The Interesting MD Podcast

In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Dr. Fraser Mackay, an emergency physician and advocate with the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP), about the growing crisis of emergency department overcrowding in Canada.

Dr. Mackay explains why long wait times are a symptom of broader healthcare system challenges, including hospital capacity, staffing shortages, and patient flow. Together, they discuss the impact on patients, healthcare workers, and the future of emergency medicine.

The conversation also explores physician recruitment, interprovincial licensing, and practical solutions that could improve care across Canada.

A thoughtful discussion about one of the most pressing issues facing Canadian healthcare today.

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In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Dr. Marc Jeschke, an internationally recognized burn surgeon and scientist, about groundbreaking advances in regenerative burn care.

Dr. Jeschke discusses how severe burns impact the immune system, the evolution of stem cell and exosome research, and the first clinical use of exosome therapy to treat a young patient with life-changing results. They also explore the challenges of translating laboratory discoveries into real-world patient care and the future of burn treatment.

A compelling conversation about innovation, collaboration, and the potential to dramatically improve outcomes for burn survivors through cutting-edge medical research.

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In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Dr. Khashayar Farzam, a dual-trained family medicine and emergency physician who completed his medical training in the United States before returning to practice in Ontario, Canada.

Dr. Farzam shares his experiences navigating the transition between healthcare systems, discussing physician licensing, billing, practice ownership, and the differences between practicing medicine in the U.S. and Canada. He also challenges common assumptions about physician compensation and highlights the flexibility available to Canadian family physicians.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Farzam is an accomplished competitive powerlifter and two-time Guinness World Record holder, offering insight into balancing elite athletics with a busy medical career.

A practical and engaging conversation for physicians interested in cross-border practice, healthcare systems, and building a career aligned with both professional and personal goals.

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In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck is joined by Dr. Daria for a conversation about the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare.

Together, they discuss how AI tools are helping physicians access evidence-based information, improve clinical decision-making, and reduce administrative workload while maintaining the importance of human judgment in patient care.

The conversation also explores outdated healthcare technology, insurance-related administrative burdens, differences between the U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems, and why future healthcare innovation must be built around the real needs of clinicians and patients.

A practical and forward-looking discussion on how technology can improve medicine without losing the human connection at its core.

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In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck talks with Dr. Jacob Kelly, a Duke-trained cardiologist based in Anchorage, Alaska, about his journey from traditional cardiology to a more personalized model of care.

Dr. Kelly shares why he moved away from fee-for-service medicine to create Rule Health, a practice focused on prevention, lifestyle medicine, and building stronger relationships with patients. Together, they discuss physician burnout, administrative burden, healthcare costs, and how different healthcare systems shape the patient and physician experience.

The conversation also explores the importance of exercise, preventative cardiology, and finding fulfillment in medicine by prioritizing people over paperwork.

A thoughtful episode for physicians, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the future of patient-centered care.

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In Part 2 of her conversation with Dr. Rob Beck, Dr. Mariam Washington shares the realities of moving from the United States to Canada to continue her medical career.

The discussion covers physician licensing, immigration pathways, provincial differences between Alberta and British Columbia, and the financial and emotional challenges of relocating an entire family. Dr. Washington also reflects on the cultural adjustments she experienced and why Canada has provided a greater sense of safety, balance, and stability for her family.

The episode explores important differences between practicing medicine in Canada and the U.S., including administrative burdens, physician autonomy, and the role of trust within the healthcare system.

A practical and insightful conversation for physicians considering a move to Canada—and anyone interested in the realities of cross-border medical practice.

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In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Dr. Mariam Washington, a physiatrist who transitioned from practicing medicine in the United States to working in Canada.

Dr. Washington shares her experience navigating significant student loan debt, building her career in the U.S., and ultimately deciding to make a major professional and personal change. The discussion explores physician compensation, healthcare administration, private practice realities, and the financial myths that often surround medicine on both sides of the border.

They also discuss the licensing process for physicians moving to Canada, the differences between the Canadian and American healthcare systems, and why stability and sustainability often matter more than headline salary figures.

A thoughtful and informative conversation for physicians, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in the realities of modern medical practice.

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In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Dr. Teresa Purzner, a neurosurgeon and developmental neurobiologist whose work is transforming how pediatric brain tumor care is delivered.

Dr. Purzner shares how she applied startup-style design thinking to identify and solve major inefficiencies in patient care pathways. By engaging patients, families, clinicians, and administrators, her team developed simple, low-cost solutions that significantly improved access to treatment, reduced delays, and enhanced patient outcomes.

The conversation also explores innovation in healthcare, the challenges of system change, balancing research and clinical work, and why meaningful improvements don't always require massive new resources.

A fascinating episode for anyone interested in healthcare innovation, leadership, and creating better experiences for both patients and providers.

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In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Brooke Finlay, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant and founder of Navio Immigration.

Brooke shares expert insights into Canada's immigration system and the pathways available to healthcare professionals interested in relocating. The conversation covers Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, work permits, permanent residency, and the importance of building a strong, well-organized application.

They also discuss recent changes to citizenship laws, family sponsorship options, and common mistakes that can slow down or complicate the immigration process.

A practical and informative episode for physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals considering a move to Canada.

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In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Mona Kaiser, healthcare engagement strategist for the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project on Vancouver Island, BC.

They discuss the vision behind one of Canada’s most innovative new hospitals—from physician and nurse involvement in the design process to the hospital’s focus on sustainability, Indigenous inclusivity, staff well-being, and community-centered care.

The conversation also highlights the Cowichan Valley lifestyle, major recruitment opportunities for healthcare professionals, and how the project is redefining what a modern hospital can look and feel like.

A thoughtful and inspiring episode for anyone interested in the future of healthcare, medical culture, and building better systems for both providers and patients.

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