Ep. 255 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: New Perspectives for Urology Trainees with Dr. Michelle Van Kuiken

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---SYNPOSISDr. 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.---TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Introduction02:29 - Defining Imposter Syndrome04:24 - Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome08:44 - Impact of Imposter Syndrome in Medicine10:39 - Strategies to Overcome Imposter Syndrome13:59 - The Role of Mentorship16:28 - Gender and Mentorship in Medicine27:24 - Peer Support and Building Community32:13 - Final Thoughts and Takeaways---RESOURCESMedical Trainees and the Dunning–Kruger Effect: When They Don't Know What They Don't Know:https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-20-00134.1Imposter Syndrome in Surgical Trainees: Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale Assessment in General Surgery Residents:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.07.681Defining the Incidence of the Impostor Phenomenon in Academic Plastic Surgery: A Multi-Institutional Survey Study:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0000000000010821Academic Urology Endowments and Leadership Roles are Disproportionately Held by Male Urologists:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2025.04.038Implementation of a “Best Self” Exercise to Decrease Imposter Phenomenon in Residents:https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-23-00873.1Keep-Stop-Start Framework:https://meded.ucsf.edu/sites/meded.ucsf.edu/files/2024-06/TipSheet-Feedback.pdfLean In: https://leanin.org/W. Brad Johnson, PhD: https://www.wbradjohnson.com/