Is Canada calling? In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck talks with Dr. Ben Williams, Chief Medical Officer at Island Health, about what it’s really like for U.S.-trained doctors to move and practice in British Columbia.

Dr. Williams breaks down the Canadian healthcare system, recent regulatory changes that simplify licensing, and how there are no income caps—physicians can work as much or as little as they want. He also shares insights into the collaborative, patient-centered culture of medicine in Canada and what makes Vancouver Island one of the best places in the world to live and practice.

An essential listen for physicians exploring new opportunities and a better balance between career and lifestyle.

Learn more about opportunities to live and work on Vancouver Island at https://careers.islandhealth.ca/

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/

Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com

Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

What’s it like to move your medical career to Ontario, Canada? In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck talks with David Gravelle and Melanie Delion, healthcare recruiters and leaders in the Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance (OPRA), about what it takes to relocate, get licensed, and thrive in Canada’s healthcare system.

They discuss the realities of rural and community medicine, the benefits of working as an independent physician, and what makes Canadian healthcare different from the U.S. model. You’ll also hear about the support systems available to help with immigration, housing, and community integration for doctors and their families.

An essential listen for any physician, Canadian or international, curious about building a career and life in Ontario.

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/

Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com

Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck talks with Brooke Shekter, managing partner at Lloyd Schekter Health Law, about what every Canadian physician should know about legal risk, college complaints, and professional discipline.

Brooke explains how the Canadian system differs from the U.S., what to do when you receive a complaint, and how to protect yourself through documentation, boundaries, and awareness. She also discusses the emotional toll of legal challenges and why early legal advice can make all the difference.

A must-listen for Canadian doctors and U.S. physicians transitioning to Canada, this episode offers practical legal insight and reassurance that fairness and support systems do exist.

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/

Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com

Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

In this powerful conversation, The Interesting MD Podcast host Dr. Rob Beck interviews Dr. Debra Houry, former Acting Director and Chief Medical Officer of the CDC, about the turmoil and transformation happening inside America’s top public health agency.

Dr. Houry describes how funding cuts, political influence, and misinformation have disrupted critical programs, from vaccine safety to violence prevention, and how the CDC shooting tragedy left lasting trauma among its staff. She also shares her perspective on maintaining scientific integrity in an increasingly politicized environment, and why she ultimately chose to step away from her leadership role.

This episode offers an insider’s view into the state of U.S. public health, and a call to action for doctors and citizens alike to defend science, truth, and trust in the institutions that protect us all.

Connect with me!

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/

Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com

Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

In this gripping episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck talks with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former CDC leader and infectious disease expert, about the deepening crisis inside America’s public health institutions.

Dr. Daskalakis recounts the CDC shooting tragedy that left Officer David Rose dead and staff traumatized, while exposing how misinformation, ideology, and political control are dismantling scientific integrity from within. He explains how the CDC has lost much of its leadership, credibility, and expertise, and warns of a “dark age” for public health.

They discuss the emotional toll on physicians, the parallels to authoritarian regimes, and how doctors can fight back through truth-telling, professional solidarity, and self-care.

A sobering yet hopeful call to action for the medical community, and anyone who believes science still matters.

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/

Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com

Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck talks with Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, infectious disease physician and former CDC leader, about his decision to resign amid growing concerns over the agency’s politicization and loss of scientific independence.

Dr. Daskalakis describes troubling internal changes at the CDC, from abrupt vaccine policy shifts to the removal of expert committees and replacement by conspiracy voices—and how these moves are crippling public health infrastructure. Together, he and Rob unpack how political interference, mass layoffs, and disinformation are threatening public trust and physician safety alike.

A revealing and urgent conversation about science, policy, and the future of public health in America.

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/

Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com

Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

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.

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/

Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com

Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com

In this powerful episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck talks with Stephen Marche, author of The Next Civil War and The Last Election, about America’s growing political and social fractures.

They dive into Marche’s research on political violence, institutional decay, and the global warning signs that mirror past societal collapses. From the perspective of a Canadian observer, Marche offers a unique, unsettling view of the U.S.’s trajectory, and what it means for professionals like doctors who are increasingly feeling the impact in their daily lives.

Equal parts analysis and reflection, this conversation explores how instability shapes health, safety, and civic life, and asks: what will it take for real change?

Podcast Link: The Interesting MD Podcast YouTube Link: The Interesting MD Website Link: https://www.interestingmd.com/

Have a content suggestion? Email us at Ideas@interestingmd.com

Contact me Email us at Rob@interestingmd.com