Dr. Rosalyn C. King
Meet the Author
Dr. King's commitment to advancing pharmacy practice transcended borders, taking her to multiple countries, including Romania and Nigeria, where she provided healthcare services and contributed to crucial projects funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).
“When people hear about certain aspects of my career, I’m inevitably asked, “What did you do?” When they learn that I was a pharmacist, yet I traveled the world extensively working on global health issues, they often wonder how I could have spent so much time on the frontlines of public health rather than standing behind a counter dispensing medication.
The truth is, I’ve done both of these things, and my career is a testament to the many ways that a pharmacist can contribute to the world of health care in general, and public health in particular, on both the local and global fronts.”
Dr. Rosalyn C. King
About Dr. Rosalyn C. King
Dr. Rosalyn C. King, PharmD '76, is a distinguished pharmacist, author, professor, consultant, and global health advisor, boasting a remarkable career that spans over five decades. Her journey commenced as a pharmacist at Watts Health Center in Los Angeles, where she acquired invaluable experiences that ignited her dedication to providing healthcare to underserved communities.
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Throughout her career, Dr. King held pivotal roles, including her historic position as the first African American to be employed by the American Pharmacists Association. Additionally, she served as the founding director of the Pharmacists and Continuing Education Center at Howard University. Her commitment to advancing pharmacy practice transcended borders, as she provided healthcare services in multiple countries across continents, notably in countries like Romania and Nigeria.
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Dr. King's indelible mark on the field of pharmacy extends to her role in enhancing the training of community pharmacists in women's health in Romania and her collaboration on crucial projects funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in Nigeria. Her work focused on strengthening pharmacy systems and services for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and tuberculosis.
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Among her numerous accolades, Dr. King received Seton Hill University's Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to healthcare. Her inspiring journey is a testament to the diverse ways in which pharmacists can contribute to healthcare, both locally and globally.
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Dr. King's literary contributions are equally noteworthy, with publications covering a wide spectrum of topics, from pharmaceutical care to global health policy. Her insights continue to shape discussions and policies in healthcare, serving as a wellspring of inspiration for future generations of healthcare professionals.
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In her retirement, Dr. King remains dedicated to working closely with organizations focused on reducing health disparities, improving public health, and caring for underserved populations. Her remarkable story serves as a source of motivation and insight, not only for healthcare professionals but also for anyone seeking to understand how determination and passion can lead to a remarkable journey of service and impact.
Education
1976
Doctor of Pharmacy,
University of Southern California,
Los Angeles, CA
1972
Master's in Public Health
University of Southern California,
Los Angeles, CA
1962
Bachelor of Science,
Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Global Projects & Initiatives
AWAP (Anglophone West Africa Pharmacists HIV/AIDS) Project
Dr. King collaborated with the West Africa Pharmaceutical Federation (WAPF) to tackle the HIV/AIDS crisis in anglophone West African countries. This project aimed to reduce HIV/AIDS-related mortality and enhance healthcare services in the region.
GHAIN (Global HIV/AIDS Initiative Nigeria) Project
This project involved a partnership with Family Health International (FHI) and coordinated with the government of Nigeria to implement the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) activities. Led by Dr. King, this project received nearly $5 million in funding from 2004 to 2009 and trained 286 pharmacists to enhance services in community-level facilities for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
TrainPharm Project
This project focused on training community pharmacists to be agents of care rather than merely drug distributors. Dr. King's involvement helped transform pharmacists into essential healthcare providers in their communities.
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science International Health Institute Projects
Dr. King contributed to various projects in different countries, including Swaziland and Cameroon. These projects were designed to enhance maternal and child health and reduce mortality rates, particularly focusing on improving the well-being of women and children in these regions.
Project Santé De L’Enfant du Sud et Adamaoua (SESA) in Cameroon
Dr. King wrote the policy and structure to strengthen pro-pharmacies. Her involvement in this project was aimed at reducing infant, child, and maternal mortality rates in Cameroon, focusing on essential healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
Howard University College of Pharmacy Pharmacists and Continuing Education (PACE) Center
As the founding director, Dr. King led this unique program, which expanded the practice skills of pharmacists in developing communities abroad. During her 15 year tenure, she developed structured programs and trained over 2500 people across 44 countries.
Awards & Honors
2022
Seton Hill University,
Distinguished Alumni Leadership Award
2020
National Pharmaceutical Association, Chauncey I. Cooper Award
2006
Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria award
2022
Montgomery County Maryland County Executive, African American Living Legend Award
2019
Howard University, Health Sciences Luminary Award
1999
Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Romania), Doctor Honoris Causa
2022
National Pharmaceutical Association, Remington Honor Medal nomination
2011
CMS Health Initiatives, Share Your Spirit Award
1976
Black Caucus of Health Workers, Hildrus A. Poindexter Distinguished Service Award
About the book...
"From Watts to the World: A Chronicle of Service" is not an autobiography but rather a comprehensive overview of Dr. King's illustrious career and experiences. The book serves as a lens into the broader landscape of pharmacy practice, particularly within the realm of public health. It captures the essence of her professional journey, global projects, and impact, primarily her unwavering commitment to serving underserved communities.
01
Collaboration
This story emphasizes the pivotal role of pharmacists in working closely with other healthcare professionals across diverse contexts, including policy advocacy, diplomatic efforts, international health initiatives, and primary care.
03
Authenticity
Dr. King's story emphasizes authenticity and staying true to oneself in the workplace. This theme underscores the importance of personal integrity in professional settings.
02
Health Equity
Dr. King highlights the unacceptable disparities in healthcare based on race and wealth and initiatives she charged to address these disparities worldwide in regions facing significant healthcare challenges.
04
Purpose
Dr. King's lifelong dedication to serving underserved communities and addressing healthcare disparities underscores the importance of purpose-driven work and the profound impact that individuals can have in the field of healthcare.​