Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a SPIRITUAL HEALTH PRACTIONER
Specialty Café
What does spiritual care look like in a hospital setting? In this episode, we explore the broad and evolving role of the Spiritual Health Practitioner, a healthcare team member who offers emotional, existential, and spiritual support to patients, families, and even staff, regardless of belief system. Host Dr. Cameron Wong speaks with Suzanne Robertson, a passionate and dedicated Spiritual Health Practitioner, about the many dimensions of this deeply human role. As the spiritual and religious needs of our society shift, so too does this profession, evolving to meet the diverse needs of...
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Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a PATIENT CARE NAVIGATOR
Specialty Café
This episode continues our Day 1 Allies series, a campaign to support new residents as they join the clinical team. In this episode, we focus on a role that often works behind the scenes but has a huge impact on patient care: the Patient Care Navigator (PCN). Host Cameron Wong, MD chats with Taylor Farrance, to explore how PCNs guide patients from admission through to discharge... and why this process is far more complex than it looks. Taylor describes discharge planning as something that evolves every day during a patient’s stay, shaped by input from the entire allied health team....
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Day 1 Allies: Prepping for Residency with a PHARMACIST
Specialty Café
Starting R1 this July? We've got your back. This episode kicks off our Day 1 Allies series, a campaign to support new residents as they join the clinical team. We’re starting with a vital but sometimes misunderstood member of the healthcare team: the pharmacist. Host Cameron Wong, MD (congrats to him as he begins R1!) sits down with Clement Chan, PharmD ACPR, to explore how pharmacists support residents, collaborate on patient care, and bring clinical expertise to the bedside. Fun fact: Clement and Cameron met on a rotation, and the experience left a big impression. In this episode, we...
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Psychiatry… and a Resident’s Tips for a Fulfilling Residency Experience
Specialty Café
Are you not only interested in psychiatry, but also in how to have a healthy and fulfilling residency? This episode is for anyone who's curious about why humans are the way they are—and wants to hear how compassion and empathy can go a long way in both medicine and life. Today’s guest, Patricia Celan, MD, shares insight into her journey to becoming a psychiatry resident. She talks with host Cameron Wong (now an MD!) about the incredibly varied and broad practice of psychiatry, and the many ways you can tailor it to reflect your interests and values. Dr. Celan also speaks to the importance...
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Obstetrics & Gynecology
Specialty Café
You’re looking ahead to future-you as a specialist. You’re someone who loves your patients and loves your job! You get paged at 3 a.m. and your immediate thought is, "yes!” On many occasions, there’s laughter and tears of joy in the operating room. You thrive on nearly every medical and surgical aspect of your work and find deep joy in your day-to-day. Sure, balance in life can be a challenge... but it’s possible. You’ve probably already guessed this episode is about OBGYN. Dr. Modupe Tunde-Byass, FRCSC, shares with host Cameron Wong, her passion for the many roles she holds. From...
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Neurology
Specialty Café
Do you suffer from neurophobia? Neurology can seem daunting, but it’s also one of the most rewarding fields in medicine. In this episode, we learn how conversation and comfort with uncertainty are key to mastering this complex specialty. Chris Watling, MD, FRCPC, neurologist and CEO of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, joins host Cameron Wong live at the International Congress on Academic Medicine 2025. From practicing community neurology to becoming a program director, associate dean, and eventually CEO, Dr. Watling shares his unexpected career journey and offers...
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General Surgery (Rural)
Specialty Café
Before we dive into rural General Surgery… a sage piece of advice from our very sage guest: Time flies. On day 1 of practice – plan how and when you want to retire! Review your plan! Host Cameron Wong sits down with Yemi Laosebikan, MD, FRCSC, a General Surgeon practicing in Melfort, Saskatchewan, to explore what it truly means to serve a rural community in Canada. This conversation goes far beyond the scope of general surgery. From managing surgical emergencies with limited resources to advocating for systemic change and mentoring the next generation of physicians, Dr. Laosebikan...
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Medicine or Surgery? Pt 2: Your Questions, Answered
Specialty Café
In Part 2 of our Medicine or Surgery panel, medical students take the mic to ask the questions that are often left out of formal talks. From starting a family, to getting into competitive programs, to the importance of YOUR brand, to doing fellowships abroad, to choosing between medicine and surgery... and so much more. Nothing is off the table. Our guests, Adrian Huang, MBBChBAO, FRCSC, (Orthopedic Surgery) and Lara Best, MD, FRCPC (Radiation Oncology), share honest reflections on the real-life factors that shaped their decisions around specialty, practice setting, and lifestyle....
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Medicine or Surgery: Still Deciding? (Pt 1)
Specialty Café
Specialty Café is back — and better than ever! We’re diving back into the Royal College’s specialty landscape, spotlighting new voices from across the country. Tune in for conversations with Fellows, residents, and allied health professionals — plus practical episodes designed to help you thrive on Day 1 of residency. In this episode: Medicine or Surgery — still deciding? We’ve got you. Join host Mark Garabedian as he welcomes Lara Best, MD, FRCPC (Radiation Oncology) and Adrian Huang, MBBChBAO, FRCSC (Orthopedic Surgery) live from the Canadian Medical Student Conference in...
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Residency Prep: Tips from a PGY2
Specialty Café
Residency may still be a few months away, but Day 1 will be here before you know it! In this episode, host Cameron Wong sits down with Emily Wu, MD (PGY2), 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! What’s next on Specialty Café? Coming soon: Fresh perspectives from staff and residents on the Royal College's primary specialties—exploring a day in the life,...
info_outlineOnce you hear today’s guest express her deep and unwavering dedication to Pediatric Emergency Medicine, teaching, and advocacy, you’ll understand why her career is perfectly suited to her passion.
Kirstin Weerdenburg, MD, FRCPC, shares her global journey which led her to practice in Halifax, NS. She expected to focus solely on clinical practice but soon discovered there’s a world of opportunity in addition to being a Peds Emerg specialist (such as medial journalism and caring for newcomers to Canada).
Dr. Weerdenburg holds her patients and their families in the highest regard, always attuned to their concerns and worries. For her, earning their trust and seeing a smile on their faces makes it a truly rewarding day.
Join host Cameron Wong as he discovers that Dr. Weerdenburg is eager to share her knowledge not just with her patients and families, but also with her colleagues, learners, and the public. She finds great joy in seeing her team thrive and grow.
Check out the Specialty Café primary specialty eps on:
Pediatrics (Oct 7, 2022) https://specialtycafe.libsyn.com/pediatrics
Emergency Medicine (Dec 3, 2021) https://specialtycafe.libsyn.com/emergency-medicine
This is the last episode of Season 6. We can't wait to bring you more great eps in the fall. Any questions, suggestions, ideas? Reach out to us [email protected].