Most residents know what they need to improve in laparoscopic surgery—but not when or how to practise it consistently.
At-home training turns small pockets of time into structured practice that actually builds skill.
Simulation labs aren’t the issue - access is. When training is irregular, skill development slows.
Consistent, structured practice - not location - is what actually builds laparoscopic skill.
Surgical residents spend thousands of hours in the OR, but exposure alone doesn’t build skill.
The OR shows you surgery. It doesn’t provide the repetition, feedback, or volume needed to develop laparoscopic technique.
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.