Kirsten Tiberg, R.Ph., Senior Director, Pharmacy, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

What is your current role?

I currently serve as Senior Director, Pharmacy for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota. I’ve worked in the pharmacy department there for eight years. I provide oversight to the pharmacy benefits we administer through Prime Therapeutics for our commercial and government program lines of business as well as our expanding portfolio of drug management strategies for therapies covered under our medical benefits. Our primary focus is to lower the total cost of care and improve outcomes for our members. This is challenging in a time where we are seeing breakthrough treatments coming to market that are high cost. Through combined medical and pharmacy claims data, we create actionable clinical intelligence to ensure appropriate use and cost-effective drug therapy. I have been in managed care for most of my pharmacy career, after spending time in hospital pharmacy and home infusion.

Why did you join the TRUST & what is your role?

I joined the TRUST in September 2019. I learned about the TRUST through leaders at Blue Cross and was fortunate enough to become a member of this wonderful organization. I thought it would be fun to meet other women who share a common interest in health care.

I am currently a member of the TRUST Board and serve as co-chair of our sponsorship committee.

What has been your favorite part of being a TRUST member?

Meeting so many women with diverse connections to health care and getting involved! Growing my professional network has been very rewarding as I am learning

What one word would you use to summarize what the TRUST means to you?

Connection.

What is the best career advice you’ve received or the best mentoring experience you’ve had?

Be curious and be open to new things. The health care industry is ever-changing. Trust your instincts. Try new things. There is always a lesson to be learned, whether the outcome is success or failure. The key is to embrace these learnings and apply them going forward. Be self-aware so you encourage open communication and accept feedback with the goal of casting a positive shadow. I had a mentor in pharmacy school who led by example, encouraged and enabled taking on responsibility and leadership roles which helped me gain trust in myself early on in my career.

How do you support other women in their leadership journey?

I really enjoy mentoring others, whether it be within my team at work, across our company or in a personal connection. There is so much to learn from each other through listening, asking questions and providing support and building knowledge and confidence. I find I learn things myself. Networking is also very important and fulfills me when I can connect people to others.

What do you love the most about the health care industry?

It is ever-changing. There are so many discoveries and advancements to help people live longer and healthier lives. Earlier in my career, I had a more direct connection to improve people’s lives as a hospital pharmacist. The transition to managed care has brought about excitement and challenges. In my work, I am still able to make an impact on the members and communities that we serve at Blue Cross.

How do you maintain or improve your health and well-being?

I love to run, walk my dog, golf and ski. I try to remain active. I also love to cook and try new recipes, often tweaking them to make them healthier. I’ve been trying to carve out more time lately to focus on reading, which relaxes and rejuvenates me.

Who inspires you?

My son inspires me. He just started his freshman year in college. It is a scary time for both parents and children. He transitioned to school, fending for himself 100% and managed to play intramural and club sports as well as work a few shifts every week in addition to going to school.