Some sessions during the day will run concurrently and are tailored to IPGs at different stages of the licensure process. Participants are encouraged to attend the session most relevant to their current stage.

Arrival
Bow Valley College – North Campus

Registration
Main floor in front of Esmail and Safana Bharwani Theatre (N124)

Starting Strong in Alberta Pharmacy Practice
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Theatre (N124)

Kelsey Skromeda, Canadian Pharmacists Association
Karen Jenkins, Directions for Immigrants
Kaye Moran, Alberta College of Pharmacy
Mahmoud Suleiman, Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada
Tara Leslie, University of Alberta

This opening session introduces the key organizations involved in pharmacist licensure and pharmacy practice in Alberta. Speakers will give short presentations on their roles, followed by a brief discussion on what successful pharmacy practice looks like in Alberta today.

PEBC Document Evaluation: First Step Toward Licensure
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231)

Mahmoud Suleiman, Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada

The PEBC Document Evaluation is the first step in the licensure process for internationally educated pharmacists. This overview explains what the evaluation involves, the documents required and the process candidates can expect at this stage. Participants will also hear answers to common questions about completing the evaluation successfully.

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Structured Practical Training Explained: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Theatre (N124)

Kaye Moran, Alberta College of Pharmacy

The Alberta College of Pharmacy’s deputy registrar will provide a detailed overview of the Structured Practical Training (SPT) program to support a strong understanding of the program’s structure, objectives, and outcomes. This presentation will review the steps required to get started and will explore what you can expect from the SPT program.

BREAK
Snacks and refreshments served in Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231)
Exhibitor tables on Main floor (near the entrance)

Pathways to Licensure in Alberta
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Theatre (N124)

Kaye Moran, Alberta College of Pharmacy

Join the Alberta College of Pharmacy’s deputy registrar for a detailed overview of the pathway to licensure for an internationally educated pharmacist graduate. This presentation includes step-by-step information about getting to the provisional pharmacist register and an overview of what is required to practice as a pharmacist in Alberta.

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Patient Interactions and Interpersonal Skills: How to Succeed in the Pharmacy Workplace
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231)

Hadeel Abed, B.Sc. Pharm.
Maha Radwan, BPharm

Strong communication is at the heart of pharmacy practice. This session looks at how pharmacists build rapport with patients, work well with colleagues and handle challenging interactions. Participants will learn approaches that support clear and respectful communication in busy settings.

Your Guide to the PEBC Evaluating Exam
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Theatre (N124)

Mahmoud Suleiman, Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada

An overview of the PEBC Evaluating Exam, including its purpose, format and what to expect at this stage of the licensure process. PEBC’s Acting Registrar-Treasurer will walk through the exam’s structure and respond to common questions to help IPGs understand what to expect as they move toward the next steps in the licensure process.

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Beyond Dispensing: Direct Patient Care in Pharmacy
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231)

Tara Leslie, University of Alberta

In Canada, pharmacists are key health care providers, and Alberta’s broad scope places a strong emphasis on clinical responsibilities. This session explores how pharmacists assess patient needs, solve problems and collaborate with other professionals. Participants will hear why direct patient care is a fundamental expectation for pharmacists practising in Alberta.

LUNCH
Served in Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231)
Exhibitor tables on Main floor (near the entrance)

Bridging to Practice: The Certificate to Canadian Pharmacy Practice (CCPP)
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Theatre (N124)

Tara Leslie, University of Alberta

This session provides an overview of the University of Alberta’s CCPP program, including its key components and how it supports entry-to-practice preparation. It will also cover upcoming program changes and provide context for what is expected moving forward.

Inside the PEBC Qualifying Exam: What to Expect
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Theatre (N124)

Mahmoud Suleiman, Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada

PEBC’s Acting Registrar-Treasurer will provide an overview of the PEBC Qualifying Exam and its role in assessing readiness for pharmacy practice in Canada. The session outlines how the exam is structured, the purpose of each part and what candidates can expect in terms of process, format and next steps once results are released. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of how this exam fits into the overall licensure pathway.

BREAK
Snacks and refreshments served in Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231)
Exhibitor tables on Main floor (near the entrance)

Beyond Licensure: Thriving in the Pharmacy Profession
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Theatre (N124)

Brittany Zelmer, Sobeys Pharmacy
Bruce Winston, Neighbourly Pharmacy
Munima Alam, London Drugs

Bringing together pharmacists with different experiences, this panel explores the realities of practising after licensure. Panelists will discuss what employers look for, why advocacy matters in shaping the profession and how pharmacists can take on leadership roles at any stage. Participants will hear perspectives that can help them approach their careers with clarity and purpose.

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Patient Diversity: What It Means for Your Pharmacy Practice
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231)

Tolu Okubote, Black Pharmacy Professionals Association of Canada
Elizabeth Amina Ochigbo, Black Pharmacy Professionals Association of Canada

In this interactive session, we’ll explore what “patient diversity” really looks like in pharmacy practice, where culture, language, immigration status, trauma, and socioeconomic realities meet our words as pharmacists. Through real-world cases, small-group discussions, and simple communication tools, you’ll reflect on how those brief encounters can either reinforce an old script of “I don’t belong here” or help patients experience, “I’m seen, heard, and someone is on my side.” You’ll leave with renewed confidence in your IPG story, practical phrases you can use tomorrow, and one specific action to better serve diverse patients.

Ask, Learn, Connect: Networking and Q&A
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231)

Closing Remarks
Esmail and Safana Bharwani Hall (N231)

Kelsey Skromeda, Canadian Pharmacists Association
Rachel Malahay, Directions for Immigrants