Specialty Café

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.

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 right specialty! 
Host Cameron Wong sits down with Dr. Barber to explore the realities of pediatrics residency, from caring for a diverse patient population that ranges from 0-18 years, to recognizing that in pediatrics, you're often caring for an entire family and support network, not just the patient in front of you. They discuss why passion matters when choosing a specialty, how embracing the uncomfortable moments can lead to growth, and why pediatrics often feels like solving an intricate puzzle.
Dr. Barber also shares how his love of critical thinking and systems change led him to pursue an MBA during his medical training...  because advocating for patients often means understanding healthcare policy, leadership, and finance.
Dr. Paul Barber is the recipient of the Royal College's 2025 Kristin Sivertz Resident Leadership Award.
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.