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...
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A GIM Redefines Physician Inclusion in Medicine
Specialty Café
Are you a medical student or resident living with a disability and/or chronic illness, and unsure what accommodations you’re entitled to during training? Or, as a medical trainee or practicing physician, are you aware of these accommodations so you can better support your peers and colleagues? Dr. Michael Quon, FRCPC (General Internal Medicine), joins host Dr. Cameron Wong to explore an often overlooked but essential part of medical training: recognizing, requesting, and providing appropriate accommodations. Early in his career, Dr. Quon experienced a moderate traumatic brain injury... a...
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Orthopedic Surgery, Skiing, Leadership… and Belonging!
Specialty Café
Diversity in surgery - and in medicine - is essential to better patient care and stronger clinical teams. In this candid episode, Dr. Marcia Clark, FRCSC - orthopedic surgeon, mother, athlete and President of the Royal College - shares her honest journey through medicine and leadership. With host Mark Garabedian, Dr. Clark reflects on navigating spaces not always built with inclusivity in mind, the myth of the “boys’ club,” and what it means to build a career that feels both authentic and sustainable. Her story will resonate with medical students and residents who have ever questioned...
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Peds Emerg, Child Maltreatment Peds → Leadership
Specialty Café
Step 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...
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Why Pediatric Hematology/Oncology? Purpose, Passion & the Power of Communication
Specialty Café
Ever wondered what draws someone to pediatrics, and keeps them there for life? Host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Jayson Stoffman, FRCPC, Pediatric Program Director at the University of Manitoba and a specialist in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology. From babysitting and camp counselling to medical school rotations, Dr. Stoffman always knew he wanted to work with kids. But his career took a meaningful turn when he found pediatric hematology/oncology: a field where science, compassion, and family-centred care intersect. As he puts it: “When a child gets cancer… it’s like the family...
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CaRMS: Tips from an Emergency Medicine Program Director
Specialty Café
The CaRMS deadline is just around the corner. We’ve got you covered! In this episode of Specialty Café, Dr. Kaif Pardhan, FRCPC, Program Director for Emergency Medicine at the University of Toronto, joins host Mark Garabedian to share insider advice straight from the selection side of the process. Whether you’re finalizing your CaRMS application or planning ahead for next year, this conversation shares practical guidance for every stage of your journey. Dr. Pardhan gives great insight into what programs look for in a strong personal letter, how to approach attendings for reference...
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CaRMS: Tips to Stay on Track from a PGY1
Specialty Café
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CaRMS, Your Personal Letter, and Advice from a Surgical Program Director
Specialty Café
Your personal letter really matters in your CaRMS application, and authenticity is key. In this week’s episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian chats with Dr. Justin Rivard, FRCSC, General Surgery Program Director at the University of Manitoba, to talk about what program directors are really looking for. Dr. Rivard shares practical and reassuring advice on how to approach your personal letter, the role of your social and personal background, and why being hardworking and a team player matter more than perfect technical skills (by the way... not an expectation to get intro a...
info_outlineDiversity in surgery - and in medicine - is essential to better patient care and stronger clinical teams. In this candid episode, Dr. Marcia Clark, FRCSC - orthopedic surgeon, mother, athlete and President of the Royal College - shares her honest journey through medicine and leadership.
With host Mark Garabedian, Dr. Clark reflects on navigating spaces not always built with inclusivity in mind, the myth of the “boys’ club,” and what it means to build a career that feels both authentic and sustainable. Her story will resonate with medical students and residents who have ever questioned whether they “belong” or who worry that their path isn’t linear.
Spoiler: Dr. Clark speaks openly about not matching, choosing another option, and ultimately finding her way back to what truly drives her.
Recorded at ICAM 2025 in Halifax.
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