Resources

It's 5 AM on your first day as an attending. A 5-year-old has aspirated a Lego block. You formulate your plan and glance at the door, waiting for a senior resident to confirm. No one's coming. You are the final read.

If you’ve ever rushed to practice before an FLS exam only to find the sim lab locked or overbooked, you’re not alone. Laparoscopic residents face a constant tension between motivation and access. The truth is, not all simulators are created equal—your choice of training tool directly impacts how fast you learn, how much you retain, and whether those skills transfer into the OR.

Impostor syndrome in surgery goes beyond simple self-doubt. It is shaped by upbringing, personality, and the intense pressure of the operating room. Many residents silently question their abilities even while performing at a high level. This article explores the real causes of impostor syndrome among surgeons and shares practical, research-based strategies to rebuild confidence, recognize progress, and take control of your own development. You are not alone in feeling this way, and you truly belong here.

When residents stop waiting for access and start owning their training, everything changes. At NASCE 2025, that shift was unmistakable. Around the Laptitude booth, we saw a new kind of energy: residents competing, learning, and building confidence on their own time. What began as a demo became a glimpse into the future of surgical education: self-driven, connected, and powered by autonomy.

Struggling with laparoscopic instruments doesn’t mean you lack talent, it means your brain is still adapting. Surgical skill isn’t innate; it’s built through deliberate repetition that rewires neural circuits and sharpens hand–eye coordination. With structured practice, even the most awkward beginner can develop smooth, confident technique in the OR.

Preparing for the FLS exam doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Between limited lab time and packed residency schedules, it’s easy to fall behind, but with smart strategies, focused practice, and tools like Laptitude to remove access barriers, you can walk into exam day confident and ready.