I previously wrote a post entitled: Red Flags 101: Five Things That Should Make Every Veterinarian Question Which Compounding Pharmacy They Do Business With at http://www.lawofcompoundingmedications.com/2014/06/red-flags-101-five-things-that-should.html
In this post, I addressed the qualifications of the compounding pharmacists, but not so much the sales or marketing representative's qualifications. This is also a huge factor in today's environment. First, inquire about how this person is getting paid. I wouldn't focus so much on their title as the manner in which they are paid. Ask the person if they are being paid a salary or a commission. Is there a profit motive? If the person is on salary, then they are probably acting more as a consultant and their opinion wouldn't be as tainted or biased by the commission they would make for agreeing to compound whatever preparation you need, whether it is an illegal or legal compound.
Second, I would ask what the person's background is. If the background involves business/marketing/sales, I would be cautious. They may not have a clue about animals or compounded preparations for animals. Look for a person who has knowledge and understanding of animals and the drugs used to treat animals. Someone who has owned or raised livestock, horses, or other animals would most likely have a much better working knowledge than a college student who studied marketing. Someone who has worked as a vet tech or in a veterinarian's office also might have more knowledge than someone who has a background only in sales. The bottom line is to weigh the person's background carefully. Ultimately it is the veterianry compounding pharmacist's background and experience along with the knowledge and experience of the person making the sales pitch that will provide you with the best answers and preparations when it comes to compounded animal drugs and compliance with the law. If the right combination isn't there, you may want to find someone else from which to purchase your compounded preparations.
In this post, I addressed the qualifications of the compounding pharmacists, but not so much the sales or marketing representative's qualifications. This is also a huge factor in today's environment. First, inquire about how this person is getting paid. I wouldn't focus so much on their title as the manner in which they are paid. Ask the person if they are being paid a salary or a commission. Is there a profit motive? If the person is on salary, then they are probably acting more as a consultant and their opinion wouldn't be as tainted or biased by the commission they would make for agreeing to compound whatever preparation you need, whether it is an illegal or legal compound.
Second, I would ask what the person's background is. If the background involves business/marketing/sales, I would be cautious. They may not have a clue about animals or compounded preparations for animals. Look for a person who has knowledge and understanding of animals and the drugs used to treat animals. Someone who has owned or raised livestock, horses, or other animals would most likely have a much better working knowledge than a college student who studied marketing. Someone who has worked as a vet tech or in a veterinarian's office also might have more knowledge than someone who has a background only in sales. The bottom line is to weigh the person's background carefully. Ultimately it is the veterianry compounding pharmacist's background and experience along with the knowledge and experience of the person making the sales pitch that will provide you with the best answers and preparations when it comes to compounded animal drugs and compliance with the law. If the right combination isn't there, you may want to find someone else from which to purchase your compounded preparations.
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