The Interesting MD Podcast

In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Dr. Dennis Kim, a trauma surgeon who has practiced in both the United States and Canada.

Dr. Kim reflects on his journey from Toronto to high-volume trauma centers in Southern California and now to Vancouver Island, where he’s helping develop a regional trauma system. The conversation covers the realities of trauma care, the impact of gun violence, and the challenges of working in resource-limited environments.

They also discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped their views on medicine and life priorities, the key differences between the U.S. and Canadian healthcare systems, and Dr. Kim’s unexpected role as a medical educator on TikTok.

A compelling conversation about trauma surgery, healthcare systems, and the evolving paths physicians take in search of meaningful work and balance.

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In the final episode of this three-part series, Dr. Rob Beck concludes his conversation with Dr. Michael Antil, an American internist who moved to Toronto to build a new life in Canada.

This episode dives into the practical side of relocation: taxes, physician incorporation, education costs, and the immigration pathway for U.S. doctors. Dr. Antil shares his experience navigating licensing, work permits, and permanent residency, while addressing common misconceptions about the financial realities of practicing medicine in Canada.

The conversation closes with reflections on mentorship, community, and why Canada can offer physicians a renewed sense of purpose and balance.

A candid and comprehensive look at what it really takes to make the move—and why it can be worth it.

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In Part 2 of this series, Dr. Rob Beck continues his conversation with Dr. Michael Antil, focusing on the lifestyle and practice differences he’s experienced since moving from the U.S. to Toronto.

Dr. Antil describes reduced administrative complexity, lower overhead, predictable reimbursement, and a renewed sense of professional fulfillment. He also reflects on how life outside the hospital has changed, safer communities, more personal time, and a healthier pace.

An honest look at what physicians gain, and what they give up, when choosing balance over burnout.

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In Part 1 of this three-part series, Dr. Rob Beck interviews Dr. Michael Antil, an internist who relocated his family from North Carolina to Toronto.

Dr. Antil shares the professional and personal factors behind his move, including burnout, community tensions during the pandemic, and frustration with financial pressures in U.S. healthcare. He reflects on the contrast he’s experienced in Canada, highlighting simplified administration, collaborative colleagues, and a healthcare culture with different patient expectations.

This episode focuses on the “why” behind the move. In Parts 2 and 3, Dr. Antil will explore lifestyle changes, taxes, and the immigration process in greater detail.

An honest and thoughtful conversation for physicians navigating career crossroads or considering practice abroad.

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It’s the one-year anniversary of The Interesting MD Podcast, and Dr. Rob Beck is celebrating with a special longform conversation featuring Dr. Mark Royer as guest host.

They reflect on how the show grew from a small idea into a real community of physicians and healthcare professionals. Rob shares how the podcast shifted from hobbies and side passions into deeper conversations about physician burnout, healthcare system challenges, and the growing interest in relocating from the U.S. to Canada.

With humor, throwbacks, trivia, and honest reflection, this episode highlights what’s worked, what surprised them, and what’s coming next for Interesting MD.

A fun, thoughtful, and grateful anniversary episode, built by physicians, for physicians.

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In this reflective solo episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck tackles the ethical challenges physicians face outside the exam room, particularly when money, fame, or influence are involved.

Rob shares firsthand experiences from his early practice working with musicians in Nashville, explaining how easily professional boundaries can blur and why he chose to push back against unnecessary or ethically questionable requests. He also opens up about walking away from a business opportunity that didn’t align with sound medical practice, despite financial incentives.

This is an honest conversation about integrity, restraint, and staying grounded as a physician in an era of celebrity medicine, social media, and side hustles. A must-listen for any doctor navigating opportunities beyond traditional clinical work.

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In the final episode of this two-part series, host Dr. Rob Beck continues his thought-provoking conversation with Stephen Marche, author of The Next Civil War and The Last Election.

They explore how political violence, institutional decay, and societal polarization in the United States are beginning to impact physicians and healthcare professionals. Marche outlines how doctors can become targets in unstable societies, while Rob shares his personal reflections on moving to Canada for safety and stability after witnessing crises firsthand.

The discussion ends with a powerful call to self-awareness and preparation, for doctors, families, and citizens navigating an uncertain future.

A fitting conclusion to a compelling two-part exploration of politics, safety, and the human side of practicing medicine in turbulent times.

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In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck talks with Stephen Marche, author of The Next Civil War and creator of the Gloves Off podcast, about political instability and rising violence in the United States.

Marche explains why expert models increasingly point toward more civil unrest—not necessarily through dramatic conflict, but through fragmentation, disruption, and the breakdown of trust in institutions. Rob ties these ideas to the medical world, discussing why doctors and scientists may be uniquely exposed during social instability, and shares personal reflections from evacuating New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina.

A serious, eye-opening conversation about where the U.S. may be headed—and what it means for everyday life and the healthcare professionals living through it.

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In Part 2 of this Interesting MD Podcast series, Dr. Rob Beck continues his conversation with Dr. Amber Hull, focusing on the real-life experience of immigrating to Canada as a physician.

Dr. Hull shares practical guidance on visas, licensing, moving logistics, and starting over professionally, alongside reflections on courage, identity, and growth. She opens up about the emotional side of leaving the U.S., building community in a new country, and finding balance to prevent burnout.

They also discuss why change, whether staying or leaving, requires bravery, and how support, humility, and resilience make the journey possible.

A thoughtful, encouraging episode for doctors and professionals navigating big decisions and new beginnings.

Join Dr. Amber's community here: Under the White Coat

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast 

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Physician burnout isn’t just about long hours, it’s about living in a constant state of stress. In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Dr. Amber Hull, a U.S.-trained, Canada-licensed physician, about why she ultimately left American medicine and started over in Canada.

Dr. Hull opens up about the toll of hyper-vigilance, distrust, and adversarial relationships in U.S. healthcare, especially for women physicians. She shares how burnout pushed many of her peers to consider leaving medicine entirely, and how moving to Canada allowed her to reconnect with integrative, holistic care and a more collaborative medical culture.

A powerful, reflective conversation about loss, resilience, and choosing a healthier path forward.

🎧 Listen next week for Part 2, where Dr. Hull breaks down the practical realities of relocating and practicing medicine in Canada.

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast 

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