Ahmad Ghahary

2007 Port McNeill, B.C.

Ahmad Ghahary, BSc Pharmacy 2008 did his IRPbc placement in Port McNeill, B.C. in June 2007.  Ahmad was fortunate in that IRPbc was the second opportunity he had to work interprofessionally.  Just the summer before he completed an interprofessional course in HIV/AIDS.  “I was able to spend my time with many health care professionals, shadowing them and discussing ways to best work as a team.  Each voice was heard equally, all in the best interest of the patient. Some of our best dialogue occurred on a social level when students gathered. Even in these informal settings we continued to share our ideas on IP and the future of health care.”

In part because of his experience in this interprofessional course, Ahmad signed up for an IRPbc placement in order to work on an interprofessional team in a setting that was new to him.  With a keen perspective of the challenges faced by rural communities, Ahmad understood that a particular challenge is access to care because so few health care professionals go to work in rural areas and when they do, it can be difficult to retain them. “IRPbc offers exposure to this type of practice and entices students to consider working in a rural community after graduation.  I’ve talked with many former IRPbc students and they are keen to pursue work in rural communities. Personally, I practice on Vancouver Island. Were it not for my time with IRPbc, I may not have been aware that such opportunities existed.”

IRPbc proved an eye-opening and rewarding experience for Ahmad and he heartily recommends it to other students. “IRPbc is a great way to step out of your comfort zone. On the North Island I felt like the entire northern health care system was at my disposal to experience and learn from. Any health care professional I talked to was willing to have me tag along. I was allowed to explore any aspect of health care I wanted, from hospital clinic to pharmacy.  If you want a global perspective on health care, IRPbc will definitely contribute to your learning.”

Moreover the opportunity to share insights with fellow students helped to open Ahmad’s eyes to how members of the health care team can work interprofessionally for the benefit of the patient. ”We all met on a common ground of wanting to do the best for our patients. I took away a greater appreciation for what each health care professional brings to the table.  Each team member is valuable and plays an important role in a patient’s care.  By sharing a unified focus and message, the patient ultimately gets a consistent message that will help elicit real action.”

Ahmad continues to take his IRPbc experience into his practice today. He currently works weekends on Vancouver Island in communities like Nanaimo, Brentwood Bay, Ladysmith and others. Some of the these communities have a shortage of pharmacists and being able to help provides Ahmad with a sense of being able to give back to smaller communities. UBC’s College of Health Disciplines is also fortunate to have Ahmad on their Professional Development Committee that focuses on teaching preceptors of various health care disciplines how to precept interprofessionally. “I hope my work with the College will grow to be a long-term relationship.  I also hope to encourage pharmacy students and pharmacists to practice collaboratively with other health care professionals.  Once I finally settle into my own practice, I will most assuredly put every effort necessary to connect with my fellow health care professional.”

“Are you a former IRPbc student?  If so, email Kathy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  and let us know what you’re doing now. We look forward to hearing from you!”