Ashkan and Sara Rastegar’s journey to pharmacy practice in Nova Scotia

When Ashkan and Sara Rastegar made the move from Manchester, United Kingdom to Nova Scotia, it wasn’t a decision they took lightly. Both are specialized clinical pharmacists with extensive experience in primary care and leadership roles. Relocating across the Atlantic meant leaving behind established careers, colleagues and a familiar healthcare system. But for the Rastegars, the opportunity to grow, learn and contribute to a new environment made the leap worthwhile.

While settled in the U.K., Ashkan explains, the offer from Nova Scotia Health represented a unique chance to expand their professional experience. “We didn’t want to look back and wonder why we didn’t try,” he says. Before signing their contracts, the couple explored the province. Additionally, they toured the Halifax Infirmary and the Dartmouth General Hospital and met senior leaders. “That visit was essential,” Ashkan says. “Once we saw the hospital and met the team, we knew this was the right move.”

Their first impressions of Nova Scotia were overwhelmingly positive. They describe their new home as friendly, kind and family oriented. Combined with the province's stunning landscapes and access to nature, they quickly felt welcomed, both personally and professionally.

Working as pharmacists in Nova Scotia has been a mix of the expected and the unexpected. While the healthcare systems and guidelines differ from the U.K., the core approach to patient care remains similar. “We try to bring our U.K. experience into our work here, especially around individualized care plans,” Sara explains. “The workload is comparable but the flexibility and openness to new ideas stood out immediately.”

One of the biggest surprises for them was the level of support at Dartmouth General Hospital. From leadership to frontline team members, they describe a culture of generosity and collaboration. “People are open to sharing guidelines, helping us settle in faster and genuinely welcoming our suggestions,” they say.

In their day-to-day roles, Ashkan and Sara work closely with the Senior Care Team in the emergency department, supporting older adults with complex needs. As clinical pharmacists, they play an active role in prescribing and medication decision-making, with a focus on improving medication safety, reducing unnecessary or high-risk treatments and preventing avoidable hospital admissions.

They collaborate closely with consultants, physicians, complex care nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, continuing care teams, social workers, and community providers to review medications and develop individualized care plans that reflect each patient’s health status, goals, and living situation. This team-based approach supports safe and timely discharges, reduces the risk of falls and complications, and helps ensure well-coordinated transitions between hospital, primary care, long-term care, and the community.

“It’s like solving a puzzle together,” Sara explains. “Everyone brings a piece, and the goal is to make sure the patient is safe and supported.”

What they enjoy most about pharmacy is seeing an immediate impact. Helping patients get answers without long emergency stays, sending them home safely and witnessing their relief and appreciation is deeply motivating. For pharmacists in the U.K. considering a move to Canada, their advice is clear: do your research, visit if you can, be prepared for change and embrace flexibility. “See it as an opportunity to grow,” they say. “We’re incredibly grateful for this experience and working with a professional team''

Want to learn more about working in pharmacy with Nova Scotia Health, visit our website and apply today!

Photo of (L-R) Ashkan and Sara Rastegar.