"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 final episode of our Day 1 Allies series. As new residents step into their roles, Janet offers a grounding reminder: every patient you meet is a person first. Not a diagnosis. Not a pathology. A person.

In this moving conversation, Janet shares the wisdom she's gathered from years of experience partnering with healthcare teams. She reflects on what makes a doctor trustworthy and what makes care feel truly compassionate. You'll hear practical advice on listening with intention, asking questions that matter, and being honest when you don't know the answer. Most of all, you'll learn how to co-create care... together with your patients.

Specialty Café returns later this summer with more episodes on primary specialties, CaRMS prep, and beyond. Stay connected with us on the Royal College's Instagram and YouTube for new content, insights, and inspiration.

If you're starting 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.