Specialty Café
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 [email protected]. Transcripts are available on request.
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Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a SPIRITUAL HEALTH PRACTIONER
06/18/2025
Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a SPIRITUAL HEALTH PRACTIONER
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 patients in today’s complex care environments. It’s enormously rewarding work with extraordinary people going through everyday experiences that we’ll all be confronted with. It’s also a way to recognize a person’s humanity in moments where they may otherwise feel pathologized. From helping patients process grief or life-altering diagnoses to supporting healthcare workers through burnout and moral distress, Suzanne brings clarity and compassion to an often unknown part of the healthcare team. If you're starting your residency and feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just in need of a meaningful conversation, don’t hesitate to reach out to your hospital’s spiritual health team. As Suzanne reminds us, they’re here for you too. If you're starting 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. to learn more.
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Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a PATIENT CARE NAVIGATOR
06/10/2025
Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a PATIENT CARE NAVIGATOR
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. As Cameron puts it, PCNs are the masters of discharge planning, and essential allies for new residents. In this episode, we unpack questions like: • What does a Patient Care Navigator actually do? • Why is discharge planning a process that starts early and not at the end of a hospital stay? • How do PCNs center patient and family needs in the discharge plan? • What should residents do if their hospital doesn’t have a PCN? Key takeaway: Communicate early and often. Whether you have a PCN or another discharge coordinator, building a strong line of communication is key to safe, effective care. If you're starting 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. to learn more.
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Day 1 Allies: Prepping for Residency with a PHARMACIST
06/03/2025
Day 1 Allies: Prepping for Residency with a PHARMACIST
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 answer some big questions: What exactly does a pharmacist do in a hospital setting? Do pharmacists see patients directly? How do they help residents succeed, especially in those high-stress early days? And yes… do they actually know every drug (and colour)? Key takeaway: Ask your pharmacist questions. Ask for help. They want you to succeed... because when residents succeed, so do patients. If you're starting 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. to learn more.
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Psychiatry… and a Resident’s Tips for a Fulfilling Residency Experience
05/27/2025
Psychiatry… and a Resident’s Tips for a Fulfilling Residency Experience
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 of advocating for your patients—and for yourself. Her advice? Feed all aspects of who you are during residency. You're not ‘just’ a doctor, but a whole person with passions and experiences outside of medicine. Tending to those can make you an even better physician. And remember: your community—both inside and outside of medicine—matters. It really does take a village to raise a resident. If you're starting 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. to learn more.
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Obstetrics & Gynecology
05/20/2025
Obstetrics & Gynecology
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 past-president of the to president-elect of the ... and as a mother wife, generalist, researcher, teacher, leader, mentor, and lifelong learner... there’s a lot to unpack in this conversation. Not only does this episode explore what OBGYN actually involves, it also offers powerful takeaways about the privilege of being a doctor and the importance of seizing opportunities for advocacy right on your doorstep.
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Neurology
05/13/2025
Neurology
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 some top notch insights for medical trainees. His advice? Stay open to new opportunities—and pay attention to what energizes you most. If you're starting 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. to learn more.
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General Surgery (Rural)
05/06/2025
General Surgery (Rural)
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 shares the reality of being the only surgeon—and the only specialist in a town of 7,000 with a catchment area of 20,000. He reflects on how trauma-informed training, preventative medicine, community engagement, and long-term planning all shape his approach to rural practice. Whether you're considering general surgery or curious about the role of specialists in rural health care, this episode is a masterclass in leadership, humility, and service. If you're starting 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. to learn more.
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Medicine or Surgery? Pt 2: Your Questions, Answered
05/01/2025
Medicine or Surgery? Pt 2: Your Questions, Answered
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. Don’t miss the full picture—listen to Part 1 of the panel, released April 29, where we dig into career insights, specialty choice, and what motivates our guests! If you're starting 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. to learn more. Interested in education, engagement, and empowerment? Check out Dr. Huang's passion at .
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Medicine or Surgery: Still Deciding? (Pt 1)
04/30/2025
Medicine or Surgery: Still Deciding? (Pt 1)
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 Halifax. They unpack common myths, share what residency programs really look for, and offer real talk on how to show up for your first day — spoiler: your attitude matters more than you think. Whether you're leaning toward clinical care, academics, or still exploring, this episode is packed with encouragement, clarity, and career advice to help you move forward with confidence. Don’t miss Pt 2 of this episode for an packed Q&A with students and our guests (dropping April 30, 2025). If you're starting 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. to learn more. Interested in education, engagement, and empowerment? Check out Dr. Huang's passion at .
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Residency Prep: Tips from a PGY2
03/18/2025
Residency Prep: Tips from a PGY2
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, challenges, joys, and more. Early summer: Special eps to help prepare for your first few months in residency! If you're starting 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. to learn more.
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Going Unmatched in CaRMS: A Resident’s Story of Resilience & Growth
03/11/2025
Going Unmatched in CaRMS: A Resident’s Story of Resilience & Growth
The fear of going unmatched in CaRMS is real—especially for those aiming for competitive specialties. In this episode, host Cameron Wong speaks with Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Svoboda, a PGY1 who went unmatched in 2023. Prepared for the possibility, she embraced Plan B with resilience, turning an uncertain year into a time of personal and professional growth. Dr. Svoboda shares how she navigated the initial disappointment, stayed engaged in medicine, and found strength in unexpected places. Her story is a powerful reminder that going unmatched isn’t the end—it’s a different path forward. If you're facing this challenge, know that you're not alone—there’s a supportive community ready to help. Want to listen to another perspective from a resident who went unmatched? Check out the 2024 episode on going unmatched with .
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CaRMS Match Day: Every Experience is Different
03/04/2025
CaRMS Match Day: Every Experience is Different
In this timely episode, Dr. Andrew Pauls (PGY1, Family Medicine & former host) joins Cameron Wong to share his Match Day experience. He reflects on the whirlwind of emotions leading up to the moment he pressed the button to reveal his result and offers perspective on staying grounded during this high-stakes time. Dr. Pauls emphasizes the importance of recognizing the many achievements medical students have already made and encourages gratitude for the journey so far. He also shares thoughtful advice for those not in the CaRMS process—offering ways to support fourth-year medical students by giving them the space to process their results in their own way. Interested in learning more about becoming a Resident Affiliate of the Royal College? for more information.
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CaRMS: Tips for the Final Stretch
02/25/2025
CaRMS: Tips for the Final Stretch
We’re kicking off this packed season of Specialty Café with a few episodes dedicated to fourth-year med students in the thick of CaRMS. After that, we’ll dive into fresh conversations on primary specialties—empowering YOU, medical trainees, with the knowledge and insights to confidently navigate your journey toward the perfect specialty and a future you’re excited to embrace. Plus, we’ll be releasing episodes specifically for fourth-year med students as they transition into residency—coming your way this June! In this episode, Harley Bray, MD (PGY2, OBGYN) shares her lived tips for staying calm during the final week before Match Day. She thinks that humility and patience are key at this time: take this opportunity to acknowledge all the good you have done and try to enjoy yourself. Join host Cameron Wong and Dr. Bray for an inspirational chat that aims to reassure you that you are not alone in whatever you are feeling. Interested in learning more about becoming a Resident Affiliate of the Royal College? for more information.
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Nephrology
12/11/2024
Nephrology
Is Nephrology really just for the 'nerds' of Internal Medicine? Michael Girsberger, MD, FRCPC, a practicing Nephrologist in Prince Edward Island, is here to embrace the stereotype—but also challenge it. Nephrologists do so much more than dialysis and kidney care; their work spans acute mechanics, intricate puzzle-solving, and a healthy dose of General Internal Medicine. In this episode, host Cameron Wong dives into the diverse and dynamic life of a Nephrologist. From tackling complex diagnoses over weeks to managing a broad practice in a community/rural setting, Dr. Girsberger reveals how this specialty offers variety, intellectual excitement, and opportunities to make a real difference. And yes, his passion for kidney pathology is contagious! A word of advice from Dr. Girsberger: ‘Stay open as you plan your career’. He never imagined when he was doing his residency in Switzerland that he’d be one of three Nephrologists in Prince Edward Island. Check out Specialty Café’s very first episode on Internal Medicine (March 31, 2021)
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Adolescent Medicine (Staff)
11/26/2024
Adolescent Medicine (Staff)
Are you drawn to a specialty that bridges the brain and body, builds meaningful relationships, and embraces the unique challenges of adolescence? Do you find teens fascinating - actually do you like teenagers? In this episode, host Cameron Wong hopes to demystify the world of Adolescent Medicine, a field that’s as complex as it is rewarding. Our guest, Simone Lebeuf, MD, FRCPC, shares her journey into this dynamic subspecialty. Her compassion and passion for her patients are the foundation of her practice. Dr. Lebeuf reflects on the privilege of supporting vulnerable teens through life-changing moments. From navigating mental health and eating disorders to providing gender-affirming care and reproductive health support, Adolescent Medicine offers endless opportunities for those with a passion for advocacy, education, and outreach. It’s never been said that there are too many medical specialists who work with teens. If you have a pull toward trauma-informed care and truly want to impact a young person’s future… Adolescent Medicine just might be for you. Check out the Specialty Café episode on Pediatrics (published October 7, 2022).
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Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology (Staff)
11/12/2024
Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology (Staff)
Why can’t dogs eat grapes? What does a day look like for a Clinical Pharmacologist & Toxicologist? Is this really one subspecialty? Are there many routes to becoming a Clinical Pharmacologist & Toxicologist? Do you see patients in this fascinating subspecialty? Does being an excellent team member with allied health members really matter? Today’s guest, Riley Hartmann, MD, FRCPC, balances four staff roles with life as a father, husband, hiker, skier, cook, and goalie alongside his nurse colleagues. A true enthusiast for all things pharmacology (and coffee!), he enjoys learning about obsure poisonous events. Somehow, he makes balancing work and life look... possible and fulfilling. Host Cameron Wong’s fascination shines through, especially as they tackle the complex puzzle of de-prescribing. If you want to be an true expert in all aspects of your field, love teaching, are open to unlimited career possibilities... then press play and listen on. You may have found a hidden subspecialty that could change the course of your journey.
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CaRMS: Insights from a PGY2 (and opera singer!)
10/29/2024
CaRMS: Insights from a PGY2 (and opera singer!)
Thanks for tuning into Season 7. We've got loads in store. We'll continue to delve into the many Royal College subspecialties whilst addressing topics of interest identified by you - our Specialty Café community. Enjoy the series! Clear, memorable, succinct, and consistent—these qualities should define both your CaRMS application and interview. In this episode, Sarah Klapman MD, a PGY2 in General Surgery, joins host Cameron Wong (who’s embarking on his own CaRMS journey) to share how she crafted an application that truly stood out. Dr. Klapman managed to highlight her passion for both surgery and opera (and how they interrelate!), showing interviewers that she’s not just a skilled candidate but a genuinely interesting one, too. Dr. Klapman offers insights into key steps like asking for "strong" letters of reference and structuring a compelling narrative in your application. She also shares her frank thoughts on planning for a possible unmatched situation. One of her top tips? Allow yourself double the time you think you’ll need for prep. With careful planning and some self-care along the way, you can tackle the CaRMS process with greater confidence and less stress. Check out the for more information, or have a listen to past Specialty Café's episodes on CaRMS:
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Want to win a $50 gift card? Listen to Specialty Café!
09/05/2024
Want to win a $50 gift card? Listen to Specialty Café!
Thanks to you, our Specialty Café community, we're gearing up for the next season. In the meantime - are you interested in winning a $50 gift card? Here's how: Listen to Specialty Café. Rate and review (and enjoy!). Take a screenshot of your review and email to us at Include your name, school, and year. Winners will be announced at the Canadian Federation of Medical Students' (CFMS) Annual General Meeting in Moncton, New Brunswick on September 20, 2024. Specialty Café will be hosting a live podcast with a few Royal College specialists (afternoon Sept 20, details to follow soon). Good luck!
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Pediatric Emergency Medicine
07/16/2024
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Once 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) Emergency Medicine (Dec 3, 2021) 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
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SPOTLIGHT: Mentorship for Learners... and the benefits of rural learning!
07/02/2024
SPOTLIGHT: Mentorship for Learners... and the benefits of rural learning!
What does mentorship mean to you? Join our podcast team Andrew, Emily, and Mark, as they explore the importance of mentors in their educational journeys. Their discussion highlights some of the amazing benefits of learning from a mentor in a rural setting (this includes of course knowing the entire health care team as well as dinner and ‘hanging out’ with your preceptor!). They reflect on their past podcast hosting and mentor experiences, and look ahead to the future. Who knows where your path may lead. Take risks. Take chances. When one door closes, another opens! And... be present with your learning experiences. It's goes so quickly! A huge thank you to our dedicated (and outgoing) hosts, Andrew Pauls, MD and Emily Wu, MD as they make their way in family medicine! Thanks for being such curious learners. Welcome to one of our new podcast hosts, Mark Garabedian. In addition to episodes on Royal College subspecialties, we'll present more Spotlight episodes covering topics such as preparing for CaRMS, balancing work and life as a learner, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, MedEd, and much more. If you have suggestions for a topic, feel free to reach out to us at .
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Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
06/18/2024
Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
Today’s guest is a singer, pianist, science fiction enthusiast, storyteller, listener, and creative writer. And as importantly, he’s a Pediatric Hematology/Oncology specialist. Join us as Kyle Mendonça, MD (PGY6... but not for long!), shares his fascinating journey with host Cameron Wong. Dr. Mendonça opens up about his residency experiences, his passion for working with children, and why he chose this challenging yet rewarding subspecialty. If you're looking for a career in medicine that offers a variety of experiences, from inpatient to outpatient care, managing both critically ill and healthy patients, and forming long-term relationships with families, this might be the perfect path for you. Bonus: it's a 2 in 1 specialty (listen on to learn more!). You'll need to thrive in a collaborative environment, working closely with a big team of medical specialists and 'lots of' allied health professionals. While the emotional demands can be high, the specialty also offers immense joy and inspiration as you guide patients and their families through what can often be the hardest time of their lives. You’ve heard this before on Specialty Café… but being a person with interests outside medicine simply makes you a more rounded, healthier, and happier doctor (and person!). Check out our episode on Pediatrics (published Oct 7, 2022),
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SPOTLIGHT: The Leap to Residency: Strategies, Advice, and So Much More!
06/04/2024
SPOTLIGHT: The Leap to Residency: Strategies, Advice, and So Much More!
"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 Or check out Dr. Huang's social media: Instagram: scrubbedout/YouTube: Adrian Huang (theRealScrubbedout)/TikTok: @scrubbedout Linked In: Adrian Huang/Facebook: scrubbedoutdoc/Website:
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Pediatric Surgery
05/21/2024
Pediatric Surgery
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: . Here’s the white paper Dr. Hayashi referred to: Joy in Work
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Critical Care Medicine (Staff)
05/07/2024
Critical Care Medicine (Staff)
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.
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Developmental Pediatrics
04/23/2024
Developmental Pediatrics
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
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Plastic Surgery (Resident)
04/09/2024
Plastic Surgery (Resident)
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).
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Geriatric Psychiatry (extended version)
03/26/2024
Geriatric Psychiatry (extended version)
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!
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CaRMS 'Unmatched': A Resident's Personal Story
03/12/2024
CaRMS 'Unmatched': A Resident's Personal Story
Welcome to Season 6 of Specialty Café, where we continue delving into Royal College specialties, subspecialties, and more. This season, we're delivering on your requests for more special episodes, offering unique insights and journeys. In this timely episode, join host Cameron Wong as he engages in a candid and inspiring conversation with Victoria Turnbull, MD, (PGY2, Urology, University of Western Ontario) who shares her experience of going unmatched in 2021. Dr. Turnbull's journey is a testament to authenticity. Throughout the discussion, she offers frank insights into her challenges, but also highlights the transformative power of staying true to oneself. Her encounter with a staff member who simply said "me too" shifted her perspective, and was quite simply... freeing. This realization sparked a commitment to advocate for openness and community among those who find themselves in similar situations. This episode is full of valuable takeaways. Dr. Turnbull's story underscores the message that going unmatched does not diminish your worth. Whether you're navigating the CaRMS journey or supporting peers and future colleagues, there's much to take away from this conversation. The opinions expressed in this episode are not the views of The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and belong to the individual guest(s).
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The Last REWIND: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
02/29/2024
The Last REWIND: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
This is the last Rewind episode of the season. Thanks for sticking with us while we revisited some of our most popular primary specialties. Look out for Season 6 which drops on March 12, 2024. Spoiler Alert: The first episode shares an honest insight into what it's really like going unmatched during the CaRMS process. In the meantime... Our guests describe Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation as a magical specialty. What could be better than getting up every day with the intention of optimizing the quality of your patients' lives? Join host Haley Eckel as she unpacks the mysteries of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation with two passionate doctors from Alberta: Jaime Yu, MD, FRCPC and Yasmin Chishti, MD. It's no secret that fate has steered our guests toward this fulfilling specialty. A career in medicine can be tough - but Physiatry offers immense joy too. A bonus: it really is possible to have a healthy work/life balance. Who knows - Physiatry just might be your path!
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REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Urology
02/22/2024
REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Urology
We’re prepping fresh content for the next season of Specialty Café. Stay tuned for exciting new episodes heading your way. We’ll continue delving into subspecialties and beyond! In the meantime, gear up for a trip down memory lane. Join us every Tuesday (only a couple more to go) as we hit rewind and release some of our all-time favourite episodes. Let’s dive back into the primary specialties that sparked your interest. A huge thanks to our listeners not only in Canada but also around the world! Questions or suggestions for this podcast? Reach out to . What does a day in the life of a Urologist look like? Who is the patient population? Actually - what is Urology? Join Andrew Pauls as he explores and demystifies this specialty with Emmanuel Abara, MD, FRCSC (Richmond Hill, ON) and Amanda Hakala, MD (PGY-1, Ottawa, ON). It's no secret that our guests are hugely passionate about Urology, surgery, their patients, and .....medicine in general! Dr. Abara imparts word of wisdom on his commitment and experiences as a rural Urologist while Dr. Hakala share tips on what makes a good candidate for a Urology residency. What comes through loud and clear is our guests' dedication to their life in medicine. Who knows- this specialty might just be for you!
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