Figuring it all out—again

We're pleased to present another of the essays submitted to Pharmacy Practice + Business' essay contest for internationally trained pharmacists.When internationally trained pharmacists come to Canada, they bring more than credentials—they bring perspective.I didn’t fully appreciate that at the beginning.In Iran, I was an established pharmacist working in the insurance sector. I had a defined role, leadership responsibilities, and the trust of pharmacy owners who relied on me to advocate for fair assessments. I knew who I was professionally. Then, in 2002, I arrived in Canada—and suddenly, I had to figure it all out again.Like many internationally educated pharmacists, I found myself starting over. I studied while working full-time as a pharmacy assistant, supported my husband, and raised our two-year-old son without extended family nearby. It was exhausting. At times, overwhelming. But also—looking back—transformational. That phase taught me something I still rely on today: you don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to keep moving forward.Just when things were stabilizing, life presented the next challenge: a move to the United States. Before relocating to Texas, I worked as an overnight pharmacist in Canada while preparing for my U.S. licensing exams. If you’ve ever worked overnight shifts, you know this is not the ideal study schedule—but somehow, it worked. With persistence (and a lot of coffee), I transitioned into hospital practice in Texas.That experience changed me.Working in a hospital setting allowed me to collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and interdisciplinary teams. It pushed me to grow clinically, communicate effectively, and earn trust in a new environment—again. More importantly, it reinforced something I now strongly believe: internationally trained pharmacists are uniquely adaptable. When you’ve practiced across systems, you learn how to adjust, observe, and integrate quickly. That’s not a weakness—it’s a superpower.In 2014, I returned to Ontario and stepped back into community pharmacy. But this time, I saw things differently. I no longer viewed pharmacy as just a place to dispense medications. I saw it as a space to connect, educate, and truly impact patients’ lives.That shift in mindset eventually led to the co-founding of Viva Health Centre & Pharmacy in Richmond Hill.We opened during the COVID-19 pandemic—arguably one of the most unpredictable times to start a healthcare business. But in a way, it was the perfect test. It highlighted exactly what pharmacists are capable of: being accessible, reliable, and trusted when patients need it most.Within a year, we built something I’m deeply proud of—a multidisciplinary healthcare environment with physicians and allied health professionals working together under one roof. It wasn’t just about opening a pharmacy. It was about building a system that supports better patient care.Of course, leadership comes with its own challenges. When you run a clinic and pharmacy, you’re not just responsible for decisions—you’re responsible for setting the tone. Your team is watching. That means showing up every day with consistency, professionalism, and resilience, even when life outside work is not perfect. It’s not always easy—but it’s necessary.Along the way, mentorship played a huge role in shaping who I became. Early in my Canadian journey, I had the privilege of learning from a mentor who showed me how much impact a compassionate pharmacist can have. Later, leadership programs expanded my perspective even further. These experiences taught me that being a great pharmacist is not just about knowledge—it’s about connection, communication, and leadership.And then there are the moments that make everything worthwhile.A patient telling you, “Now I understand my medical condition.”A student saying, “You inspired me.”A colleague calling you a mentor.Those moments stay with you.Over the past few years, I’ve also taken that connection beyond the pharmacy walls. I started sharing educational, engaging health content on Instagram and Facebook—initially just to help, without expecting much in return. But something interesting happened. Patients began recognizing me from my posts. Members of the community would come in and say, “I saw your video.” Even colleagues started reaching out.At Pharmacy U 2026 in Toronto, several pharmacists told me they follow my content and appreciate what I’m doing for the community. That was a special moment. It reminded me that our role as pharmacists is evolving. We’re no longer limited to the counter—we can meet patients where they are, whether that’s in the pharmacy or on their phones.If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the biggest limitations are often the ones we place on ourselves.Internationally trained pharmacists sometimes feel there’s a ceiling—but in many cases, that ceiling is not fixed. With the right mindset, persistence, and willingness to grow, it can be lifted—or removed entirely.Pharmacy in Canada is evolving rapidly. It needs pharmacists who can think clinically, act strategically, and adapt continuously. And this is where internationally trained pharmacists truly stand out. We bring diverse experiences, different ways of thinking, and the ability to navigate complexity.So if you’re on this journey—whether you’ve just arrived or you’re years into practice—remember this:Every step counts.Every challenge shapes you.And every experience adds value.Your story matters.Not just because of where you started—but because of what you can build from it.Because in the end, this journey is not just about entering the profession.It’s about transforming it.

Figuring it all out—again

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