Specialty Café

Royal College Canada
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/ Transcripts are available on request.

  1. Aug 11

    Public Health & Preventive Medicine: Rural Practice, Open Minds & Better Health

    A quote (and the vibe) from today's guest: "Our operating room is the world."   What if improving health meant looking beyond the patient in front of you? How do rural practice, community experiences, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected shape a physician's career and impact?   In this episode of Specialty Café, host Dr. Mark Garabedian speaks with Dr. Douglas Manuel, FRCPC, about his journey from rural and northern medical practice to a career in Public Health & Preventive Medicine. Reflecting on experiences in communities across Canada, Dr. Manuel shares how stepping outside his comfort zone and remaining open to new opportunities helped shape his understanding of health, prevention, and the role physicians can play in creating change.   Their conversation explores the importance of looking beyond the walls of the hospital and considering the broader factors that influence health.  They touch on career flexibility, global health, reflective practice, and the value of engaging directly with communities. A particularly thought-provoking discussion contrasts the immediate satisfaction of "fixing a bone" with the population-level impact achieved through teamwork, prevention, and systems change, highlighting how meaningful improvements in health are rarely the work of a single person.   Whether you're considering a career in Public Health & Preventive Medicine or truly interested in new ways of thinking about medicine, this episode offers a unique perspective on maintaining curiosity, embracing uncertainty, and finding opportunities to make a difference at both the individual and community level.   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.

    Public Health & Preventive Medicine: Rural Practice, Open Minds & Better Health

  2. Jul 28

    Orthopedic Surgery Residency: CaRMS Tips, Team Culture & Life as an Ortho Resident

    Are you okay with 5 am starts... and not seeing the sun for weeks? Orthopedic Surgery may be one of medicine's most demanding specialties... but for the right person, it's also one of the most rewarding (and of course fun too!). Bonus: Our guest shares her journey in law and how it can benefit her life in medicine.  In this episode of Specialty Café, host Henry Tran sits down with Dr. Sophie Ba (now a PGY3),  Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Ottawa, to explore what residency is really like beyond the stereotypes. From long OR days and call shifts to finding balance outside the hospital, Dr. Ba shares what drew her to Orthopedic Surgery and why the culture and collegiality of her residency program made the University of Ottawa an easy first choice. Preparing for CaRMS? Dr. Ba also shares practical advice on electives, reference letters, interviews, and standing out as a medical student. Her biggest takeaway: be a supportive team player, stay authentic, and trust the work you've already put in throughout medical school. Whether you're exploring Orthopedic Surgery, preparing for CaRMS, or simply curious about life as a surgical resident, this episode offers honest insights, practical advice, and encouragement for every medical trainee. Specialty Café is the Royal College's podcast for medical students, featuring  diverse conversations that help trainees explore specialties, prep for CaRMS, build meaningful careers in medicine, and so much more!  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.

    Orthopedic Surgery Residency: CaRMS Tips, Team Culture & Life as an Ortho Resident

  3. Jul 14

    Emergency Medicine Residency: The Reality Behind the Specialty

    Is Emergency Medicine the right specialty for you? In this episode of Specialty Café, host Henry Tran, a medical student at the University of Alberta, sits down with Dr. Prince Asare-Agbo (PGY5) from the University of Ottawa for an fullsome conversation about the realities of Emergency Medicine residency. From managing diagnostic uncertainty and rapid task switching to navigating shift work and burnout, Dr. Asare-Agbo shares what medical students don't always see during their Emergency Medicine rotations, and why humility, resilience, and teamwork are essential to thriving in the specialty. Dr. Asare-Agbo shares not only his passion for EM, but equally values his strong realationships with his co-residents (now friends) and the amazing team he works with. A big takeaway:  Remember to do what makes you happy and what makes you - YOU!... outside of medicine.  Whether you're exploring Emergency Medicine, preparing for CaRMS or simply learning more about life as a resident, this episode offers practical advice, thoughtful career insights, and a 'lived experience' look at one of medicine's most dynamic specialties. Specialty Café is the Royal College's podcast for medical students, featuring candid conversations that help trainees explore specialties, prep for CaRMS, build meaningful careers in medicine, and so much more!  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.

    Emergency Medicine Residency: The Reality Behind the Specialty

  4. Jun 30

    Day 1 Residency #4: Every Patient Has a Backpack of Life

    What if one of the most important lessons you'll learn in residency comes from a patient? As new residents begin their residency training, guest host Lesly Joyce Nkuindja sits down with patient advocate Jennifer Daly-Cyr for a conversation that every incoming PGY1 should hear. After living with an undiagnosed chronic pain condition for more than a decade, Jennifer shares how pain reshaped her career, relationships and sense of self... and what her experiences inside the healthcare system have taught her about compassionate care. Jennifer and Lesly Joyce explore the power of listening, the importance of curiosity and humility in medicine, and why every patient walks into an appointment carrying what Jennifer calls a "backpack of life." From building trust in brief encounters to recognizing the expertise that patients bring about their own bodies, this episode offers lived advice for new residents preparing for their first days on the wards. Actually - this episode can be for any healthcare team member.  Whether you're starting residency, supporting a medical trainee, or simply interested in the human side of medicine, this conversation is a powerful reminder that medicine begins with seeing the person in front of you. Specialty Café is the podcast for medical trainees exploring the many paths in medicine... one conversation at a time. Check out Action on Pain podcast, co-hosted by our guest Jennifer Daly-Cyr.  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.

    Day 1 Residency #4: Every Patient Has a Backpack of Life

  5. Jun 23

    Day 1 Residency #3: What Does Being a Good Doctor Mean?

    As you begin residency - are you pondering on what it really meansto be a good doctor? In this special Day 1 of Residency episode, guest host Dr. Harley Bray (PGY3, Obstetrics and Gynecology) sits down with anesthesiologist and intensive care physician Dr. Faisal Siddiqui, FRCPC to explore how their understanding of medicine has evolved from the first days of medical school to clinical practice. Dr. Siddiqui reflects on the importance of teamwork, humility, and recognizing that no physician cares for patients alone. He shares the importance of navigating difficult conversations with families, supporting patients through life's hardest moments, learning from challenging outcomes, and why "MD" can also mean "make decisions." From caring for patients as you would your own family to learning how to manage fatigue, find food at 3 a.m., and lean on your colleagues, this conversation offers lived advice for incoming residents as they prepare for the next stage of their journey. Whether you're starting residency or reflecting on your own path in medicine, this episode is a reminder that being a good doctor isn't about knowing everything... It's about continually learning, making thoughtful choices and always keeping the patient at the centre of care. 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.

    Day 1 Residency #3: What Does Being a Good Doctor Mean?

  6. Jun 16

    Day 1 Residency #2: Trust & Respect Your Allied Health Team!

    Day 1 of residency is around the corner. If you're feeling nervous…  you're not alone. In this episode of Specialty Café, host Dr. Mark Garabedian speaks with Dr. Cameron Wong (PGY1, Internal Medicine, University of Alberta) about the transition from medical student to resident. Cameron shares practical tips for preparing for your first day, from meal prepping and connecting with an upper-year buddy to finding your way around the hospital… including where to find the scrubs, the call room and, of course, the good hospital food. He also shares his golden rule for surviving and thriving in residency: trust and respect your nurses and allied health colleagues. They are an incredible source of knowledge, support, and experience. Most importantly, Cameron reminds incoming residents that it's okay to say, "It's my first day," "It's my first week," or "I don't know." Be humble, ask questions, lean on your team, and remember… you've successfully navigated transitions before. This is just the next one (with an MD behind your name and a different kind of responsibility!). And if you're on a 24-hour call? Don't miss his very specific coffee recommendation. 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.

    Day 1 Residency #2: Trust & Respect Your Allied Health Team!

  7. Jun 9

    Day 1 Residency #1: What Your Patients Need YOU To Know

    It's Day 1 of residency, and one of your most important collaborations is about to begin: your partnership with your patients. And... if you are in need of a pep talk for the big day, tune-in!  In this season premiere of Specialty Café, co-host Sharmin Zahin speaks with patient partner, educator, and advocate Karen Firus about what patients need from the physicians to create a truly collaborative relationship. Actually... let's backtrack. Karen is an artist, loves magenta, rootbeer, and funky hair dos. She's a human! And she doesn't hold back sharing some very vulnerable moments in her journey.  Drawing on more than 40 years of living with a complex chronic illness, Karen shares powerful lessons on trust, active listening, empathy, authenticity, and patient-centred care. For residents starting their training this July, Karen offers an encouraging reminder: patients are cheering for you. You don't need to be perfect. You need to be human. One of many key takeaways: Pack your emotional backpack with curiosity, openness, enthusiasm, kindness, and mutual respect. Your patients may become some of your greatest allies. Whether you're starting residency, preparing for CaRMS, or reflecting on the kind of physician you hope to become, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from the patient/human(!) perspective.  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.

    Day 1 Residency #1: What Your Patients Need YOU To Know

  8. 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.

    Resident Panel: OBGYN, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, & Family Medicine
See All (100)

Trailer

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/ 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

More From Royal College Canada

You Might Also Like