Day 1 of residency is around the corner. If you're feeling nervous…  you're not alone.

In this episode of Specialty Café, host Dr. Mark Garabedian speaks with Dr. Cameron Wong (PGY1, Internal Medicine, University of Alberta) about the transition from medical student to resident.

Cameron shares practical tips for preparing for your first day, from meal prepping and connecting with an upper-year buddy to finding your way around the hospital… including where to find the scrubs, the call room and, of course, the good hospital food.

He also shares his golden rule for surviving and thriving in residency: trust and respect your nurses and allied health colleagues. They are an incredible source of knowledge, support, and experience.

Most importantly, Cameron reminds incoming residents that it's okay to say, "It's my first day," "It's my first week," or "I don't know." Be humble, ask questions, lean on your team, and remember… you've successfully navigated transitions before. This is just the next one (with an MD behind your name and a different kind of responsibility!).

And if you're on a 24-hour call? Don't miss his very specific coffee recommendation.

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.