Mentor Spotlight: Hawraa Kamar

Hawraa Kamar
Pharmacy Manager - PharmD, RPh
Ontario

I have been involved with precepting University of Ottawa students over the past couple of years, primarily hosting first year students. However, mentoring an IPG is uniquely different as we are hosting pharmacists that bring a strong foundation of knowledge and experience from their home countries. Our role is to help them gain the Canadian experience and adapt to the practice environments here. This mentorship program allows them to build confidence and bridge any gaps in experience. Supporting the IPG’s in this transition and in their preparation for their upcoming assessments is what motivated me to become a mentor in this project.

One of the most rewarding aspects of mentoring an IPG is witnessing their progress over time. Particularly their first patient counselling experience, which is often accompanied by a mix of excitement and nervousness followed by a sense of accomplishment after a successful interaction. Seeing this transformation is incredible fulfilling. I also enjoy observing the progress with time and how they grow, whether it’s in the technical pharmacy skills, communication with physicians or patient interactions. Over time, their growth in clinical thinking and ability to make meaningful interventions becomes evident, making mentorship both impactful and rewarding.