PODCAST · health
Specialty Café
by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
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/ Transcripts are available on request.
Episodes
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Demystifying CaRMS 2026: The Residency Match
Demystifying CaRMS 2026: The Residency Match The Royal College extends sincere thanks to the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) for its valuable collaboration on this episode. It's CaRMS season! You've started gathering reference letters, preparing your application documents, reviewing...
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What A Surgical Program Director Looks for in CaRMS Applications | REWIND
Your personal letter matters, and authenticity is key. In this REWIND episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian, MD (now a PGY1 in Orthopedic Surgery), chats with Justin Rivard, MD, FRCSC, General Surgery Program Director at the University of Manitoba, to discuss what program directors are...
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General Surgery: Community, Academic, Women, and More!
General Surgery in the community vs in academic centres: what's the true difference? Is one practice busier than the other? Being a women in General Surgery... are some of the myths true (for example, do you make less money?). Does being a General Surgeon mean you're in the OR five days a week?…
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'I Chose the Wrong Specialty - For Me': From Plastics to Pathology... with a good outcome!
What would you do if going to work no longer brought you joy? If you felt out of sorts, disconnected from your program, and unsure whether the specialty you had once been so certain about was just not the right fit? How do you know when it's time to consider a different path? In this episode of...
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Pediatric Emergency Medicine: Finding Fulfillment at the Edge!
"I'm a person who is always looking for the edge… and I sometimes dance a bit too close to the edge." For Dr. Katrina Hurley, FRCPC, a career in Pediatric Emergency Medicine has meant embracing the unexpected, evolving with each stage of life, and finding fulfillment both in and beyond the...
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Public Health & Preventive Medicine: Rural Practice, Open Minds & Better Health
A quote (and the vibe) from today's guest: "Our operating room is the world." What if improving health meant looking beyond the patient in front of you? How do rural practice, community experiences, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected shape a physician's career and impact? In this episode...
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Orthopedic Surgery Residency: CaRMS Tips, Team Culture & Life as an Ortho Resident
Are you okay with 5 am starts... and not seeing the sun for weeks? Orthopedic Surgery may be one of medicine's most demanding specialties... but for the right person, it's also one of the most rewarding (and of course fun too!). Bonus: Our guest shares her journey in law and how it can benefit…
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Emergency Medicine Residency: The Reality Behind the Specialty
Is Emergency Medicine the right specialty for you? In this episode of Specialty Café, host Henry Tran, a medical student at the University of Alberta, sits down with Dr. Prince Asare-Agbo (PGY5) from the University of Ottawa for an fullsome conversation about the realities of Emergency Medicine...
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Day 1 Residency #4: Every Patient Has a Backpack of Life
What if one of the most important lessons you'll learn in residency comes from a patient? As new residents begin their residency training, guest host Lesly Joyce Nkuindja sits down with patient advocate Jennifer Daly-Cyr for a conversation that every incoming PGY1 should hear. After living with…
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Day 1 Residency #3: What Does Being a Good Doctor Mean?
As you begin residency - are you pondering on what it really meansto be a good doctor? In this special Day 1 of Residency episode, guest host Dr. Harley Bray (PGY3, Obstetrics and Gynecology) sits down with anesthesiologist and intensive care physician Dr. Faisal Siddiqui, FRCPC to explore how...
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Day 1 Residency #2: Trust & Respect Your Allied Health Team!
Day 1 of residency is around the corner. If you're feeling nervous… you're not alone. In this episode of Specialty Café, host Dr. Mark Garabedian speaks with Dr. Cameron Wong (PGY1, Internal Medicine, University of Alberta) about the transition from medical student to resident. Cameron shares...
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Day 1 Residency #1: What Your Patients Need YOU To Know
It's Day 1 of residency, and one of your most important collaborations is about to begin: your partnership with your patients. And... if you are in need of a pep talk for the big day, tune-in! In this season premiere of Specialty Café, co-host Sharmin Zahin speaks with patient partner, educator,...
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Resident Panel: OBGYN, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, & Family Medicine
What do top residents across specialties have in common... And how do you stand out as a med student? Recorded live at the Western Medical Students Summit (Vancouver, Feb 2026), Dr. Cameron Wong (PGY1, Internal Medicine) hosts a dynamic panel featuring residents from OBGYN, Ophthalmology,...
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Inside Anesthesiology + Leadership in Medicine with Dr. Viren Naik, CEO of the MCC
Who are the unsung heroes of the operating room? In this episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Viren Naik, FRCPC, anesthesiologist (first and foremost) and CEO of the Medical Council of Canada, to explore his path into anesthesiology and what makes the specialty such…
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Emergency Medicine: Cognitive Load, High‑Performance Teams & Unexpected Career Paths
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 KeyLIME+ host, Dr. Adam Szulewski, FRCPC. Whether you're a medical student exploring specialties or a...
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Pediatric Critical Care: Where Medicine Meets Humanity
"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...
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Pediatrics, Disney & Embracing Discomfort: Inside a Pediatric Residency
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...
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Match Day Reflections: Lessons from Med School & Prepping Early for CaRMS
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…
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Medical Oncology, Leadership & CaRMS
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...
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Replay: Residency Prep - Tips from a PGY2
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...
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Hematology: What's it really like? | Clinics, research & residency advice
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,...
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What is General Internal Medicine (GIM)?
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,...
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Choosing Physiatry: A Resident's Journey in PM&R
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...
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OBGYN Residency, Hockey Sticks & Mucky Boots
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…
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A GIM Redefines Physician Inclusion in Medicine
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?…
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Orthopedic Surgery, Skiing, Leadership… and Belonging!
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...
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Peds Emerg, Child Maltreatment Peds → Leadership
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...
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Why Pediatric Hematology/Oncology? Purpose, Passion & the Power of Communication
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…
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CaRMS: Tips from an Emergency Medicine Program Director
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…
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CaRMS: Tips to Stay on Track from a PGY1
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CaRMS, Your Personal Letter, and Advice from a Surgical Program Director
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…
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CaRMS: What You Should Know!
What exactly is the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), and how does the residency match work? For many medical students, this crucial step brings more questions than answers and often a fair bit of stress. In this Specialty Café ep, host Mark Garabedian chats with Geneviève Leroux…
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CaRMS on Your Mind? Meet PM&R, the Hidden Gem
Curious about what life looks like in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)? This often-overlooked specialty, aka Physiatry, blends patient-centred care with hands-on procedures and the flexibility to shape a career that fits your life and your passions. Whether you're early in med school and...
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Geriatric Psychiatry: A Specialty That Gives Back
Welcome to a brand-new season of Specialty Café! Fresh voices, fresh perspectives, and meaningful conversations about Royal College specialties, subspecialties, CaRMS prep, and more. We're starting strong with Geriatric Psychiatry... a field that combines psychiatry, aging, and preventive care....
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Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a PATIENT... the most important voice!
"I am not my diagnoses." These are the words of Janet Rodriguez, a generous patient, advocate, and educator, who joins host Dr. Cameron Wong for the final episode of our Day 1 Allies series. As new residents step into their roles, Janet offers a grounding reminder: every patient you meet is a...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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What is 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...
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What is 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...
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What does a rural General Surgeon do?
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…
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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...
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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…
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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/ Transcripts are available on request.
HOSTED BY
Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Specialty Café have?
Specialty Café currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Specialty Café about?
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...
How often does Specialty Café release new episodes?
Specialty Café has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Specialty Café?
You can listen to Specialty Café on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Specialty Café?
Specialty Café is created and hosted by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
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