Specialty Café

Royal College Canada
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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. Emergency Medicine: Cognitive Load, High‑Performance Teams & Unexpected Career Paths

    5D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. Hematology: What's it really like? | Clinics, research & residency advice

    FEB 3

    Hematology: What's it really like? | Clinics, research & residency advice

    Explore Hematology with Dr. Mohammad Refaei, FRCPC... from thrombosis and clinics to residency tips, rotations, and choosing the right specialty for you. What is Hematology, really - and who thrives in it? In this episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Mohammad Refaei, FRCPC, for a behind-the-scenes look at a specialty that blends physiology, detective work, and deeply human patient care. From managing thrombosis and "classical" hematology cases to teaching learners, leading quality improvement projects, and balancing clinic with research, Dr. Refaei shares what a typical week actually looks like, and why hematology is rarely black and white. Curiosity, preparation, teamwork, and comfort with uncertainty aren't just helpful here... they're essential. You'll also get practical advice for medical students and residents: how to approach rotations with an open mind, prepare smarter, ask better questions, find great mentors, and build confidence as you move toward CaRMS and residency. If you love problem-solving, meaningful patient relationships, and making a real impact both at the bedside and beyond, hematology might be your path.   Hematology is a subspecialty of Internal 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.

    21 min
  8. What is General Internal Medicine (GIM)?

    JAN 20

    What is General Internal Medicine (GIM)?

    In this episode of Specialty Café, host Dr. Cameron Wong sits down with Dr. Justin Boyle, FRCPC, just five months into independendent practice. Fresh from residency, Dr. Boyle offers an honest, grounded look at what the transition into practice really feels like - the excitement, the uncertainty, and the steep (but rewarding) learning curve that comes with becoming a General Internist. Dr. Boyle also shares his passion for gender-affirming care within GIM, highlighting how this broad, patient-centred aspect of his practice creates space for advocacy, inclusivity, and meaningful longitudinal impact. Along the way, he challenges the myth of a rigid divide between surgery and internal medicine, and leaves learners with powerful takeaways: seek out mentors early, stay humble in a field where learning never stops, and most importantly... be kind to yourself. A must-listen for medical students and residents curious about General Internal Medicine and life after residency. Dr. Justin Boyle is a recipient of the 2025 International Residency Education Award: Kristin Sivertz Resident Leadership Award. Congratulations Dr. Boyle.  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
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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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