Medical sales glossary

Definitions that help you move faster
Comp, buying process, org structure, and more

Use this glossary to understand common terms you’ll see in medical sales roles, interviews, and hiring decisions. We’ll keep expanding it over time.

Compensation & Sales Performance

Key terms used in comp plans, interviews, and offer evaluation.

OTE (On-Target Earnings)

Glossary

Expected total earnings when you hit 100% of quota. Usually includes base + variable pay.

Quota

Glossary

A performance target (revenue, units, procedures, utilization) used to determine variable pay.

Accelerators

Glossary

Higher commission rates that apply after you exceed a defined performance threshold (often after 100% quota).

Ramp

Glossary

The initial period when expectations and/or pay are adjusted while a rep builds pipeline and account access.

SPIFF

Glossary

Short-term incentive program. A limited-time bonus for specific products or behaviors.

Buying Process & Stakeholders

How purchasing decisions are made in modern healthcare systems.

VAC (Value Analysis Committee)

Glossary

A cross-functional group evaluating products based on value, cost, outcomes, and operational impact—often influencing purchasing decisions.

Procurement / Supply Chain

Glossary

The operational function responsible for purchasing, contracting, and vendor management.

Stakeholder Map

Glossary

A structured view of decision-makers and influencers across clinical, admin, finance, and supply chain.

Standardization

Glossary

A system preference to reduce variation by using fewer vendors or products across multiple facilities.

Healthcare Organizations

Common org structures that influence territory design and access.

IDN (Integrated Delivery Network)

Glossary

A network of healthcare facilities under one organization (often with centralized purchasing and policies).

GPO (Group Purchasing Organization)

Glossary

An organization that negotiates contracts and pricing on behalf of multiple healthcare entities.

Service Line

Glossary

A clinical specialty group within a health system (e.g., ortho, cardiac) that may influence purchasing and adoption.

Product Categories

How device companies often classify products for selling and evaluation.

Capital Equipment

Glossary

Higher-cost equipment purchased less frequently (often budgeted and committee-reviewed).

Disposable / Consumable

Glossary

Products used per procedure or repeatedly (often tied to utilization and volume).

Clinical Evidence

Glossary

Data that supports safety, efficacy, and outcomes—often required to win committee-driven buying.

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