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 resident. From chronic pain management and sports medicine to interdisciplinary rehabilitation care, Dr. Green breaks down what makes physiatry a uniquely patient-centred and collaborative specialty, and often described as a hidden gem in medicine. Dr. Green shares lived insights into training in a bilingual healthcare environment, navigating night shifts, and mastering difficult but essential conversations with patients and families. For medical students and residents, this episode offers practical career advice on electives, rotations, fellowships, and what selection committees really value: from initiative and preparedness to communication skills and personal growth. Whether you're curious about physiatry or searching for a specialty that blends medicine, rehabilitation, and long-term patient impact, this conversation offers clarity, mentorship, and real-world perspective. A big takeaway: Be helpful. It goes a long way. Check out the Specialty Café episode with Dr. Alice Kim, FRCPC (staff physiatrist) published on September 16, 2025. 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.