Joe Mclane, Merck

Joe McLane

Senior Manager, Global Marketing Communications, HPV Franchise, Merck

I joined Merck in 1996 as a customer account representative, processing pharmaceutical and vaccine orders for our direct customers. I wanted to have a career in pharma, and. more importantly, at Merck, because I wanted to be part of something bigger and make a difference. My major accomplishments so far include "Tell Someone," a disease campaign that educated women on the link between cervical cancer and human papillomavirus, and the launch of "One Less," our branded campaign that announced the availability of [HPV vaccine] Gardasil.

Social networks are the new frontier for pharma. Social networks, word-of-mouth initiatives, and other social media will help stimulate conversations. Consumers trust healthcare information they learn in social circles; we are now exploring how to work with these unique networks to further our messages.

In 10 years, I hope to be doing what I love to do with people who are as passionate as I am. I'm trying to convince myself that 40 is the new 30.