Today we’d like to introduce you to Tiffany Barber.
Hi Tiffany, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Tiffany Graham Barber, PharmD, RPh, is the Owner and Pharmacy Manager of Hillsborough Pharmacy & Nutrition and a dedicated leader in community pharmacy. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before graduating with distinction from the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy in 2008.
In late 2011, Tiffany joined a newly opened independent pharmacy in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Just months later, in March 2012, she took a bold step in purchasing the pharmacy—transforming it into what is now a cornerstone of the community. Under her leadership, Hillsborough Pharmacy has become known for its personalized patient care, expansive clinical services, and comprehensive immunization program. In recognition of its impact, the business was named Small Business of the Year by the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce in 2013.
Tiffany’s commitment to advancing pharmacy practice extends well beyond her storefront. She serves as a preceptor for pharmacy students, mentors future healthcare leaders, and is an active member of the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Services Network (CPESN NC) Luminary Board. Her excellence in patient care and community leadership has earned her some of the profession’s highest honors, including Community Care Pharmacist of the Year from the North Carolina Association of Pharmacists in 2017, Small Business Person of the Year from the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber of Commerce in 2018, and the prestigious Bowl of Hygeia Award in 2022.
Above all, Tiffany is passionate about serving her community and strengthening the role of independent pharmacy in patient care. In her “free time,” she enjoys making memories with her husband and their two children, Vera and Jonas, sharing plenty of corny jokes, and embracing the occasional well-earned nap.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Independent pharmacy operates in an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. We continually adapt to shifting federal and state legislation, vertical integration and consolidation within the industry, declining reimbursement rates, and unexpected global health crises. Competing with large corporate chains presents ongoing challenges, particularly as many benefit from significant purchasing power and integration with insurance companies, mail-order pharmacies, and provider networks.
While Hillsborough Pharmacy is known for delivering highly personalized, exceptional patient care, some insurance plans designate “preferred” pharmacies, creating financial barriers for patients who genuinely want to continue supporting local care. Many of our patients are also navigating economic pressures of their own and are understandably sensitive to cost differences, even when they value the individualized service we provide.
The COVID-19 pandemic was truly a defining moment for our pharmacy. Faced with unprecedented operational demands and uncertainty, we chose to rise to the challenge. Through collaboration with community partners and an unwavering commitment to public health, we not only sustained our business during one of the most difficult periods in healthcare history, but also played a critical role in protecting our community—administering more than 10,000 vaccinations within the first year they became available.
These experiences have strengthened our resolve and reinforced our mission: to remain a trusted, accessible, and resilient healthcare resource for the community we are proud to serve.
We’ve been impressed with Hillsborough Pharmacy and Nutrition, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Hillsborough Pharmacy, our focus is simple: exceptional service and a healthier community. We take pride in building lasting relationships with our patients—here, you’re more than just a number; you’re our neighbor.
In addition to personalized care, we offer a wide range of clinical services and specialized programs designed to meet the needs of our community. These include medication adherence and blister packaging, free delivery within Hillsborough, a full range of immunizations, hormonal contraceptive and tobacco cessation counseling and prescribing, a safe syringe program, vitamin and supplement consultations, and customized compounding services.
Our commitment is to provide accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive care you can trust.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Independent pharmacy is going through challenging times. Although, we know we are at the forefront of helping patients stay healthy, huge healthcare conglomerates and insurance companies are pushing us out of business. If reimbursement issues and preferred networks continue then we will likely see many if not all small pharmacies close. The pharmacy deserts are growing, especially in rural areas, leaving patients without accessible healthcare options. Hopefully, our customers and our legislators will fight for us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hillsboroughpharmacync.com
- Instagram: hillsboroughpharmacync
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hboropharm
