Innovation by Design

Rosario Earns National Recognition for Over-the-Counter Medication Teaching Excellence

July 23 — Natalie Rosario, Pharm.D., MPH, BCACP, University of Houston College of Pharmacy (UHCOP) clinical assistant professor, has been selected as the 2025 recipient of the Innovation in Self-Care and Nonprescription Medicines Teaching Award from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy's Self-Care Therapeutics/Nonprescription Medicine Special Interest Group (SIG).

This national award honors SIG members who develop inventive and impactful methods of teaching over-the-counter (OTC) medicine education, recognizing Rosario's approach to engaging student pharmacists in rapidly evolving patient-centered areas of practice. She coordinates and teaches first-year student pharmacists in the Nonprescription Pharmacotherapy and Self Care course. 

Beyond the Aisles: Reframing Role of Pharmacist

Rosario's course isn't just about identifying active ingredients or memorizing exclusions to OTC self-care. It's about empowering students to think critically about self-care in a modern health care ecosystem where pharmacists are frequently the first, and sometimes only, providers consulted.

"In a community setting, pharmacists have the responsibility to triage acute concerns, bridge health knowledge gaps, and offer trusted patient-centered guidance," Rosario said. "Teaching OTC product evaluation involves synthesizing and applying clinical judgment, communication skills, and cultural humility—in addition to recommending pharmacotherapy or that a patient should seek a higher level of care."

To that end, she created immersive OTC counseling activities in the Skills II lab course that simulate real-world patient scenarios and demands real-time clinical decision-making. Students participate in role-play activities with OTC products as props and receive structured feedback during lab debriefs which invites reflection on their performance.

Student-Centered. Practice-Oriented. Impact-Driven.

Students say the OTC course and Skills lab activities not only changed how they approach OTC topics, but also how they approach patients. Several students noted that Rosario's course was one of the first times they felt truly "seen" as both learners and future pharmacists.

"Dr. Rosario made learning feel intentional and personal," observed one student. "She gave us the space to build confidence—to actually feel what it's like to help someone who is confused, vulnerable, or overwhelmed by a wall of OTC products."

Another student praised the authenticity of the role-play.

"I didn’t realize how much I needed these activities until I was in the middle of them," the student wrote in a reflection. "It encouraged me to slow down, ask better questions, and really think about how my words affect the patient."

Model Worth Replicating

Rosario's teaching model is already being shared across the UHCOP curriculum and beyond. Her approach integrates critical reflection and simulated consultation, allowing students to refine their knowledge through experience, reflection, and evaluation.

"She built learning activities that balance science and human connection," one student commented. "It's applicable, thoughtful, and most importantly, meaningful."

Broader Vision of Care

With a board certification in ambulatory care and a Master of Public Health degree, Rosario's teaching is informed by her commitment to public health, prevention, and patient empowerment. Her background spans clinical pharmacy, academia, and health education—bringing a multifaceted lens to her classroom.

"She doesn't just prepare us to pass exams," observed one student. "She prepares us to advocate, to educate, and to serve."

Rosario also emphasizes health literacy throughout her teaching, reminding students that all recommendations whether for an OTC product or medical referral are patient and situation specific.

"The ability to recommend a medication is not enough," she said. "We must also understand the patient's context, culture, and health beliefs if we want to make a lasting impact."

Legacy in the Making

With this latest honor, Rosario joins an elite group of pharmacy educators recognized for shaping the future of the profession through transformative teaching. But perhaps her most meaningful legacy will be the students she's inspired—future practitioners who walk into pharmacies not just with knowledge, but also with intention.

"I want students to feel ready, but also responsible," Rosario said. "Every recommendation we make has the potential to restore trust, relieve fear, and improve someone’s quality of life."

— Naqiyah Kantawala