The Interesting MD Podcast

Buying a home in Canada as a U.S. physician can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck speaks with Manpreet Kandola, a Victoria-based realtor, about navigating the Canadian housing market as a relocating doctor. They discuss mortgage qualification differences, foreign buyer taxes, and how physicians can position themselves for success. Manpreet also shares practical tips on assembling the right team, choosing the right property, and understanding regional market trends. Beyond the numbers, the episode highlights the lifestyle benefits of living in Canada, safe communities, great schools, and access to outdoor living, making it an appealing option for physicians and their families. A practical, reassuring episode for any doctor planning a move north and looking to make smart, informed real estate decisions.   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  

Dr. Dennis Kim, a trauma surgeon and intensivist who built trauma systems from Southern California to Vancouver Island. He talks about high-volume trauma care, rising gun violence and COVID’s impact, the grit of county hospital training, and the challenges of designing a regional trauma system on an island with limited resources. He also describes becoming a public medical educator on TikTok.

Dr. Michael Antil, an American-trained internist who moved to Toronto to rebuild primary care practice. He walks through immigration paths, licensing hurdles, work permits and provincial nominations. Taxes, professional incorporation, and tradeoffs between Canadian public services and U.S. costs get practical attention. He also reflects on mentorship, community values, and restoring work-life balance.

In Part 2 of this series, Dr. Rob Beck continues his conversation with Dr. Michael Antil, focusing on the lifestyle and practice differences he’s experienced since moving from the U.S. to Toronto. Dr. Antil describes reduced administrative complexity, lower overhead, predictable reimbursement, and a renewed sense of professional fulfillment. He also reflects on how life outside the hospital has changed, safer communities, more personal time, and a healthier pace. An honest look at what physicians gain, and what they give up, when choosing balance over burnout.   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

Dr. Michael Antil, a US-trained internist who moved his family from North Carolina to practice primary care in Toronto. He explains why burnout, pandemic-era community tensions, and financial pressures pushed him to leave. He contrasts U.S. administrative burdens with Canada’s simpler system, describes different patient expectations, and reflects on lifestyle and career renewal.

It’s the one-year anniversary of The Interesting MD Podcast, and Dr. Rob Beck is celebrating with a special longform conversation featuring Dr. Mark Royer as guest host. They reflect on how the show grew from a small idea into a real community of physicians and healthcare professionals. Rob shares how the podcast shifted from hobbies and side passions into deeper conversations about physician burnout, healthcare system challenges, and the growing interest in relocating from the U.S. to Canada. With humor, throwbacks, trivia, and honest reflection, this episode highlights what’s worked, what surprised them, and what’s coming next for Interesting MD. A fun, thoughtful, and grateful anniversary episode, built by physicians, for physicians.   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 reflective solo episode of The Interesting MD Podcast, Dr. Rob Beck tackles the ethical challenges physicians face outside the exam room, particularly when money, fame, or influence are involved. Rob shares firsthand experiences from his early practice working with musicians in Nashville, explaining how easily professional boundaries can blur and why he chose to push back against unnecessary or ethically questionable requests. He also opens up about walking away from a business opportunity that didn’t align with sound medical practice, despite financial incentives. This is an honest conversation about integrity, restraint, and staying grounded as a physician in an era of celebrity medicine, social media, and side hustles. A must-listen for any doctor navigating opportunities beyond traditional clinical work.   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

Stephen Marche, author and essayist known for The Next Civil War, discusses political violence, polarization, and how institutions crumble. He explores when and why physicians might become targets. They talk about safety choices like relocating, the erosion of rule of law, and where professionals can best remain useful and protected.

Stephen Marche, author and journalist who wrote The Next Civil War, joins to explore rising political violence and institutional breakdown. He discusses models forecasting fragmentation and cascading social disruption. Conversations cover suppression backfiring, gated cities and fragmentation of authority. The tone is probing and cautionary, linking large-scale risk to everyday life and professional vulnerability.

Dr. Amber Hull, a physician and writer focused on women’s health and immigration, shares her move from the U.S. to practice in Canada. She covers choosing Vancouver, visas and licensing steps, finding the right clinic and scope, immigration logistics like work permits and PR timing, and the emotional and practical challenges of starting over in a new country.