An interview with a Mako Product Specialist
Updated: Oct 21, 2021
Mako Product Specialists at Stryker help transform orthopedic surgeries around the world and help us achieve our mission of making healthcare better. We sat down with Jordan, a Mako Product Specialist (MPS) in Knoxville, Tennessee, to learn more about his role at Stryker.
Why did you choose Stryker?
The first thing that drew me to Stryker was the technology behind Mako. I truly believe what Mako is doing is the future of orthopaedic surgery. Once I started researching the company a little deeper, I found that Stryker had everything I could possibly want to develop me into the person I want to be in 5-10 years.
What do you love about your Stryker team?
My local team of MPS's in Knoxville is like a family. Although we don't see each other in person every day like most work environments, we talk every day and push each other to be better. We can all trust each other to pick up the slack and help out when one person is overloaded without even asking. In a job that is highly comprised of working on your own at a specific account, I've been blown away by how much our team works together and adds value to each other.
What has been your career path at Stryker?
I was hired in 2018 as an MPS with no OR experience or medical background. I was new to the medical world and extremely overwhelmed by the unknown, but my manager and my team instilled the preparation and confidence in me to now feel like I've been in this world for years.
What are some challenges you face in your role?
Being an MPS requires me to have a very multifaceted skill set. Each week I must focus on planning cases with my surgeons, achieving our desired clinical outcomes in the OR, coordinating with surgery schedulers and the hospital's CT department, and working with sterile processing to ensure we have the tools we need. It's pushed me to become more organized and communicate better in order to keep multiple plates spinning at the same time.
Why do you remain at Stryker?
There's really no other company that can offer what Stryker offers. I walk into the OR every day knowing that I get to help doctors use the best technology and the best implants on the market. I truly believe in what we are doing--both in the big picture and the day-to-day. The competitive culture within Mako means that I have coworkers from all over the country who push me to be better and help me when I have difficult cases or situations.
The commitment to employee development is unmatched by other companies. Between the extensive online, classroom, and OR training, I have the confidence to solve any problem a surgeon may have to ensure we make the patients' lives better. On top of that, Stryker is helping me go back to school to get a master's degree in the near future. All in all, Stryker has not only helped me become a better rep but has pushed me to grow as a human being.
Interested in joining our family?
We are always looking for more Product Specialists to train surgeons on how to use this life-changing product and we need you! If you’re passionate about being front and center with the latest medical technology, we want you on our team.
What you need:
4-year degree or equivalent
Valid drivers’ license with a good driving record
Demonstrated aptitude in technical skills and technology systems and administrative procedures (e.g. ERP software, Office Suite, file processing, and record management).
In addition, we prefer:
1 year of relevant work experience
Previous experience in a sales or technical product environment, preferably in the healthcare industry