Advertise on podcast: Specialty Café

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 really looking for during the CaRMS process. Dr. Rivard shares practical and reassuring advice on approaching your personal letter, how your background and experiences can strengthen your application, and why qualities like teamwork, professionalism, and a strong work ethic often matter more than technical expertise at the medical student level. He also explains the important role residents play in evaluating elective students and offers insight into choosing where and why to apply. Although this conversation was originally published in 2025, the guidance remains highly relevant for today's medical students in 2026. Whether you're actively preparing for CaRMS or just starting to explore specialties, you'll find valuable advice on making the most of electives, building meaningful relationships, and presenting your authentic self throughout the residency application process. If you're participating 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.

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?  In this episode of Specialty Café, host Sharmin Zahin speaks with Priya Chopra, MD, FRCSC, about the realities of modern General Surgery. From community and academic practice to workload, compensation, operating room time, and common misconceptions about women in surgery, Dr. Chopra offers an lived-look at what the specialty is really like. Dr. Chopra's opinions are based on her personal experience. And she acknowledges that her lifestyle wouldn't be possible without her husband's support.  Whether you're a medical student exploring specialties, a resident planning your future, or a physician interested in career pathways, this episode provides practical insights into one of medicine's most diverse surgical fields. If you're participating 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.

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 Specialty Café, host Henry Tran speaks with Dr. Xiya Ma, a Diagnostic and Molecular Pathology resident at the University of Montreal who  almost completed a residency in Plastic Surgery. Dr. Ma shares her deeply personal story of realizing that something wasn't clicking, rethinking what she wanted from her career, and discovering a specialty she had never seriously considered was exactly the right fit for her. She reflects on the questions that helped guide her decision, the uncertainty of changing direction, and why it's okay to recognize that the path you once imagined for yourself may not be the one you want to follow. Dr. Ma also opens up about the mentors, program support, and openness that helped make her transition possible. She admits that, in many ways, the stars were aligned: the right people, the right opportunity, and an available spot in pathology. Her experience is a reminder that changing specialties is not necessarily a failure, but it can take courage, self-awareness, and a willingness to explore. Dr. Ma shares what makes pathology such a rewarding fit for her: the intellectual challenge, research opportunities, technical aspects, and the chance to contribute to patient care in a different way. She describes a hugely collaborative and supportive team where teaching is encouraged, discussion is constant, and asking for help is encouraged. Dr. Ma and Henry also explore what students and residents can do when questioning their specialty choice and why sometimes, the specialty you never considered turns out to be the one that feels most like home. If you're participating 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.

"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 emergency department. Hosted by Sharmin Zahin, this episode explores Dr. Hurley's journey from being inspired by ER to discovering Pediatric Emergency Medicine during residency. She shares what a typical day looks like, how "fever, fever, fever!" is the bread and butter, and why every shift unfolds differently. She also talks about her appreciation for (and now providing) coaching, the myth of work-life balance, and the importance of being flexible as your career, life, and expectations evolve. Dr. Hurley reflects on what makes the work meaningful - from small (but hugely meaningful) moments of connection with children and families to navigating emotionally difficult situations (and how important your healthcare team is in these times). Her advice for future Pediatric Emergency physicians? Be comfortable with ambiguity, complexity, and not always having the answers. This speciality often has you looking for the needle in the haystack whilst learning when to investigate, when to wait, and when to simply be present. If you're participating 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.

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 of Specialty Café, host Dr. Mark Garabedian speaks with Dr. Douglas Manuel, FRCPC, about his journey from rural and northern medical practice to a career in Public Health & Preventive Medicine. Reflecting on experiences in communities across Canada, Dr. Manuel shares how stepping outside his comfort zone and remaining open to new opportunities helped shape his understanding of health, prevention, and the role physicians can play in creating change.   Their conversation explores the importance of looking beyond the walls of the hospital and considering the broader factors that influence health.  They touch on career flexibility, global health, reflective practice, and the value of engaging directly with communities. A particularly thought-provoking discussion contrasts the immediate satisfaction of "fixing a bone" with the population-level impact achieved through teamwork, prevention, and systems change, highlighting how meaningful improvements in health are rarely the work of a single person.   Whether you're considering a career in Public Health & Preventive Medicine or truly interested in new ways of thinking about medicine, this episode offers a unique perspective on maintaining curiosity, embracing uncertainty, and finding opportunities to make a difference at both the individual and community level.   If you're participating 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.

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 her life in medicine.  In this episode of Specialty Café, host Henry Tran sits down with Dr. Sophie Ba (now a PGY3),  Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Ottawa, to explore what residency is really like beyond the stereotypes. From long OR days and call shifts to finding balance outside the hospital, Dr. Ba shares what drew her to Orthopedic Surgery and why the culture and collegiality of her residency program made the University of Ottawa an easy first choice. Preparing for CaRMS? Dr. Ba also shares practical advice on electives, reference letters, interviews, and standing out as a medical student. Her biggest takeaway: be a supportive team player, stay authentic, and trust the work you've already put in throughout medical school. Whether you're exploring Orthopedic Surgery, preparing for CaRMS, or simply curious about life as a surgical resident, this episode offers honest insights, practical advice, and encouragement for every medical trainee. Specialty Café is the Royal College's podcast for medical students, featuring  diverse conversations that help trainees explore specialties, prep for CaRMS, build meaningful careers in medicine, and so much more!  If you're participating 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.

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 residency. From managing diagnostic uncertainty and rapid task switching to navigating shift work and burnout, Dr. Asare-Agbo shares what medical students don't always see during their Emergency Medicine rotations, and why humility, resilience, and teamwork are essential to thriving in the specialty. Dr. Asare-Agbo shares not only his passion for EM, but equally values his strong realationships with his co-residents (now friends) and the amazing team he works with. A big takeaway:  Remember to do what makes you happy and what makes you - YOU!... outside of medicine.  Whether you're exploring Emergency Medicine, preparing for CaRMS or simply learning more about life as a resident, this episode offers practical advice, thoughtful career insights, and a 'lived experience' look at one of medicine's most dynamic specialties. Specialty Café is the Royal College's podcast for medical students, featuring candid conversations that help trainees explore specialties, prep for CaRMS, build meaningful careers in medicine, and so much more!  If you're participating 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.

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 an undiagnosed chronic pain condition for more than a decade, Jennifer shares how pain reshaped her career, relationships and sense of self... and what her experiences inside the healthcare system have taught her about compassionate care. Jennifer and Lesly Joyce explore the power of listening, the importance of curiosity and humility in medicine, and why every patient walks into an appointment carrying what Jennifer calls a "backpack of life." From building trust in brief encounters to recognizing the expertise that patients bring about their own bodies, this episode offers lived advice for new residents preparing for their first days on the wards. Actually - this episode can be for any healthcare team member.  Whether you're starting residency, supporting a medical trainee, or simply interested in the human side of medicine, this conversation is a powerful reminder that medicine begins with seeing the person in front of you. Specialty Café is the podcast for medical trainees exploring the many paths in medicine... one conversation at a time. Check out Action on Pain podcast, co-hosted by our guest Jennifer Daly-Cyr.  If you're participating 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.

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 their understanding of medicine has evolved from the first days of medical school to clinical practice. Dr. Siddiqui reflects on the importance of teamwork, humility, and recognizing that no physician cares for patients alone. He shares the importance of navigating difficult conversations with families, supporting patients through life's hardest moments, learning from challenging outcomes, and why "MD" can also mean "make decisions." From caring for patients as you would your own family to learning how to manage fatigue, find food at 3 a.m., and lean on your colleagues, this conversation offers lived advice for incoming residents as they prepare for the next stage of their journey. Whether you're starting residency or reflecting on your own path in medicine, this episode is a reminder that being a good doctor isn't about knowing everything... It's about continually learning, making thoughtful choices and always keeping the patient at the centre of care. If you're participating 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.

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 practical tips for preparing for your first day, from meal prepping and connecting with an upper-year buddy to finding your way around the hospital… including where to find the scrubs, the call room and, of course, the good hospital food. He also shares his golden rule for surviving and thriving in residency: trust and respect your nurses and allied health colleagues. They are an incredible source of knowledge, support, and experience. Most importantly, Cameron reminds incoming residents that it's okay to say, "It's my first day," "It's my first week," or "I don't know." Be humble, ask questions, lean on your team, and remember… you've successfully navigated transitions before. This is just the next one (with an MD behind your name and a different kind of responsibility!). And if you're on a 24-hour call? Don't miss his very specific coffee recommendation. If you're participating 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.

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, and advocate Karen Firus about what patients need from the physicians to create a truly collaborative relationship. Actually... let's backtrack. Karen is an artist, loves magenta, rootbeer, and funky hair dos. She's a human! And she doesn't hold back sharing some very vulnerable moments in her journey.  Drawing on more than 40 years of living with a complex chronic illness, Karen shares powerful lessons on trust, active listening, empathy, authenticity, and patient-centred care. For residents starting their training this July, Karen offers an encouraging reminder: patients are cheering for you. You don't need to be perfect. You need to be human. One of many key takeaways: Pack your emotional backpack with curiosity, openness, enthusiasm, kindness, and mutual respect. Your patients may become some of your greatest allies. Whether you're starting residency, preparing for CaRMS, or reflecting on the kind of physician you hope to become, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from the patient/human(!) perspective.  If you're participating 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.

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, Psychiatry, and Family Medicine (+ Emergency Medicine). More than once, they promote the qualities that matter most:  teamwork, curiosity, relatability, kindness, and work ethic... and how these show up in real clinical training. From residency realities to practical tips on excelling in medical school, this conversation touches on mentorship, research, AI in medicine, CaRMS, rural & remote experiences, and of course...  choosing a specialty - with insights you can actually use. Panelists: Dr. Harley Bray (PGY3, OBGYN) Dr. Haaris Khan (PGY3, Ophthalmology) Dr. Andrew Pauls (PGY2, Family Medicine → +1 EM) Dr. Shirromi Sarveswaran (PGY2, Psychiatry) Timestamps: 00:00–36:37 Panel 36:37–55:00 Q&A A must-listen for medical students exploring specialties and preparing for residency. If you're participating 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.

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 a unique and dynamic field. From electives and procedures to teamwork in the operating room, Dr. Naik offers medical trainees a clear look at what to expect and why anesthesiology continues to evolve. As he puts it, anesthesiologists are often the "unsung heroes of the operating room," quietly leading patient care, teamwork, and decision-making behind the scenes. The conversation also explores Dr. Naik's leadership journey from clinical practice to executive roles in health care and medical education, including his current work at the MCC. He shares thoughtful advice for learners interested in leadership, including the reminder that if a mentor or leader encourages you to consider an opportunity, it is worth paying attention. Along the way, listeners will also gain practical insight into the MCCQE, LMCC, and physician licensure in Canada, making this episode especially valuable for medical students and residents navigating their training and future careers. If you're participating 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.

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 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 high-functioning, pit‑crew‑like resuscitation team Cognitive load theory in medicine, his PhD research, and why some clinicians excel under pressure The evolution of EM over the last decade, including system pressures and shifts in patient care His role as fellowship director in resuscitation medicine and what makes an exceptional learning environment Hosting the KeyLIME+ podcast and uncovering how doctors think and learn Career advice for junior learners, including when to say yes to opportunities and embracing unexpected turns This is an inspiring, candid conversation about identity, mentorship, medical education, and the nonlinear pathways that shape fulfilling careers in medicine. Tune in to learn how to navigate uncertainty, find your place in the clinical world, and build a specialty journey that's uniquely your own. If you're participating 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.

"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 intense and profoundly meaningful. He reflects on the emotional reality of caring for critically ill children  where parents are not just present, but essential partners in rounds - and how this shapes communication, compassion, and care. Dr. Razack also opens up about his own journey, including the "complex mixture of terror and exhilaration" that came with moving from Montreal to British Columbia, a leap that challenged him to grow, learn, and rediscover himself. Throughout the conversation, he reminds mdical trainees that medicine is not just about knowledge, but about humanity: navigating uncertainty, connecting with families, and staying grounded in purpose. This episode is a powerful reflection for any medical student or resident considering pediatrics, or simply looking to reconnect with the core values of medicine. If you're participating 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.