In medicine, the hardest critic you’ll face is often yourself. In this episode of BackTable Urology, Dr. Michelle Van Kuiken joins host Dr. Lindsay Hampson to unpack the realities of imposter syndrome in urology practice and discuss its impact on trainees and professionals

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SYNPOSIS

Dr. Van Kuiken and Dr. Hampson explain the basics of imposter syndrome, its prevalence, and the many ways it can show up in medical training and practice. They also share candid personal experiences and practical strategies for overcoming self-doubt, from reframing negative thoughts to embracing feedback as a tool for growth. The doctors highlight the value of mentorship, peer support, and celebrating achievements, as well as the importance of creating a culture where vulnerability and open conversations are encouraged.

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:29 - Defining Imposter Syndrome
04:24 - Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome
08:44 - Impact of Imposter Syndrome in Medicine
10:39 - Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome
13:59 - The Role of Mentorship
16:28 - Gender and Mentorship in Medicine
27:24 - Peer Support and Building Community
32:13 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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RESOURCES

Medical Trainees and the Dunning–Kruger Effect: When They Don't Know What They Don't Know:
https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-20-00134.1

Imposter Syndrome in Surgical Trainees: Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale Assessment in General Surgery Residents:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.07.681

Defining the Incidence of the Impostor Phenomenon in Academic Plastic Surgery: A Multi-Institutional Survey Study:
https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000010821

Academic Urology Endowments and Leadership Roles are Disproportionately Held by Male Urologists:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2025.04.038

Implementation of a “Best Self” Exercise to Decrease Imposter Phenomenon in Residents:
https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-23-00873.1

Keep-Stop-Start Framework:
https://meded.ucsf.edu/sites/meded.ucsf.edu/files/2024-06/TipSheet-Feedback.pdf

Lean In:
https://leanin.org/

W. Brad Johnson, PhD:
https://www.wbradjohnson.com/