Beyond the Counter Podcast

IPG Mentorship and Integration Project
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In these podcasts, you’ll hear directly from IPGs who have walked the same path you’re on now. They open-up about their experiences, challenges and victories. Together we dive into the topics that matter most as you work toward licensure in Canada. Our hope is that these conversations not only inform you but also inspire you and remind you that you’re not alone on this course. Each episode is designed to be something you can easily listen to on the go, while you are on your commute, during a walk, or whenever you need a boost of guidance and support.

Episodes

  1. Beyond the Counter: Your Pharmacy Job Search: Strategies for Unlicensed IPGs

    Jun 3

    Beyond the Counter: Your Pharmacy Job Search: Strategies for Unlicensed IPGs

    In this special short podcast, Kerolos Saleib, Program Manager, Training with the Canadian Pharmacists Association, covers what pharmacy employers look for when hiring unlicensed IPGs, how to highlight transferable skills and experience, and ways to strengthen your resume and interview approach. You’ll also learn practical strategies for applying strategically, building confidence, and positioning yourself as a strong candidate.

    15 min
  2. Beyond the Counter: Unexpected Changes: Hope, Strategy and Resiliency

    May 19

    Beyond the Counter: Unexpected Changes: Hope, Strategy and Resiliency

    The podcast explores how to navigate unexpected change as an IPG balancing the licensure process, family responsibilities, and working in pharmacy settings. These challenges often bring uncertainty and unexpected changes and can leave many IPGs feeling discouraged, behind, or even hopeless. In this episode, Atai Okokon shares strategies for adapting through difficult transitions, and handling unexpected changes, drawing from her own experience with major policy changes that significantly delayed her licensure journey just as she was within reach of becoming licensed.

    55 min
  3. Beyond the Counter: Discovering Opportunities After Licensure

    Mar 16

    Beyond the Counter: Discovering Opportunities After Licensure

    In this episode of Beyond the Counter, Khamoye Williams shares her experience pursuing pharmacy opportunities in rural communities as an International Pharmacy Graduate (IPG). She discusses the advantages of working outside major cities, the professional growth it can offer, and why rural practice is something IPGs should consider while pursuing licensure. From gaining valuable hands-on experience to building strong professional connections, Khamoye explains how rural opportunities can help accelerate your path toward a pharmacy career in Canada.

    1h 20m
  4. Beyond the Counter: Demands of the MCQ and OSCE

    Mar 6

    Beyond the Counter: Demands of the MCQ and OSCE

    Khamoye Williams and Monica Micheal are back, but this time on the Beyond the Counter Podcast. In this episode, they break down what the MCQ and OSCE truly demand, from strategic preparation to mental resilience on exam day. Tune in for candid insights from two experienced IPGs who have supported and guided hundreds of IPGs. If you’re preparing for these exams, this conversation will sharpen your approach and elevate your understanding of the process.

    1h 17m
  5. Beyond the Counter: Confidence After Failure: How to Bounce Back from Exam Setbacks

    12/04/2025

    Beyond the Counter: Confidence After Failure: How to Bounce Back from Exam Setbacks

    For many IPGs, not passing the EE, PEBC Qualifying Exam, MCQ or OSCE can feel overwhelming. A setback can bring fear, embarrassment, disappointment and self-doubt. But the truth is this: you are not alone. An unsuccessful attempt does not define your future as a pharmacist in Canada. In this episode, I’m joined by someone who understands this journey firsthand: Gagandeep Kaur, an IPG who has navigated exam setbacks herself and now uses her experience and expertise to help others rise, rebuild and return stronger.

    50 min
  6. Beyond the Counter: Canadian pharmacy practice without prejudice or personal bias

    12/04/2025

    Beyond the Counter: Canadian pharmacy practice without prejudice or personal bias

    This episode is an especially meaningful one. We’re diving into what it truly takes to integrate into Canadian pharmacy practice without prejudice or personal bias and why equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are far more than buzzwords. They’re practical, everyday tools that shape how we deliver compassionate, effective and patient-centered care. To explore this important topic, we are honoured to be joined by Dr. Yazid Al Hamarneh, an internationally trained pharmacist, educator and advocate for inclusive, equitable pharmacy practice. His insights and lived experience offer a powerful lens on what it means to show up for patients and for each other in meaningful ways.

    1h 5m
  7. Beyond the Counter: Family, Exams and the Pharmacy Dream

    12/03/2025

    Beyond the Counter: Family, Exams and the Pharmacy Dream

    In this episode, meet Atai Okokon, an internationally trained pharmacist who successfully became licensed while balancing family, work, and study. She shares her personal journey, effective study strategies, tips for tackling the PEBC exams and tools that helped her succeed on the first attempt and now inspire other IPGs on their path to licensure.

    41 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

In these podcasts, you’ll hear directly from IPGs who have walked the same path you’re on now. They open-up about their experiences, challenges and victories. Together we dive into the topics that matter most as you work toward licensure in Canada. Our hope is that these conversations not only inform you but also inspire you and remind you that you’re not alone on this course. Each episode is designed to be something you can easily listen to on the go, while you are on your commute, during a walk, or whenever you need a boost of guidance and support.

Information

  • Creator
    IPG Mentorship and Integration Project
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Canadian Pharmacists Association 2025
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Counter Podcast