Emergency Medicine: Cognitive Load, High‑Performance Teams & Unexpected Career Paths
Specialty Café
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 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...
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Pediatric Critical Care: Where Medicine Meets Humanity
Specialty Café
“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...
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Pediatrics, Disney & Embracing Discomfort: Inside a Pediatric Residency
Specialty Café
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...
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Match Day Reflections: Lessons from Med School & Prepping Early for CaRMS
Specialty Café
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...
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Medical Oncology, Leadership & CaRMS
Specialty Café
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...
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Replay: Residency Prep - Tips from a PGY2
Specialty Café
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,...
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Hematology: What's it really like? | Clinics, research & residency advice
Specialty Café
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...
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What is General Internal Medicine (GIM)?
Specialty Café
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...
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Choosing Physiatry: A Resident’s Journey in PM&R
Specialty Café
What is physiatry, and why do so many med students discover it later in training? In this episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Benjamin Green (PGY5 in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Université Laval) to explore the day-to-day reality of life as a physiatry resident. From chronic pain management and sports medicine to interdisciplinary rehabilitation care, Dr. Green breaks down what makes physiatry a uniquely patient-centred and collaborative specialty, and often described as a hidden gem in medicine. Dr. Green shares lived insights into...
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OBGYN Residency, Hockey Sticks & Mucky Boots
Specialty Café
A season of planting. A season of watering. A season of harvest. Farm life & OBGYN are actually kind of similar! Recorded at the 2025 International Conference on Residency Education (ICRE), join Specialty Café reporters Sienna Allan and Dr. Harley Bray (PGY2 OBGYN) as they hijack the podcast lounge for a candid conversation about life in OBGYN residency, mentorship, and so much more! Dr. Bray draws striking parallels between living and working on a farm and training in obstetrics and gynecology… long days, unpredictable challenges, deep responsibility, and the quiet...
info_outlineStep into a front-row seat with Dr. Anna Karwowska, FRCPC, Vice-President of Education at the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC). A Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician whose practice evolved into Child Maltreatment Pediatrics, Dr. Karwowska brings a rare and deeply human perspective to caring for children and families when they are most vulnerable.
In this conversation with host Dr. Cameron Wong, she walks us through the “fluid structure” of her clinical life, from team-based assessments to meeting families at critical moments... and the profound privilege of helping children and caregivers move toward safety and healing.
The second half of the episode turns toward leadership in medicine: how opportunities emerge unexpectedly, how careers evolve, and how someone who “never in a million years” imagined a leadership role whilst in med school, now helps shape medical education nationally through her work at the AFMC.
Whether you’re exploring Peds Emerg, Child Maltreatment Pediatrics, or curious about leadership pathways, this episode highlights the unpredictable, deeply meaningful trajectories that define a career in medicine.
If you particpate 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.