S03 E02: In this episode of The Hat Rack, host Dr. Bill McCauley sits down with three guests—Brandon Fonseca, a Toronto-based software engineer; Ann DeBono, a London, Ontario realtor; and Ken Anderson, a retired Anglican priest—to hear directly from patients. For the first time on the podcast, the conversation explores how patients think physicians learn, stay current, and evolve in their practice. From assumptions about recertification to expectations around conferences and ongoing learning, this discussion reveals how the public perceives physician education. The guests also explore how online medical information—including "Dr. Google"—can be both empowering and risky, shaping how patients approach conversations with their physicians. Patients describe how empathy, clarity, listening, and simple human connection—pulling up a chair, making eye contact, explaining next steps—can deeply impact their experience of care. The episode includes real stories of navigating menopause, specialist referrals, and a frightening hospital admission for sepsis, revealing how communication can calm fear, build trust, and help patients feel safe. Referenced Resources:

• AI Clinical Scribes (e.g., ambient documentation tools) Technology that captures physician–patient dialogue and generates clinical notes, improving presence and connection.
  • Ontario MD
  • CPSO
• Sepsis Information – Sepsis Alliance Patient-friendly education on recognizing sepsis early.
• Women's Health & Menopause Research – Women's College Hospital (Toronto) A leading Canadian institution advancing research on menopause and women's health.
• Shared Decision-Making & Patient Communication – Choosing Wisely Canada Supports conversations around testing, treatments, and evidence-informed care.

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On! Listen to The Hat Rack podcast, where physicians gain access to the strategies and insights that CPD experts use to plan, deliver, and measure meaningful continuing education. Guests draw from extensive local, national, and international experience, providing practical takeaways for physicians and educators alike. Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. 📧 Questions, Comments, & Suggestions: [email protected]

S03 E01:

In this episode of The Hat Rack, host Dr. Bill McCauley sits down with Dr. Eleftherios Soleas(Terry) and Dr. Adam Gavarkovs ([email protected]), two leading Canadian scholars in health professions education, to explore the often-invisible world of research in Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Together, they uncover how scholarship drives change in medical education—shaping how physicians learn, practice, and sustain their careers.

From the evolution of CPD beyond conferences to the rise of assessment-based learning, interprofessional teamwork, and workplace-embedded education, this conversation highlights how evidence is reshaping practice. The guests also discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence—from AI-powered simulated patients to personalized learning through EMRs—and the challenges of ensuring ethical, safe, and effective use.

Listeners will gain fresh insight into the past, present, and future of CPD research, including its role in promoting physician well-being, fostering professional collaboration, and creating meaningful, agile learning experiences.

Referenced Resources:

• Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions (JCEHP) – A leading peer-reviewed journal publishing scholarship on CPD, learning, and health professions education. Explore at JCEHP.
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) – Accreditor and standard-setter for CPD activities in Canada, including recognition of assessment-based and team-learning models. Visit royalcollege.ca.
• Amy Edmondson's Work on Psychological Safety – Foundational research on how safe, supportive team environments foster deeper learning and collaboration. See The Fearless Organization.

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast, where physicians gain access to the strategies and insights that CPD experts use to plan, deliver, and measure meaningful continuing education. Guests draw from extensive local, national, and international experience, providing practical takeaways for physicians and educators alike.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

📧 Questions, Comments, & Suggestions: [email protected]

S02 E06:

In this episode of The Hat Rack, Dr. Bill McCauley is joined by internationally recognized psychiatrist and physician well-being expert Dr. Mamta Gautam. Together, they explore the powerful connection between continuing professional development (CPD) and physician resilience. Dr. Gautam shares her "Five Cs of Resilience" framework—control, commitment, connections, calming, and care—and discusses how CPD can be intentionally structured to nurture these essential elements of well-being. They also delve into the culture of medicine, the hidden costs of perfectionism, and the critical role of peer support and safe learning environments. Tune in for actionable strategies to plan CPD activities that support not just knowledge, but also emotional and professional fulfillment.

Referenced Resources:

• The Raft – An accredited online platform created by Dr. Gautam, offering community, leadership resources, and support for women physicians. Available at theraft.ca.

• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) – Provides standards and accreditation for CPD in Canada. Learn more at royalcollege.ca.

• Five Cs of Resilience – Dr. Gautam's framework for physician well-being: Control, Commitment, Connections, Calming, and Care, introduced through her leadership and professional development programs.

• Psychological Safety in Learning Environments – See work by Amy Edmondson, including The Fearless Organization, for foundational concepts related to creating safe, inclusive spaces for professional learning.

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast, where physicians in practice gain access to the strategies that CME/CPD experts and influencers use to effectively plan CME and implement change in their professional practice. The Hat Rack guests draw from their extensive experience as developers, contributors and promoters of CME/CPD, providing insights at local, provincial, national and international levels.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Continuing Professional Development, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

Questions, Comments, & Suggestions can be directed to [email protected].

Season 2 - Episode 5

In this episode of The Hat Rack, host Dr. Bill McCauley sits down with Dr. Mark Soth, a critical care physician and creator of The Loonie Doctor, to explore the intersection of financial literacy, physician wellness, and career satisfaction. Drawing from personal experience and years of financial education outreach, Dr. Soth shares how financial independence isn't just about retirement—it's about reclaiming time, reducing burnout, and aligning your career with your values. From recognizing the hidden costs of physician culture to understanding the psychology of regret, this episode offers practical guidance for physicians at all stages of their careers. Whether you're early in practice or planning for retirement, this conversation will inspire you to be more intentional with your time, money, and purpose.

Referenced Resources:

• The Loonie Doctor – Dr. Soth's blog offering physician-focused financial education, tools, and perspectives. Available at looniedoctor.ca

• The Money Scope Podcast – Co-hosted by Dr. Soth and evidence-based portfolio manager Ben Felix, this podcast discusses financial topics through a physician-friendly lens. Available via podcast platforms or looniedoctor.ca/moneyscope

• Reboot Your Portfolio by Dan Bortolotti – A physician-friendly introduction to investing with practical strategies.

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast, where physicians in practice gain access to the strategies that CME/CPD experts and influencers use to effectively plan CME and implement change in their professional practice. The Hat Rack guests draw from their extensive experience as developers, contributors and promoters of CME/CPD, providing insights at local, provincial, national and international levels.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Continuing Professional Development, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

Questions, Comments, & Suggestions can be directed to [email protected].

Season 2 - Episode 4

In this episode of The Hat Rack, we chat with Dr. Robin Mackin—a Western University alumna, pediatrician, and former member of Canada's 2008 Olympic softball team. Dr. Mackin reveals how her high-performance sports background introduced her to the power of coaching, and why she believes a similar approach can transform medical education and practice. Together with host Dr. Bill McCauley, they explore the differences between coaching and traditional feedback, the importance of cultivating a "growth mindset," and how supportive networks can bolster both individual well-being and team performance. Tune in for practical strategies on how physicians can embrace a culture of continuous improvement and find resilience in a challenging healthcare landscape.

Referenced

"Project Implicit" – Developed by researchers at Harvard University, this tool helps individuals explore their unconscious biases. Available at implicit.harvard.edu.

"Honoring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future: Summary of the Final Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada" – Published by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2015, this report outlines the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization on Indigenous peoples in Canada. Available at nctr.ca.

"Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Decolonization" – A collection of resources and training materials from the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University, focusing on EDI in medical education. Available at schulich.uwo.ca/edi.

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast, where physicians in practice gain access to the strategies that CME/CPD experts and influencers use to effectively plan CME and implement change in their professional practice. The Hat Rack guests draw from their extensive experience as developers, contributors and promoters of CME/CPD, providing insights at local, provincial, national and international levels.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Continuing Professional Development, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

Questions, Comments, & Suggestions can be directed to [email protected].

Season 2 - Episode 3

In this episode of The Hat Rack, we chat with Dr. Robin Mackin—a Western University alumna, pediatrician, and former member of Canada's 2008 Olympic softball team. Dr. Mackin reveals how her high-performance sports background introduced her to the power of coaching, and why she believes a similar approach can transform medical education and practice. Together with host Dr. Bill McCauley, they explore the differences between coaching and traditional feedback, the importance of cultivating a "growth mindset," and how supportive networks can bolster both individual well-being and team performance. Tune in for practical strategies on how physicians can embrace a culture of continuous improvement and find resilience in a challenging healthcare landscape.

Referenced

"Personal Best" by Atul Gawande, published in The New Yorker on October 3, 2011

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast, where physicians in practice gain access to the strategies that CME/CPD experts and influencers use to effectively plan CME and implement change in their professional practice. The Hat Rack guests draw from their extensive experience as developers, contributors and promoters of CME/CPD, providing insights at local, provincial, national and international levels.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Continuing Professional Development, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

Questions, Comments, & Suggestions can be directed to [email protected].

Season 2 - Episode 2

In this episode of The Hat Rack, we chat with Dr. Vladimir Yakovishin, a Western University alumnus with a powerful story of resilience in the face of adversity. Dr. Yakovishin shares his journey of unexpectedly losing his vision during medical school and the impact it had on his path to psychiatry. His insights reveal how mentorship, collegiality, and the support of the medical community helped him overcome self-doubt and persevere in his career. Together, they discuss the importance of not facing obstacles alone and the role of supportive networks in overcoming professional challenges.

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast where physicians in practice gain access to the strategies that CME/CPD experts and influencers use to effectively plan CME to implement change in their professional practice. The Hat Rack guests draw from their extensive experience as developers, contributors and promoters of CME/CPD, providing insights at local, provincial, national and international levels.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean & Leslie McAdam, CPD Program Administrator of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Continuing Professional Development, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

Questions, Comments & Suggestions can be directed to [email protected].

Season 2 - Episode 1

Join The Hat Rack as we explore the realities of rural medical practice. Dr. Ken Milne, a seasoned emergency physician, and Dr. Matt Breton, a newly practicing family doctor, discuss the unique challenges of continuing medical education (CME) in rural environments, balancing limited resources with high demands. Learn about innovative approaches to staying up-to-date, fostering collegial relationships, and adapting clinical guidelines to fit local contexts.

Website referred to in podcast

First10EM

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast where physicians in practice gain access to the strategies that CME/CPD experts and influencers use to effectively plan CME to implement change in their professional practice. The Hat Rack guests draw from their extensive experience as developers, contributors and promoters of CME/CPD, providing insights at local, provincial, national and international levels.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean & Leslie McAdam, CPD Program Administrator of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Continuing Professional Development, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

Questions, Comments & Suggestions can be directed to [email protected].

Episode 11: CPD Horizons Summer Series

In this episode, Dr. Michelle Lee Jones, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences at Schulich, discusses the development and impact of social accountability rounds within her department. She explains the rationale behind this initiative, the diverse topics covered, and the importance of addressing psychosocial determinants of health in medical education. Dr. Jones highlights the positive feedback received from faculty and trainees and shares future perspectives on expanding and improving the rounds. Join us to learn about this innovative approach to integrating social accountability into medical training and its potential to enhance patient care.

The Hat Rack: CPD Horizons Summer Series 2024 is a collection of short episodes released weekly throughout the summer. Each episode is derived from sessions recorded during the CPD Horizon Day in May, celebrating the work done by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) team at Schulich. The episodes are designed to be brief, around ten minutes, making them easy to listen to during summer activities like heading to the beach or going on a bike ride.

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast where physicians in practice gain access to the strategies that CME/CPD experts and influencers use to effectively plan CME to implement change in their professional practice. The Hat Rack guests draw from their extensive experience as developers, contributors and promoters of CME/CPD, providing insights at local, provincial, national and international levels.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean & Leslie McAdam, CPD Program Administrator of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Continuing Professional Development, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.

Questions, Comments & Suggestions can be directed to [email protected]

Episode 10: CPD Horizons Summer Series

In this episode, Dr. Sabe De, an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Cardiology and the recipient of the Schulich Award of Excellence in Continuing Medical Education, shares his experiences in coordinating large virtual CPD events, including the Western University Virtual Echo Symposium and the Western University Update in Cardiology. He discusses the planning, execution, and benefits of virtual learning, emphasizing its cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and potential for high-quality education. Tune in to learn about the innovative approaches being employed to enhance virtual CPD and engage a broad audience in the cardiology community.

The Hat Rack: CPD Horizons Summer Series 2024 is a collection of short episodes released weekly throughout the summer. Each episode is derived from sessions recorded during the CPD Horizon Day in May, celebrating the work done by the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) team at Schulich. The episodes are designed to be brief, around ten minutes, making them easy to listen to during summer activities like heading to the beach or going on a bike ride.

Find Something to Hang Your Hat On!

Listen to The Hat Rack podcast where physicians in practice gain access to the strategies that CME/CPD experts and influencers use to effectively plan CME to implement change in their professional practice. The Hat Rack guests draw from their extensive experience as developers, contributors and promoters of CME/CPD, providing insights at local, provincial, national and international levels.

Hosted by Dr. Bill McCauley, CPD Associate Dean & Leslie McAdam, CPD Program Administrator of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Continuing Professional Development, Western University in London, Ontario, Canada.