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.