Specialty Café

Emergency Medicine: Cognitive Load, High‑Performance Teams & Unexpected Career Paths

24 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of the Royal College's Specialty Café, host Dr. Cameron Wong (PGY1, Internal Medicine) sits down with Emergency Medicine physician, ...

Pediatric Critical Care: Where Medicine Meets Humanity

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

"You as medical students have power - programs want YOU… our future specialists." "Remember the goals of medicine… do no harm, use your expertise ...

Pediatrics, Disney & Embracing Discomfort: Inside a Pediatric Residency

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Match Day Reflections: Lessons from Med School & Prepping Early for CaRMS

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On Match Day, fourth-year medical student Mark Garabedian sits down with Henry Tran (Med3) for a thoughtful reflection on the journey through medical ...

Medical Oncology, Leadership & CaRMS

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

Replay: Residency Prep - Tips from a PGY2

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 thi...

Hematology: What's it really like? | Clinics, research & residency advice

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Explore Hematology with Dr. Mohammad Refaei, FRCPC... from thrombosis and clinics to residency tips, rotations, and choosing the right specialty for y...

What is General Internal Medicine (GIM)?

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode of Specialty Café, host Dr. Cameron Wong sits down with Dr. Justin Boyle, FRCPC, just five months into independent practice. Fresh ...

Choosing Physiatry: A Resident's Journey in PM&R

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

OBGYN Residency, Hockey Sticks & Mucky Boots

23 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

A GIM Redefines Physician Inclusion in Medicine

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Are you a medical student or resident living with a disability and/or chronic illness, and unsure what accommodations you're entitled to during traini...

Orthopedic Surgery, Skiing, Leadership… and Belonging!

02 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Diversity in surgery - and in medicine - is essential to better patient care and stronger clinical teams. In this candid episode, Dr. Marcia Clark, FR...

Peds Emerg, Child Maltreatment Peds → Leadership

25 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Why Pediatric Hematology/Oncology? Purpose, Passion & the Power of Communication

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ever wondered what draws someone to pediatrics, and keeps them there for life? Host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Jayson Stoffman, FRCPC, Pediatr...

CaRMS: Tips from an Emergency Medicine Program Director

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

CaRMS: Tips to Stay on Track from a PGY1

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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CaRMS, Your Personal Letter, and Advice from a Surgical Program Director

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Your personal letter really matters in your CaRMS application, and authenticity is key. In this week's episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabed...

CaRMS: What You Should Know!

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What exactly is the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), and how does the residency match work? For many medical students, this crucial step br...

CaRMS on Your Mind? Meet PM&R, the Hidden Gem

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Curious about what life looks like in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)? This often-overlooked specialty, aka Physiatry, blends patient-centre...

Geriatric Psychiatry: A Specialty That Gives Back

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to a brand-new season of Specialty Café! Fresh voices, fresh perspectives, and meaningful conversations about Royal College specialties, sub...

Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a PATIENT... the most important voice!

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

"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...

Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a SPIRITUAL HEALTH PRACTIONER

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What does spiritual care look like in a hospital setting?  In this episode, we explore the broad and evolving role of the Spiritual Health Practition...

Day 1 Allies: Prepping for R1 with a PATIENT CARE NAVIGATOR

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 rol...

Day 1 Allies: Prepping for Residency with a PHARMACIST

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 clini...

Psychiatry… and a Resident's Tips for a Fulfilling Residency Experience

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

What is Obstetrics & Gynecology?

20 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 immedi...

What is Neurology?

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

What does a rural General Surgeon do?

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 y...

Medicine or Surgery? Pt 2: Your Questions, Answered

01 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Medicine or Surgery: Still Deciding? (Pt 1)

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Specialty Café is back — and better than ever! We're diving back into the Royal College's specialty landscape, spotlighting new voices from across ...

Residency Prep: Tips from a PGY2

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 (P...

Going Unmatched in CaRMS: A Resident's Story of Resilience & Growth

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The fear of going unmatched in CaRMS is real—especially for those aiming for competitive specialties. In this episode, host Cameron Wong speaks with...

CaRMS Match Day: Every Experience is Different

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this timely episode, Dr. Andrew Pauls (PGY1, Family Medicine & former host) joins Cameron Wong to share his Match Day experience. He reflects on th...

CaRMS: Tips for the Final Stretch

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

Nephrology

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Is Nephrology really just for the 'nerds' of Internal Medicine?  Michael Girsberger, MD, FRCPC, a practicing Nephrologist in Prince Edward Island, is...

Adolescent Medicine (Staff)

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Are you drawn to a specialty that bridges the brain and body, builds meaningful relationships, and embraces the unique challenges of adolescence? Do y...

Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology (Staff)

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 r...

CaRMS: Insights from a PGY2 (and opera singer!)

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 topi...

Want to win a $50 gift card? Listen to Specialty Café!

05 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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? H...

Pediatric Emergency Medicine

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Once you hear today's guest express her deep and unwavering dedication to Pediatric Emergency Medicine, teaching, and advocacy, you'll understand why ...

SPOTLIGHT: Mentorship for Learners... and the benefits of rural learning!

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

What does mentorship mean to you? Join our podcast team Andrew, Emily, and Mark, as they explore the importance of mentors in their educational journe...

Pediatric Hematology/Oncology

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today's guest is a singer, pianist, science fiction enthusiast, storyteller, listener, and creative writer. And as importantly, he's a Pediatric Hemat...

SPOTLIGHT: The Leap to Residency: Strategies, Advice, and So Much More!

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

"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...

Pediatric Surgery

21 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

 Are you uncertain about which specialty to pursue, but know you want a career that is public-facing, involves patient and family interaction, and th...

Critical Care Medicine (Staff)

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Critical Care Medicine can be unpredictable and stressful, but it is also one of the most fulfilling and compassionate areas in medicine. Today's epis...

Developmental Pediatrics

23 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Plastic Surgery (Resident)

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Although this season focuses mainly on subspecialties, our guest today kindly agreed to take us back to a primary specialty (Plastic Surgery) and shar...

Geriatric Psychiatry (extended version)

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tune-in for a slightly extended episode... we promise it's worth it! While Geriatric Psychiatry takes center stage, our guest consistently brings the ...

CaRMS 'Unmatched': A Resident's Personal Story

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to Season 6 of Specialty Café, where we continue delving into  Royal College specialties, subspecialties, and more. This season, we're deliv...

The Last REWIND: Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

29 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Urology

22 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 int...

REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Dermatology

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 int...

REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Anesthesiology

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 int...

REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Emergency Medicine

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Pediatrics

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Obstetrics & Gynecology (Pt 1)

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Psychiatry

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

REWIND: Back to the Primaries - General Surgery

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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...

REWIND: Back to the Primaries - Internal Medicine

27 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 fa...

Interventional Radiology (Resident)

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are needles, wires, and tubes your tools of preference? Are you looking for a rapidly expanding, exciting, and cool specialty? Are you a problem solve...

Cardiology (Adult) & Interventional Cardiology (Staff)

28 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

There's a delicate balance between expertise and the profound humility that accompanies caring for patients and their families. Life as a Cardiologist...

Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Geriatric Medicine (Staff)

31 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Patience. Wisdom. Grace. Just a few amazing virtues an Internist Geriatrician absorbs on a daily basis from their patients. Walkers in the corner. Can...

Surgery vs Medicine: Former Classmates Share Their Passion!

17 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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

Let's Demystify CaRMS!

03 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 p...

Medical Biochemistry (Staff)

27 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you fascinated by diagnostic tests and biochemical pathways? Do you find it thrilling to know that your specialty continually changes and will loo...

Hematology - Adult (Staff & Resident)

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 react...

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Staff)

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Olivia MacLeod, MD, FRCPC is today's generous guest! She's fascinated by getting to know peoples' stories. She enjoys using her people skills as her d...

Medical Oncology (Staff)

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Does a specialty fueled with kind, giving, supportive, and generous colleagues appeal to you? Would you thrive in a discipline where a multi-faceted t...

Cardiac Surgery (Staff)

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Welcome to the 5th season of Specialty Café! We'll finish up the primary specialties and then delve into the many Royal College subspecialties. Do yo...

Specialty Café Live: Panel 3 - Psychiatry, General Surgery, Anesthesiology

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

All roads do lead to Rome – apparently!  Specialty Café Live, Panel 3, delves into the incredibly unique journeys taken by each of these guests a...

Specialty Café Live: Panel 2 - Obstetrics & Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Family Medicine

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thanks for tuning into Panel 2 of Specialty Café Live. The theme of this episode is... flexibility! Host Christina Toma delves into the truly rural, ...

Specialty Café Live: Panel 1 - Urology, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Join Christina Toma as she explores the joys and challenges of three very different specialties and three very different specialists too! Urology, Dr....

Specialty Café Live @ the CFMS SGM, Quebec City (April 2023)

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Montana Hackett, President of the Canadian Federation of Medical Students (CFMS), gives a glimpse into the upcoming three Specialty Café Live episode...

Obstetrics & Gynecology - Resident

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Are you passionate about women's health? Does the prospect of working in an environment full of exciting, difficult and unpredictable cases appeal to ...

Plastic Surgery

03 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Do you see yourself as a surgeon serving patients from the cradle to the grave? Does the idea of working on all parts of the body, including reconstru...

Family Medicine

13 Jan 2023

Contributed by Lukas

(Family Medicine is a specialty of the College of Family Physicians of Canada) Humanity - emotional beings - connection with patients – beauty in me...

Neuropathology

23 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A joyous overview of Neuropathology awaits you! Ever since she was six years old, Laura Schmitt, MD, FRCPC, knew she wanted to go into medicine, work ...

Medical Microbiology

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Can you see yourself in a field where it's truly possible to cure your patients? Are you aware of the amazing opportunities available in this niche sp...

General Pathology

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let's debunk a few misconceptions about General Pathology – starting with specialists in this field are introverts. It's just not true! Join host Ca...

Dermatology

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Our guests today are quite simply passionate not only about being physicians, but about making sure patients live their best life. If you're looking f...

Radiation Oncology

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What distinguishes Radiation Oncology from Medical Oncology? Do you need to be at the top of your class in physics to enter a residency in Radiation O...

Pediatrics

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you like children… actually, do you genuinely care for children in more than an academic way? Would you consider care givers as key players in yo...

Demystifying the Royal College

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Do you think the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada is just that big exam at the end of residency? Spoiler alert... it's not! Dr. Guyl...

Hosts' Reflections - Stay Tuned for Season 4!

24 Jun 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Let's continue to discover together! Hosts Andrew Pauls and Emily Wu join forces to reminisce about the past three seasons of Specialty Café, and sha...

Orthopedic Surgery

15 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Is it true that you need to be big and buff to be an Orthopedic Surgeon? Dr. Scott Westberg, FRCSC & Dr. Kirsten Hickie (PGY5) debunk this assumption ...

Psychiatry - Pt 2 (Staff, Rural)

01 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does a rural practice in psychiatry appeal to you? Are you someone who thrives whilst wearing many different hats at work? Is working in a multidiscin...

Hematological Pathology

18 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Of course patient management is the end result - but if you love science, technology and overall lab management - Hematological Pathology might be you...

Psychiatry - Pt 1 (Resident)

04 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Katie Lines, PGY4, demonstrates why Psychiatry is one of the most intellectually stimulating specialties. Settle in for an in-depth episode about ...

Obstetrics & Gynecology

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Gillian MacMullin, FRCSC knew early on that being a community Obstetrics & Gynecology specialist (Cape Breton, NS) was for her. Join Emily Wu as s...

Neurosurgery

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Does your confidence translate into courage? Do you have a sense of honesty, tolerance, and patience with a commitment to integrity? Join  Andrew Pau...

Vascular Surgery

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Emily Wu discovers the ins and outs of this 'under the radar' specialty called Vascular Surgery. Do you see yourself working in a life and limb saving...

Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Do you see yourself practicing in a specialty that involves cutting edge technology (think along the lines of robotics), with surgical and medical opp...

Emergency Medicine

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Anyone. Anytime. Anything. Anywhere. Can you live up to this motto? If yes - then Emergency Medicine just might be the right fit for you. Join Andrew ...

Anesthesiology

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Apart from the obvious clinical expertise - an Anesthesiologist needs to be empathetic, calm, a multi-tasker (physically & mentally), and quick on the...

Diagnostic Radiology

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dr. Jana Taylor, FRCPC and Dr. Joyce Zaftis (PGY-4) demystify this diverse specialty called Diagnostic Radiology. For one thing - these specialists do...

Nuclear Medicine

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

If a doctor isn't happy in their career choice - they simply can't serve their patients properly. Join Dr. Christopher O'Brien, FRCPC as he shares his...

General Surgery

06 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Hear about the role of art & science in General Surgery in both rural and academic settings! Who would have thought that compassion and humility are a...

Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

22 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Our guests describe Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation as a magical specialty. What could be better than getting up every day with the intention of op...

Specialty Café – Summer Break

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Specialty Café - Summer Break: Specialty Café is on a short break and will be back in September! Host Andrew Pauls reflects on previous episodes and...