2020 Outstanding Alumna Award Winner
Paula Hinson, formally known as Paula Sue Bailey, has worked in pharmacy since 1970 as a high school sophomore in Sullivan Gardens, TN. From the time of cleaning shelves in the soda fountain until now, she has been involved in pharmacy services from many perspectives.
Her love of pharmacy was encouraged by pharmacist mentors in the Kingsport area, her Class of 1978 pharmacist peers, and her husband, Jerry Hinson. Focusing primarily in institutional pharmacy, Paula has worked in all of the three primary areas of east, middle, and west Tennessee during her career.
Working for the past 21 years at the Baptist Memorial Hospitals in Memphis and Desoto, Paula has also been involved with multiple pharmacy committees and boards. Since 1983 she has also served in MAPS roles, the Tennessee Pharmacist Association and the Tennessee Society of Health System Pharmacists. Paula also served as President for the UTHSC College of Pharmacy Alumni Board. As a member of the Tennessee Board of Pharmacy from 1996 to 2002, she fully accepted the challenge to serve Tennessee citizens ahead of her role as a pharmacist advocate.
Paula said the greatest satisfaction from working with these groups has been the people she has met and with whom she shared experiences. When asked by a coworker why anyone would want to be a member of a professional organization, Paula replied without hesitation, “Because there are so many pharmacists and technicians who want to protect and improve how you can practice pharmacy. Some of the best people I know I have met in these meetings.” These colleagues and friends have inspired Paula throughout her career.
In addition to her healthcare roles, Paula is a proud mother and grandmother. Husband Jerry Hinson still monitors pharmacy issues in his post-V.A. retirement. She is proud to say that all Hinson family members have attended at least one pharmacy meeting. The Hinsons reside in Germantown and Hohenwald, TN.
View Past Pharmacy Award Winners