Specialty Café

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...

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 pro...

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?

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 cha...

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 sp...

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 Matc...

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 exc...

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 mom...

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 balanc...

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 ho...

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:

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...

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 attune...

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 pres...

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-t...

"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 muc...

 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 o...

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...

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 Ca...

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, delv...

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...

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...

Bienvenue à la sixième saison du Café des spécialités. Nous y explorerons d’autres spécialités et surspécialités du Collège royal. Nous vous réservons aussi quelques épisodes spéciaux.

Voici donc le tout premier épisode de cette série...

Même lorsqu’elle se déroule dans les meilleures conditions, la période du jumelage CaRMS peut être difficile. Qu'arrive-t-il lorsque la nouvelle annoncée le jour du jumelage est aux antipodes de celle à laquelle vous vous attendiez? C’est ce qu’a vécu la Dre Michelle Gérard. Elle raconte à Christin...

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 P...

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 fell...

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 o...

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 o...

Gear up for a trip down memory lane. Join us every Tuesday 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.

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!

A huge thanks to our listeners not only in Canada but also around the world! Questions or suggestions for this podcast? Reach out to fellowshipaffairs@royalcollege.ca.

Anyone. Anytime...

Gear up for a trip down memory lane. Join us every Tuesday for the next few weeks 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.

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!

A huge thanks to our listeners not only in Canada but also around the world! Questions or suggestions for this podcast? Reach out to fellowshipaffairs@royalcol...

Gear up for a trip down memory lane. Join us every Tuesday for the next few weeks 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.

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!

A huge thanks to our listeners not only in Canada but also around the world! Questions or suggestions for this podcast? Reach out to fellowshipaffairs@royalcol...

Gear up for a trip down memory lane. Join us every Tuesday for the next few weeks 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.

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!

A huge thanks to our listeners not only in Canada but also around the world! Questions or suggestions for this podcast? Reach out to fellowshipaffairs@royalcol...

Gear up for a trip down memory lane. Join us every Tuesday for the next few weeks 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.

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!

A huge thanks to our listeners not only in Canada but also around the world! Questions or suggestions for this podcast? Reach out to fellowshipaffairs@royalcol...

Holiday Special

Gear up for a trip down memory lane. Join us every Tuesday for the next few weeks 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.

We’re prepping fresh content for the next season of Specialty Café. Stay tuned for exciting new episodes heading your way in the early new year! We’ll continue delving into subspecialties and beyond!

A huge thanks to our listeners not only in Canada but also around the world! Questions or sugg...

Are needles, wires, and tubes your tools of preference? Are you looking for a rapidly expanding, exciting, and cool specialty? Are you a problem solver?  Look no further! Have a listen as our guests enthusiastically share their passion for Interventional Radiology (IR). Actually – they share their passion for the broad scope of radiology (you’ll hear why this is so important).

Sebastien Robert, MD (PGY5) and Jorden (Fu) Lo, MD (PGY2), demystify the route to becoming an IR resident. They provide a comprehensive glimpse into the vast opportunities of this multifaceted discipline. All the technicalities and processes aside...

There’s a delicate balance between expertise and the profound humility that accompanies caring for patients and their families. Life as a Cardiologist is not just healing patients - it’s a journey in ongoing check-ins with yourself.

Today’s guest, Raja Hatem, MD, FRCPC tells host Cameron Wong that he chose Cardiology because he ‘really cares for other people, and really loves to treat human beings’. This gives you an idea of a fundamental philosophy required in this field. Trust and a solid bond with your patients will make you the best physician you can be.

Dr...

Rhonda Zwingerman, MD, FRCSC recounts why snuggling her first Twiglet baby was so special.  Are you intrigued? Listen on! 

Would you thrive in a specialty that offers an 'awesome and amazing' combination of technology, patient counselling, and patient education? Can you see yourself being emotionally invested in your patients and their journeys? Is relationship building a priority for you? 

Dr. Zwingerman shares why Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (GREI or the fertility specialty!) spoke to her. She tells host Emily Wu, MD how she has been able to flex her entreprenurial muscles to co-found a fertility cli...

Patience. Wisdom. Grace. Just a few amazing virtues an Internist Geriatrician absorbs on a daily basis from their patients.

Walkers in the corner. Canes in the corner. Patients, med students, residents, and staff dancing and singing as the attending plays the piano. Just a stolen moment of intergenerational happiness! (Of course there are moments of sadness too, but let’s firmly grasp these joyous times).

Dounia Rouabhia, MD, FRCPC shares her deep passion for Geriatric Medicine and the many rewarding and fulfilling moments she experiences each day. Host Emily Wu, MD, guides Dr. Rouabhia through th...

#followyourheart... just one of many pearls of wisdom you’ll hear from our passionate panel: Adina Feinberg, MD, FRCSC and Ariel Lefkowitz, MD, FRCPC.

Host Cameron Wong facilitates a truly friendly debate on Surgery vs Medicine (aka Medicine vs Surgery!). What do you love? What sparks and fires your drive? How do you see your relationship with your patients? What inspires you? 

There’s tons of great insight packed into this episode. Dr. Feinberg and Dr. Lefkowitz debunk the notion of ‘thinkers’ and ‘doers’ in the hospital. You’ll learn about the similarities… both are working toward a...

What exactly is the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS)? Why does it exist? How does it work?  It’s daunting… how can I keep on top of the process? How do I rank my preferences? Where do I go for help? Do these questions sound familiar!

Whether you’re a curious first-year med student, or in your final year embarking on your CaRMS path, this episode is for you.

Join Cameron Wong as he chats with CaRMS CEO, John Gallinger, to demystify the CaRMS process. This episode is packed with insight into the underlying rationale of the...

Are you fascinated by diagnostic tests and biochemical pathways? Do you find it thrilling to know that your specialty continually changes and will look very different in the not-so-distant future? Tune in… Medical Biochemistry could be your future career path!

Host Emily Wu, MD ticks off a list of questions for Andre Mattman, MD, FRCPC in order to demystify this collaborative specialty.  Dr. Mattman gives great insight into the various residency routes, a day in his life, and a look at the rich and vast patient cases seen by a Medical Biochemist.

Dr. Mattman shares his...

Here’s the scenario… you get a call in the middle of the night to get out of bed and go to the hospital to view some blood smears. What’s your reaction? If this gets your blood pumping (!), well Hematology might just be for you!

Join Kelsey Uminski, MD, FRCPC (Staff) and Ellen Cusano, MD, FRCPC (Resident) as they easily convince host Cameron Wong that Hematology is exciting, collaborative, constantly evolving, and extremely satisfying.

This specialty is for those individuals who thrive in an environment surrounded by diagnostic puzzles, cutting edge biotechnologies, and frequent new de...