales over Medical Sales is that it's typically easier to obtain an appointment with a veterinarian, than it is with a physician due to sheer volume of human patients seen over animals.
Since ABPI, by definition, is associated with medication for humans, Veterinary Sales Representatives are expected to have a high degree of competence and expertise in their industry, but there are no ABPI code requirements or constraints. The ABPI qualification would be deemed informative and useful for background as some of the information would be transferable. However, the qualification would not be aimed toward veterinarian medicines. Many Veterinary Sales Representatives may already possess the qualification from a previous Medical Sales Position or a Pharmaceutical Sales Position. However, new Veterinary Sales Representatives may secure the qualification and membership in the association; however, for networking, edification, and other reasons, such as their peers have the qualification.