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Specialty Café


Are you a medical student or resident choosing your path in healthcare? Grab a coffee and settle in… this café is for you! Our hosts (med students & residents) chat with Royal College specialists and residents about their day to day lives, the reasons behind their specialty choices, the joys, the challenges, and more!  Although conversations are full of specialty insights, you’ll gain invaluable life advice about being a fulfilled and excellent clinician (and human being).  Feedspot has voted Specialty Café as one of the 10 Best Canadian Medical Podcasts.  The Royal College produces a uniquely French version of this podcast - Café des spécialités: https://cafedesspecialites.libsyn.com/. 

Feb 3, 2026

Explore Hematology with Dr. Mohammad Refaei, FRCPC... from thrombosis and clinics to residency tips, rotations, and choosing the right specialty for you.

What is Hematology, really - and who thrives in it?

In this episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Mohammad Refaei, FRCPC, for a behind-the-scenes look at a specialty that blends physiology, detective work, and deeply human patient care.

From managing thrombosis and “classical” hematology cases to teaching learners, leading quality improvement projects, and balancing clinic with research, Dr. Refaei shares what a typical week actually looks like, and why hematology is rarely black and white. Curiosity, preparation, teamwork, and comfort with uncertainty aren’t just helpful here... they’re essential.

You’ll also get practical advice for medical students and residents: how to approach rotations with an open mind, prepare smarter, ask better questions, find great mentors, and build confidence as you move toward CaRMS and residency.

If you love problem-solving, meaningful patient relationships, and making a real impact both at the bedside and beyond, hematology might be your path.  

Hematology is a subspecialty of Internal Medicine. 

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.