It's Day 1 of residency, and one of your most important collaborations is about to begin: your partnership with your patients. And... if you are in need of a pep talk for the big day, tune-in!

In this season premiere of Specialty Café, co-host Sharmin Zahin speaks with patient partner, educator, and advocate Karen Firus about what patients need from the physicians to create a truly collaborative relationship. Actually... let's backtrack. Karen is an artist, loves magenta, rootbeer, and funky hair dos. She's a human! And she doesn't hold back sharing some very vulnerable moments in her journey.

Drawing on more than 40 years of living with a complex chronic illness, Karen shares powerful lessons on trust, active listening, empathy, authenticity, and patient-centred care.

For residents starting their training this July, Karen offers an encouraging reminder: patients are cheering for you. You don't need to be perfect. You need to be human.

One of many key takeaways: Pack your emotional backpack with curiosity, openness, enthusiasm, kindness, and mutual respect. Your patients may become some of your greatest allies.

Whether you're starting residency, preparing for CaRMS, or reflecting on the kind of physician you hope to become, this episode is packed with practical wisdom from the patient/human(!) perspective.

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.