Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

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/. 

Mar 17, 2026

“You as medical students have power - programs want YOU… our future specialists.”
“Remember the goals of medicine… do no harm, use your expertise to treat people well, and care for anyone and everyone.”

In this heartfelt episode of Specialty Café, host Mark Garabedian sits down with Dr. Saleem Razack, FRCPC, to explore the deeply human side of pediatric critical care. From the privilege of caring for children with decades of life ahead of them, to the responsibility of supporting families through some of their most difficult moments, Dr. Razack shares what makes this field both intense and profoundly meaningful. He reflects on the emotional reality of caring for critically ill children  where parents are not just present, but essential partners in rounds - and how this shapes communication, compassion, and care.

Dr. Razack also opens up about his own journey, including the “complex mixture of terror and exhilaration” that came with moving from Montreal to British Columbia, a leap that challenged him to grow, learn, and rediscover himself. Throughout the conversation, he reminds mdical trainees that medicine is not just about knowledge, but about humanity: navigating uncertainty, connecting with families, and staying grounded in purpose. This episode is a powerful reflection for any medical student or resident considering pediatrics, or simply looking to reconnect with the core values of 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.