Virtual Mentorship
The virtual mentorship activity connects unlicensed International Pharmacy Graduates (IPGs) with licensed pharmacists or subject matter experts for one-on-one mentorship. These matches are made based on professional interests, lived experiences, language, location and other shared values or goals.
Mentors offer support, encouragement and guidance throughout the process of becoming licensed to practise pharmacy in Canada.
What to Expect
Mentors and mentees meet virtually, usually for one hour per month over six months. Mentorships can be extended or shortened depending on the needs of each match.
Participants are responsible for scheduling their own meetings and selecting a virtual platform that works for them.
Mentors and mentees work together to:
- Build a supportive professional relationship
- Set goals and track progress using tools provided by the project team
- Share experiences, ask questions and identify strategies for success
While each mentorship is different, we recommend focusing on one topic or goal at a time. Discussion prompts and guides are available to help structure your meetings.
Who Can Participate
Mentees must:
- Be a permanent or temporary resident, Canadian citizen or person granted refugee status in Canada, who is legally entitled to work in Canada.
- Hold an internationally obtained undergraduate degree in pharmacy.
- Hold a Canadian Language Benchmark of 7+ preferred or equivalent; and
- One of the following:
- Passed the PEBC Evaluating Exam
- Accepted into a streamlined pathway (PEBC or select provinces)
- Granted partial equivalence (minimum) by OPQ in Quebec with compensatory measures in progress (must have passed the PEBC Evaluating Exam if prescribed)
Mentors can be:
- Licensed pharmacists in Canada
- Retired pharmacists or educators with relevant experience
- Pharmacy students
- Unlicensed IPGs with knowledge or experience to share
Why join this activity
- Learn from someone who understands the process of becoming licensed in Canada
- Get advice on career goals, work experience and navigating the profession
- Build a connection with someone in the pharmacy community
Mentors benefit by:
- Contributing to the development of future pharmacists
- Expanding their understanding of the licensure process and challenges faced by IPGs
- Building leadership and coaching skills
Getting Started
Apply now as a mentor or as an IPG mentee.