Patients expect calm, focus and professionalism regardless of what is happening behind the scenes. “Even if you’re running behind or stressed, you don’t want patients to notice or feel it,” she says. “You have to give your full attention to each patient when you are with them.” On MasterChef, she felt the same expectation applied: projecting confidence externally while managing stress internally. Contestants came from across Canada, spanning different ages and life stages, but united by a shared passion for food. “Being in such a high-pressure situation, you get to know each other quickly and form relationships much stronger than you normally would,” says Dr. Worndl. With limited downtime and little outside contact, much of their off-camera time was spent together. Dr. Worndl didn’t expect to reach the show’s finale when she entered the competition. “I just felt lucky to make it to day one,” she says. But as the weeks progressed and she received stronger feedback, the possibility began to feel real. “I realized I had a chance at going all the way. The desire to win became more intense over time.” Lessons Beyond the Kitchen After filming ended, Dr. Worndl returned to dentistry but still had to keep the experience private for months until the show aired. “From February until September last year, I had to keep my mouth shut,” she says. When it finally became public, the response was overwhelming. She heard from former U of T dental school classmates and instructors, even people from childhood. “It truly felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says. Her relationship with cooking has evolved since the show. “Since going on MasterChef, I’ve taken my food blog to a new level,” she says. “We’re making videos now, I’m publishing a lot more and I’ve got a newsletter. It’s like I’m working two full-time jobs, but dentistry is my professional side, and the kitchen is where I can be creative and breathe.” Overall, the entire experience reinforced something she now values deeply: the importance of balance. Early in her dental career, she lost touch with cooking while building her practice. “I didn’t post on my blog for three or four years,” she says. “I felt like I was missing something.” Now, she believes maintaining both passions has made her stronger in each domain. “I’m a better dentist,” she says, “and I have this passion on the side that I really care about.” Dr. Liz Worndl’s recipes can be found on: Instagram: @plated.by.liz YouTube: @Plated-by-Liz Subscribe to her newsletter: substack.com/@platedbyliz Dr. Worndl in her home kitchen. Overall, the entire experience reinforced something she now values deeply: the importance of balance. 22 | 2026 | Issue 4 News and Events
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