Navigating the Canadian pharmacy landscape as an international pharmacy graduate: a journey of passion and perseverance

I recently connected with an International Pharmacy Graduate who just moved to Canada from Egypt. He reached out to me for guidance on becoming relicensed in Canada and one of the questions I asked him was “How much are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goals”?As a husband, father to a toddler and someone who works full time, I never thought I would embark on the journey to becoming a pharmacist in Canada because didn't think I had the bandwidth to combine all of these roles while studying for the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exams. But life has a way of surprising us, and here I am, having recently passed the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) exams and navigating the Canadian pharmacy landscape. Along the way, I have learned valuable lessons about perseverance, time management and the importance of community, among other things.The journey beginsWhen I first decided to pursue a career in pharmacy in Canada, I knew it would not be easy. I had a full-time job, a family to care for, and countless responsibilities. But I was determined to succeed. I began studying for the Evaluating Exam, joined a tutorial, pouring over textbooks, attending study groups, and seeking guidance from experienced pharmacists. Balancing family and studiesAs a husband and father, it was not always easy to balance family responsibilities with studying. But my family has been incredibly supportive throughout this journey. My wife has been my rock, encouraging me to stay focused and motivated and picking up the slack on the home front when I was too focused on studying. Volunteering and leadershipIn addition to studying and working full-time, I have also had the opportunity to volunteer with the Black Pharmacy Professionals of Canada (BPPC). This organization has been instrumental in supporting and empowering Black pharmacy professionals in Canada. As a volunteer, I have had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, share my experiences, and learn from others.Recently, I was honoured to be appointed as the Interim President of BPPC. This role has given me the opportunity to lead and serve a community that I am passionate about. It's been a challenging but rewarding experience, and I'm grateful for the trust and support of the BPPC board.Passing the PEBC examsAfter months of studying and preparation, I finally sat for the Evaluating Exams, Qualifying exams (Part 1) and Part 2 (OSCE). It was a nerve-wracking experience, but as a person of faith, I did my part by studying but also believe in providence. Seeing my registration number on the list of successful candidates after the release of each exam result often left me overjoyed. It was a moment of pure elation, and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. Navigating the Canadian pharmacy landscapeNow that I have passed the PEBC exams, I am navigating the Canadian pharmacy landscape by learning about the different roles and responsibilities of pharmacists in Canada, and I am excited to contribute to the profession. I am also learning about the importance of cultural competence, patient-centered care, and interprofessional collaboration.Lessons learnedThroughout this journey, I have learned many valuable lessons. Here are a few that I would like to share for now:• Perseverance is key: Becoming a pharmacist in Canada requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. There will be challenges and setbacks, but with persistence and determination, you can overcome them. There will be times you will doubt yourself but just keep going. It will make sense in the end.• Time management is essential: Balancing work, family, and studying requires effective time management. Prioritize your tasks, stay organized, and make the most of your time. You cannot be everywhere at the same time.• Community is everything: There is a popular African proverb that says “It takes a village to raise a child.” Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Whether it is family, friends, or colleagues, having a strong support network can make all the difference. The journey can get draining and it is in that moment that you will need people to hold your hands up.• Self-care is important: Don't forget to take care of yourself throughout this journey. Get enough sleep, eat well, exercise regularly and take breaks when needed. You need to be whole physically, mentally and otherwise to be able to attempt these exams successfully.• Everyone’s journey is unique: All the above are general principles, but do what works for you. As the ancient Greek saying goes, “Man, know thyself.” Navigating the Canadian pharmacy landscape and passing the PEBC exams can be a challenging but rewarding experience. I am grateful for the support of my family, colleagues, and the BPPC community. If you are an international pharmacy graduate looking to practice in Canada, I encourage you to stay focused, persevere, and seek support when needed. Remember that you're not alone in this journey, and there are many resources available to help you succeed.Until next time, I am rooting for your health, success and wholeness.

Navigating the Canadian pharmacy landscape as an international pharmacy graduate: a journey of passion and perseverance

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Kenneth Etokakpan

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