Session Recordings
Beyond the Counter Podcast
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.
Episode 1 - Beyond the Counter: Family, exam and the pharmacy dream
Guest: Atai Okokon
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, and tips for tackling the PEBC exams, as well as tools that helped her succeed on the first attempt and now inspire other IPGs on their path to licensure.
Episode 2 - Canadian pharmacy practice without prejudice or personal bias
Guest: Yazid Al Hamarneh
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.
Episode 3 - Confidence after failure: How to bounce back from exam setbacks
Guest: Gagandeep Kaur
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.
Subscribe to Beyond the Counter
You can also find Beyond the Counter on Spotify and through RSS. Subscribe or follow to be notified when new episodes are released. Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring more inspiring stories, challenges, and successes from international pharmacy graduates building their careers in Canada.
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We love featuring international pharmacy graduates who’ve overcome challenges on their journey to licensure.