VitaTalk Ep. 16

elliebecker35
Jul 23
3 min read

From Journalism to Medical Devices: Lessons from a Year in the Field

By Maria Gomez, Regional VP at VitaTek | As featured on the VitaTalk Podcast

When Maria Gomez joined VitaTek as Regional Vice President one year ago, she brought with her over a decade of sales experience across oil and gas and retail energy. But entering the high-stakes world of medical device sales presented both new challenges and exciting opportunities for growth.

In a recent episode of the VitaTalk podcast, Gomez shared the biggest lessons she’s learned in her first year, and how they’ve shaped her approach to sales and leadership. Her story offers valuable insight for anyone navigating a new industry or career path.

Purpose, Grit, and Integrity: The Non-Negotiables

Gomez credits her successful transition into the medical device space to three core principles she considers non-negotiable:

Purpose: Selling only works if you believe in what you're offering. Gomez recalls visiting VitaTek’s vertically integrated facility in Minnesota, where she witnessed the entire process, from clean rooms to sterilization chambers to parts being produced in real time. Seeing it all in action solidified her confidence in the company’s mission and technology.
Grit: Titles and big resumes don’t impress Gomez as much as perseverance and hard work. Her advice for new professionals? Focus on developing your skills and don’t be afraid to stumble along the way. “Don’t fake it till you make it, fail until you make it,” she says. “That’s how you grow.”
Integrity: Doing the right thing may not always be the fastest route, but it’s the most sustainable. Gomez stresses the importance of acting with integrity, not only toward clients and colleagues but toward yourself. “If I can’t be successful while taking care of my faith, family, and health, then it’s not the right place for me.”

You Don’t Have to Know It All

One of the biggest surprises for Gomez was realizing that she didn’t need to know everything to be successful. In fact, she discovered that even seasoned veterans in the medical space are often learning as they go.

“The key is knowing what you don’t know, and being honest about it,” she explains. That humility and openness lead to stronger relationships, more collaboration, and smarter decision-making.

Listen First. Sell Second.

For new sales reps entering the medical device space, Gomez offers one simple but powerful piece of advice: listen to the physicians.

It can be tempting to chase metrics or make quick wins, but lasting success comes from truly understanding the needs of the people on the front lines. Taking the time to listen builds trust, and that trust leads to long-term partnerships.

Bringing a Journalism Mindset to Sales

Before her career in sales, Gomez studied journalism in Venezuela. That background has continued to influence her approach to communication and relationship-building.

She credits journalism with teaching her to observe, listen, and ask the right questions, skills that are crucial in any sales conversation. “People often talk too much without saying anything. When you listen first, your message becomes stronger and more relevant.”

Why VitaTek Stands Apart

Gomez says one of the biggest factors that has made her first year successful is VitaTek’s unique value proposition. The company is the only truly vertically integrated medical device development and manufacturing company in the world.

While other companies may claim vertical integration, most still rely on third parties for key steps like sterilization, regulatory services, or prototyping. VitaTek can bring a product from concept to commercialization with one team, under one roof.

“That’s not just marketing language, I’ve seen it for myself,” Gomez says. “It’s a major differentiator that makes it easier to sell and easier for clients to trust.”

Growth Begins With Personal Development

Gomez’s journey has included more than just a career change, it’s involved adapting to a new country and culture. She attributes her success to a deep commitment to personal growth and development.

“Whether you come from a Fortune 500 company, a startup, or right out of college, there’s room for you in this industry,” she says. “If you lead with purpose, grit, and integrity, you’ll find your way.”

🩺 Interested in learning more about life at VitaTek or how we’re reshaping the medical device space? Stay tuned for more episodes of the VitaTalk Podcast!

Stay tuned for more episodes and updates—because the best ideas in healthcare are just getting started.