Specialty Café

Royal College Canada
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Are you a medical student or resident choosing your path in healthcare? Grab a coffee and settle in… this café is for you! Our hosts (med students & residents) chat with Royal College specialists and residents about their day to day lives, the reasons behind their specialty choices, the joys, the challenges, and more! Although conversations are full of specialty insights, you'll gain invaluable life advice about being a fulfilled and excellent clinician (and human being). Feedspot has voted Specialty Café as one of the 10 Best Canadian Medical Podcasts! https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_medical_podcasts/ Any recommendations or questions about the podcast? Contact us at fellowshipaffairs@royalcollege.ca. Transcripts are available on request.

  1. Resident Panel: OBGYN, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, & Family Medicine

    APR 29

    Resident Panel: OBGYN, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, & Family Medicine

    What do top residents across specialties have in common... And how do you stand out as a med student? Recorded live at the Western Medical Students Summit (Vancouver, Feb 2026), Dr. Cameron Wong (PGY1, Internal Medicine) hosts a dynamic panel featuring residents from OBGYN, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, and Family Medicine (+ Emergency Medicine). More than once, they promote the qualities that matter most:  teamwork, curiosity, relatability, kindness, and work ethic... and how these show up in real clinical training. From residency realities to practical tips on excelling in medical school, this conversation touches on mentorship, research, AI in medicine, CaRMS, rural & remote experiences, and of course...  choosing a specialty - with insights you can actually use. Panelists: Dr. Harley Bray (PGY3, OBGYN) Dr. Haaris Khan (PGY3, Ophthalmology) Dr. Andrew Pauls (PGY2, Family Medicine → +1 EM) Dr. Shirromi Sarveswaran (PGY2, Psychiatry) Timestamps: 00:00–36:37 Panel 36:37–55:00 Q&A A must-listen for medical students exploring specialties and preparing for residency. If you're participating in a Royal College accredited residency, don't forget to join as a Resident Affiliate. It's free, and you can start claiming MOC credits right away. Click here to learn more.

    55 min
  2. Inside Anesthesiology + Leadership in Medicine with Dr. Viren Naik, CEO of the MCC

    APR 14

    Inside Anesthesiology + Leadership in Medicine with Dr. Viren Naik, CEO of the MCC

    Who are the unsung heroes of the operating room? In this episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Viren Naik, FRCPC, anesthesiologist (first and foremost) and CEO of the Medical Council of Canada, to explore his path into anesthesiology and what makes the specialty such a unique and dynamic field. From electives and procedures to teamwork in the operating room, Dr. Naik offers medical trainees a clear look at what to expect and why anesthesiology continues to evolve. As he puts it, anesthesiologists are often the "unsung heroes of the operating room," quietly leading patient care, teamwork, and decision-making behind the scenes. The conversation also explores Dr. Naik's leadership journey from clinical practice to executive roles in health care and medical education, including his current work at the MCC. He shares thoughtful advice for learners interested in leadership, including the reminder that if a mentor or leader encourages you to consider an opportunity, it is worth paying attention. Along the way, listeners will also gain practical insight into the MCCQE, LMCC, and physician licensure in Canada, making this episode especially valuable for medical students and residents navigating their training and future careers. If you're participating in a Royal College accredited residency, don't forget to join as a Resident Affiliate. It's free, and you can start claiming MOC credits right away. Click here to learn more.

    27 min
  3. Emergency Medicine: Cognitive Load, High‑Performance Teams & Unexpected Career Paths

    MAR 24

    Emergency Medicine: Cognitive Load, High‑Performance Teams & Unexpected Career Paths

    In this episode of the Royal College's Specialty Café, host Dr. Cameron Wong (PGY1, Internal Medicine) sits down with Emergency Medicine physician, educator, researcher, father, husband, and KeyLIME+ host, Dr. Adam Szulewski, FRCPC. Whether you're a medical student exploring specialties or a resident shaping your career path, this episode delivers invaluable insight into what it really means to work in Emergency Medicine...  clinically, cognitively, and emotionally. Dr. Szulewski shares a dynamic inside look at: Life as an Emergency Medicine physician and the thrill of working within a high-functioning, pit‑crew‑like resuscitation team Cognitive load theory in medicine, his PhD research, and why some clinicians excel under pressure The evolution of EM over the last decade, including system pressures and shifts in patient care His role as fellowship director in resuscitation medicine and what makes an exceptional learning environment Hosting the KeyLIME+ podcast and uncovering how doctors think and learn Career advice for junior learners, including when to say yes to opportunities and embracing unexpected turns This is an inspiring, candid conversation about identity, mentorship, medical education, and the nonlinear pathways that shape fulfilling careers in medicine. Tune in to learn how to navigate uncertainty, find your place in the clinical world, and build a specialty journey that's uniquely your own. If you're participating in a Royal College accredited residency, don't forget to join as a Resident Affiliate. It's free, and you can start claiming MOC credits right away. Click here to learn more.

    25 min
  4. Pediatric Critical Care: Where Medicine Meets Humanity

    MAR 17

    Pediatric Critical Care: Where Medicine Meets Humanity

    "You as medical students have power - programs want YOU… our future specialists." "Remember the goals of medicine… do no harm, use your expertise to treat people well, and care for anyone and everyone." In this heartfelt episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Saleem Razack, FRCPC, to explore the deeply human side of pediatric critical care. From the privilege of caring for children with decades of life ahead of them, to the responsibility of supporting families through some of their most difficult moments, Dr. Razack shares what makes this field both intense and profoundly meaningful. He reflects on the emotional reality of caring for critically ill children  where parents are not just present, but essential partners in rounds - and how this shapes communication, compassion, and care. Dr. Razack also opens up about his own journey, including the "complex mixture of terror and exhilaration" that came with moving from Montreal to British Columbia, a leap that challenged him to grow, learn, and rediscover himself. Throughout the conversation, he reminds mdical trainees that medicine is not just about knowledge, but about humanity: navigating uncertainty, connecting with families, and staying grounded in purpose. This episode is a powerful reflection for any medical student or resident considering pediatrics, or simply looking to reconnect with the core values of medicine. If you're participating in a Royal College accredited residency, don't forget to join as a Resident Affiliate. It's free, and you can start claiming MOC credits right away. Click here to learn more.

    22 min
  5. Pediatrics, Disney & Embracing Discomfort: Inside a Pediatric Residency

    MAR 11

    Pediatrics, Disney & Embracing Discomfort: Inside a Pediatric Residency

    What do pediatrics, Disney, and a healthy dose of discomfort have in common? For PGY4 resident Dr. Paul Barber, they're all part of his philosophy for both medicine and life: inject fun, connect, and never stop learning. At the end of this episode, you'll have no doubt that Dr. Barber is in the right specialty!  Host Cameron Wong sits down with Dr. Barber to explore the realities of pediatrics residency, from caring for a diverse patient population that ranges from 0-18 years, to recognizing that in pediatrics, you're often caring for an entire family and support network, not just the patient in front of you. They discuss why passion matters when choosing a specialty, how embracing the uncomfortable moments can lead to growth, and why pediatrics often feels like solving an intricate puzzle. Dr. Barber also shares how his love of critical thinking and systems change led him to pursue an MBA during his medical training...  because advocating for patients often means understanding healthcare policy, leadership, and finance. Dr. Paul Barber is the recipient of the Royal College's 2025 Kristin Sivertz Resident Leadership Award. If you're participating in a Royal College accredited residency, don't forget to join as a Resident Affiliate. It's free, and you can start claiming MOC credits right away. Click here to learn more.

    37 min
  6. Match Day Reflections: Lessons from Med School & Prepping Early for CaRMS

    MAR 3

    Match Day Reflections: Lessons from Med School & Prepping Early for CaRMS

    On Match Day, fourth-year medical student Mark Garabedian sits down with Henry Tran (Med3) for a thoughtful reflection on the journey through medical school and the transition into what comes next. While residency officially begins July 1, this moment offers something equally powerful: perspective. Mark shares practical insights into what CaRMS is, how to approach it strategically, and why starting early, long before the CaRMS portal opens, can make a meaningful difference. From building relationships and exploring specialties to knowing yourself and managing stress, proactive planning isn't about overthinking - it's about creating breathing room. Whether you're a first-year just beginning or a future applicant preparing for CaRMS later this year, this episode is a reminder that preparation starts quietly, well before deadlines. And often, the things you do early are what make the biggest difference later. This episode was recorded on Feb 21, 2026.  If you're participating in a Royal College accredited residency, don't forget to join as a Resident Affiliate. It's free, and you can start claiming MOC credits right away. Click here to learn more.

    20 min
  7. Medical Oncology, Leadership & CaRMS

    FEB 24

    Medical Oncology, Leadership & CaRMS

    Start with a motto that says it all: Learn More. Do More. Be More. In this uplifting episode of Specialty Café, Medical Oncologist and educator Dr. Kara Laing, FRCPC, reflects on how this guiding philosophy shaped her journey from medical school in Newfoundland to a meaningful, 26‑year career in cancer care, teaching, and leadership. Dr. Laing shares with host Mark Garabedian, the pivotal moments that drew her to Medical Oncology, the mentors who opened doors, and the deep fulfillment she finds in supporting patients and training the next generation. She speaks candidly about navigating difficult conversations in oncology and how curiosity, compassion, and presence can transform those moments for learners and patients alike. For medical students preparing for CaRMS, Dr. Laing offers grounded, heartfelt advice... from choosing electives intentionally, to writing a personal letter that truly reflects who YOU are, to showing up with openness on every rotation. Her leadership journey, shaped by saying "yes" to appropriate opportunities (but it is still okay to say "no") and seeking out mentorship, offers a roadmap for trainees who want to contribute meaningfully beyond clinical care. Warm, honest, and full of practical takeaways, this episode is a must‑listen for anyone exploring Internal medicine, oncology, leadership in medicine, or simply looking for guidance on becoming a thoughtful, well‑rounded physician. Recorded live at the International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE) 2025.  If you're participating in a Royal College accredited residency, don't forget to join as a Resident Affiliate. It's free, and you can start claiming MOC credits right away. Click here to learn more.

    21 min
  8. Replay: Residency Prep - Tips from a PGY2

    FEB 18

    Replay: Residency Prep - Tips from a PGY2

    This episode was originally published on March 18, 2025.  Residency may still be a few months away, but Day 1 will be here before you know it! In this episode, host Cameron Wong (now PGY1) sits down with Emily Wu, MD (PGY2 at the time of recording), to share insights on making the transition smoother. From what to expect to practical preparation tips, this conversation is packed with advice to help you feel more confident as you step into your new role. Be kind to yourself... this will be your first time being a resident! If you're participating in a Royal College accredited residency, don't forget to join as a Resident Affiliate. It's free, and you can start claiming MOC credits right away. Click here to learn more.

    17 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Are you a medical student or resident choosing your path in healthcare? Grab a coffee and settle in… this café is for you! Our hosts (med students & residents) chat with Royal College specialists and residents about their day to day lives, the reasons behind their specialty choices, the joys, the challenges, and more! Although conversations are full of specialty insights, you'll gain invaluable life advice about being a fulfilled and excellent clinician (and human being). Feedspot has voted Specialty Café as one of the 10 Best Canadian Medical Podcasts! https://blog.feedspot.com/canadian_medical_podcasts/ Any recommendations or questions about the podcast? Contact us at fellowshipaffairs@royalcollege.ca. Transcripts are available on request.

Information

  • Channel
    Royal College Canada
  • Creator
    Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © 2024 Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Specialty Café

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