Specialty Caf‪é‬ Royal College Canada

"What do you want to do in this world with your life… and how are you going to meld that into medicine?".  Some wise refelctions from today’s guest – Adrian Huang, MD, FRCSC. 
Host Andrew Pauls (now an MD!) asks Dr. Huang to walk us through his experience as he jumped from medical school to his first year of residency in Orthopedic Surgery. What worked? What didn’t? What lessons did he learn? How did he cope with this new level of responsibility? Is a balanced life possible?
Dr. Huang shares answers to these questions and so much more. If you take away any message from this discussion, you might want to put this at the top of your list:              Goals, habits, systems = resilience = crucial steps to avoid burnout. 
Do you want to connect with Dr. Huang? Feel free to email ahuang7@providencehealth.bc.ca
Or check out Dr. Huang's social media:
Instagram: scrubbedout/YouTube: Adrian Huang (theRealScrubbedout)/TikTok: @scrubbedout
Linked In: Adrian Huang/Facebook: scrubbedoutdoc/Website: www.scrubbedout.com

 Are you uncertain about which specialty to pursue, but know you want a career that is public-facing, involves patient and family interaction, and thrives on the dynamic, high-pressure hospital environment with quick results? And most importantly, do you love working with children?! 
Tune-in to this episode as Allen Hayashi, MD, FRCSC tells host Emily Wu, MD why Pediatric Surgery gives him joy and a sense of immediate accomplishment. Dr. Hayashi's journey to this subspecialty wasn't driven by deep philosophical insights, but rather by reflecting on what he enjoys and what he doesn’t.
Dr. Hayashi is one of the rare specialists who still practices both General and Pediatric Surgery, and he wouldn't have it any other way. As a bonus, his dedication to his patients is so well-known that the local police often give him a pass for speeding during late-night emergencies!
If you’re interest has been piqued and you want to learn more about Pediatric Surgery, feel free to contact Dr. Hayashi:     Allen.Hayashi@islandhealth.ca .
Here’s the white paper Dr. Hayashi referred to:  Joy in Work https://www.ihi.org/resources/white-papers/ihi-framework-improving-joy-work

Critical Care Medicine can be unpredictable and stressful, but it is also one of the most fulfilling and compassionate areas in medicine. Today's episode features an inspiring conversation with Omar Ahmad, MD, FRCPC, a specialist who not only manages stress well but thrives on it. Join host Andrew Pauls as he explores Dr. Ahmad's journey through medicine, delving into what drew him to this high-pressure yet rewarding specialty.
You'll hear about the delicate balance required to save lives while supporting patients' families during their hardest moments. Dr. Ahmad shares his passion for guiding families through these challenging times, assuring them that their loved ones are in skilled, caring hands.
Discover the many paths to Critical Care, what residency entails, and the diverse ways you can shape your career. This conversation emphasizes the importance of pursuing interests outside of medicine, finding joy in life beyond your career, and the role of humility and continual learning in achieving a fulfilling life in medicine.
Teamwork is key. Being humble enough to know that you are just one team member is equally key! Critical care offers more than collegiality... you gain supportive and lifelong friendships.  
 

Discover the world of Developmental Pediatrics, one of the best-kept secrets in the field.
Imagine it’s the end of your workday, and you’ve celebrated some unique and special gains with your patients and their families/caregivers. You focused on and applauded their strengths and successes. You reflect on your fortune as you work with (and learn from) a wide range of dedicated and innovative allied health members. Do you think this would fill your cup? 
Tune in as Rhea D’Costa, MD, FRCPC, shares her experiences and insights into this fascinating subspecialty with host Cameron Wong. Learn about the realities of working alongside families and caregivers who ‘move mountains’ to support their loved ones.
Studying for Royal College exams is one thing… but keeping up to date on pop culture for ages 0-21 years old is a pretty sweet form of professional development! If you are torn between Pediatrics, Neurology, Physiatry, and Psychiatry, Dr. D’Costa encourages you to explore the intriguing world of Developmental Pediatrics.
Check out our episode on Pediatrics (dropped on October 7, 2022).
Resource:  F-Word for Child Development https://canchild.ca/en/research-in-practice/f-words-in-childhood-disability

Although this season focuses mainly on subspecialties, our guest today kindly agreed to take us back to a primary specialty (Plastic Surgery) and share her experience as a resident. Note: this is a new episode. 
Would you describe yourself as an innovator and a patient advocate? Do you often wonder what you can do better for your patients?  Does your creative passion ignite when discussing topics like AI, 3D printing, and the power of teamwork? Listen on... Plastic Surgery might be your calling. 
Xiya Ma, MD (PGY3), candidly shares her journey with host Cameron Wong, delving into topics such as navigating being unmatched, her untraditional decision to take a hiatus during medical school to pursue a master's degree, the importance of self-belief and self-trust, and the need to nurture your life outside of medicine.
Oh yes... and of course Dr. Ma gives excellent insight into the diverse specialty of Plastic Surgery and her life as a resident. 
It’s not always easy, but try not to lose sight of your own happiness (personal and professional).
Check out another episode on Plastic Surgery with Shane Seal, MD, FRCSC (published on February 3, 2023). 
 
 
 

Tune-in for a slightly extended episode... we promise it's worth it! While Geriatric Psychiatry takes center stage, our guest consistently brings the focus back to the essence of her medical practice: the patient and their caregiver.
Regardless of the specialty you're pursuing, you won’t want to miss out on the insights shared about humility in medicine, social duties, importance of taking care (and respecting) our elders, great advice whilst you navigate this healthcare path, and so much more!
Join Soojin Chun, MD, FRCPC as she takes host Cameron Wong through her journey to becoming a Geriatric Psychiatrist. Discover the pivotal moments behind the when, why, and how of Dr. Chun’s journey, all while emphasizing her unwavering dedication to her elderly patients who deserve a fulfilling last chapter.  Driven by her sense of duty, she embraces the opportunity to learn from one of the most remarkable patient populations. After all, true wisdom cannot simply be taught—it comes with aging!
When contemplating a career in Geriatric Psychiatry, words like humility, privilege, storytelling, extensive consultations, patience, and embracing challenges might spring to mind!