My name is Kendyl Lange and I am entering my senior year here at Duke. I’m majoring in Sociology and pursuing the Markets & Management certificate. This summer I had the honor of interning at one of the leading medical device manufacturers in the world, Zimmer Biomet. Zimmer Biomet works to produce innovative orthopedic devices that will enhance the quality of life for patients all around the globe.
I discovered my zest for the medical device industry a year and a half ago. I feel that this stems from my passion of service to others. The medical device industry gives me the opportunity to impact the quality of life for numerous patients, while also diving into the medical world and learning about innovative products you wouldn’t even believe were possible. I was introduced to a now dear friend and mentor of mine who has been in the medical device industry for years. Having him as a friend and mentor has allowed my connections and knowledge to expand immensely. After a couple of phone interviews, I accepted the Sales and Distribution internship position with Zimmer Biomet.
I had the opportunity to shadow many sales reps in the operating room. I got to observe a variety of surgeries from rotator cuff repairs, ACL repairs, and total joint replacements such as knees and hips. Being in a hospital setting, specifically the OR, I was able to learn an incredible amount of terminology and build relationships with some of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country. Additionally, I was tasked with delivering the medical devices needed at hospitals prior to surgery the next day. Making sure they get sterilized and are ready for the surgeon and his/her team. I also perfected my cold call etiquette by scheduling meetings to spread the knowledge of Zimmer Biomet’s Biological products, such as an injection to assist with osteoarthritis of the knee. The highlight of my summer experience at ZB dealt with learning, training, marketing and selling an innovative arthroscopic device for rotator cuffs that was introduced to the company this summer. Fortunately, the team gave me freedom to run point on this new device. I was able to give demos to surgeons who were interested, then conducted trials with the device in order for the surgeon to determine the extent of their interest in the product.
My summer experience truly solidified my interest in the medical device industry and the decision to obtain my MMS certificate. I was able to apply concepts from my Managerial Effectiveness and Strategic Financial Management courses. Background from those courses allowed me to dive into all areas of the business world, as I felt a step ahead in my endeavors. I’m excited to see how the MMS courses I will take my senior year can provide me with knowledge to further my career in the medical device industry. I am truly thankful for everyone who made this summer at Zimmer Biomet possible, it was the experience of a lifetime.
As always, Go Duke!
If you have similar academic interests and would like to learn more about Kendyl's experience working in this internship, you can contact her at kendyl.lange@duke.edu.
Markets Management Studies