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 Pediatric Emergency Medicine physician whose practice evolved into Child Maltreatment Pediatrics, Dr. Karwowska brings a rare and deeply human perspective to caring for children and families when they are most vulnerable.

In this conversation with host Dr. Cameron Wong, she walks us through the "fluid structure" of her clinical life, from team-based assessments to meeting families at critical moments... and the profound privilege of helping children and caregivers move toward safety and healing.

The second half of the episode turns toward leadership in medicine: how opportunities emerge unexpectedly, how careers evolve, and how someone who "never in a million years" imagined a leadership role whilst in med school, now helps shape medical education nationally through her work at the AFMC.

Whether you're exploring Peds Emerg, Child Maltreatment Pediatrics, or curious about leadership pathways, this episode highlights the unpredictable, deeply meaningful trajectories that define a career in medicine.

If you particpate 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.

Ever wondered what draws someone to pediatrics, and keeps them there for life? Host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Jayson Stoffman, FRCPC, Pediatric Program Director at the University of Manitoba and a specialist in Pediatric Hematology/Oncology.

From babysitting and camp counselling to medical school rotations, Dr. Stoffman always knew he wanted to work with kids. But his career took a meaningful turn when he found pediatric hematology/oncology: a field where science, compassion, and family-centred care intersect. As he puts it: "When a child gets cancer… it's like the family gets cancer."

Hear his insights into how CanMEDS roles come to life in pediatric care, especially communication... and how his path to becoming a program director was full of unexpected opportunities that revealed a passion for teaching and leadership.

Bonus: Dr. Stoffman shares some insightful CaRMS tips!

Perfect For: Medical students, CaRMS applicants, early-career residents, and anyone curious about pediatrics or subspecialty training in hematology/oncology.

If you particpate 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.

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 for Emergency Medicine at the University of Toronto, joins host Mark Garabedian to share insider advice straight from the selection side of the process.

Whether you're finalizing your CaRMS application or planning ahead for next year, this conversation shares practical guidance for every stage of your journey. Dr. Pardhan gives great insight into what programs look for in a strong personal letter, how to approach attendings for reference letters, what your CV really communicates, and how to show who you are as a candidate. He also shares helpful strategies for ranking programs and getting ready for interviews (they come sooner than you think!).

Key takeaway: Every applicant's story is unique... and diversity is what makes a residency program thrive.

For more interview insights, check out CanadiEM's CaRMS interview tips.

If you particpate 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.

*]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "d76b7c18-66ec-4335-b50c-eba3245c69c1" data-testid= "conversation-turn-2" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn= "assistant">

Applying for residency can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. In this Specialty Café episode, Cameron Wong, MD (PGY1 & Specialty Café host), shares what helped him stay grounded through the CaRMS process. From managing stress to leaning on your support network, Cameron reminds listeners that those around you want to cheer you on... they just might not realize how stressful this moment can be.

Host Mark Garabedian dives into what worked (and what didn't) for Cameron during his CaRMS journey. They discuss the importance of authenticity, balance, and self-care while keeping sight of your goals. Whether you're prepping for interviews or navigating electives, Cameron's advice applies well beyond (and indeed before!) CaRMS: Be present. Be kind. Be a hard worker.

If you particpate 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.

Your personal letter really matters in your CaRMS application, and authenticity is key. In this week's episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian chats with Dr. Justin Rivard, FRCSC, General Surgery Program Director at the University of Manitoba, to talk about what program directors are really looking for.

Dr. Rivard shares practical and reassuring advice on how to approach your personal letter, the role of your social and personal background, and why being hardworking and a team player matter more than perfect technical skills (by the way... not an expectation to get intro a surgical residency!). He also explains how residents play a big role in evaluating elective students, and why it's worth thinking carefully about where and why you apply.

This episode isn't just for students preparing for CaRMS: med students in any year will appreciate this reminder about the power of teamwork, professionalism, and effort during electives.

Tune in for 'insider' tips that will help you stand out this CaRMS season.

If you particpate 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 exactly is the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS), and how does the residency match work? For many medical students, this crucial step brings more questions than answers and often a fair bit of stress.

In this Specialty Café ep, host Mark Garabedian chats with Geneviève Leroux, Manager of Client Services at CaRMS, to demystify the residency match process. Geneviève breaks down the algorithm behind ranking, shares practical strategies for creating your rank list, and highlights the support available from the CaRMS team.

Whether you're just beginning medical school or deep in CaRMS prep, this episode offers practical advice, planning tips, and clear answers to common questions.

Pro Tip: Start your CaRMS journey early... it'll alleviate a lot of stress!

Make sure to check out this video on How the Match Algorithm Works https://youtu.be/28CvXJ_DcGo .

As Geneviève mentioned, the dedicated CaRMS team is there to help. Never hesitate to reach out. https://www.carms.ca/contact/

Curious about what life looks like in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R)? This often-overlooked specialty, aka Physiatry, blends patient-centred care with hands-on procedures and the flexibility to shape a career that fits your life and your passions. Whether you're early in med school and exploring options or gearing up for CaRMS, you will want to tune in.

Join host Dr. Cameron Wong as he chats with Dr. Alice Kam, FRCPC, about why Physiatry might be the hidden gem you have been searching for. Dr. Kam shares how she built a practice she loves (her words!) while keeping her family at the heart of her decisions. She reflects on how her patients shaped her understanding of compassionate care and how this specialty creates space to follow your curiosity.

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.

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

We're starting strong with Geriatric Psychiatry... a field that combines psychiatry, aging, and preventive care. Host Dr. Cameron Wong sits down with Dr. Nimrit Bath, FRCPC, who shares her residency journey, why she chose geriatric psychiatry, and what it means to work with such a rewarding patient population.

This episode is packed with insights for medical students exploring specialty choices. You'll hear how aligning your career with your values and lifestyle can lead to a fulfilling path in medicine. Dr. Bath also reflects on the importance of self-care, prevention, and giving back. Plus, she breaks down the many therapies available to patients beyond medications, offering a holistic perspective on geriatric mental health.

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.

"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.

What does spiritual care look like in a hospital setting? In this episode, we explore the broad and evolving role of the Spiritual Health Practitioner, a healthcare team member who offers emotional, existential, and spiritual support to patients, families, and even staff, regardless of belief system.

Host Dr. Cameron Wong speaks with Suzanne Robertson, a passionate and dedicated Spiritual Health Practitioner, about the many dimensions of this deeply human role. As the spiritual and religious needs of our society shift, so too does this profession, evolving to meet the diverse needs of patients in today's complex care environments. It's enormously rewarding work with extraordinary people going through everyday experiences that we'll all be confronted with. It's also a way to recognize a person's humanity in moments where they may otherwise feel pathologized.

From helping patients process grief or life-altering diagnoses to supporting healthcare workers through burnout and moral distress, Suzanne brings clarity and compassion to an often unknown part of the healthcare team.

If you're starting your residency and feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or just in need of a meaningful conversation, don't hesitate to reach out to your hospital's spiritual health team. As Suzanne reminds us, they're here for you too.

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.