Confidence grows through experience, but resilience is built by confronting challenges, learning from setbacks, and knowing when to seek support. Surgical careers bring moments of uncertainty, difficult decisions, and professional conflict that can test even the most experienced physicians. For women in surgery, navigating expectations, overcoming self-doubt, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities can add additional complexity. Developing confidence requires more than technical skill; it also involves humility, honest self-reflection, supportive relationships, and the ability to approach challenges constructively. Host Courtney Collins, MD, an abdominal wall surgeon at The Ohio State University, welcomes plastic surgeons Danielle LeBlanc, MD, Melinda Kimbrel, MD, Mindy Haws, MD, and Caroline Glicksman, MD, for a candid conversation about confidence, conflict, and resilience throughout a surgical career. Drawing on decades of experience in private practice, mentorship, research, and professional society leadership, the panelists reflect on the distinction between confidence and arrogance, the emotional challenges of surgical complications, and the importance of learning from difficult experiences. They also discuss navigating workplace conflict, establishing realistic expectations, managing family responsibilities, and recognizing that leadership and professional success can take many forms. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the value of trusted colleagues, mentorship, and supporting the next generation of surgeons. Topics Discussed Building confidence and overcoming imposter syndromeNavigating gender expectations and professional bias in surgeryUnderstanding the difference between confidence and arroganceManaging surgical complications with honesty and accountabilityDeveloping resilience through setbacks and difficult experiencesBuilding trusted professional support networksNavigating workplace conflict and communicating expectationsBalancing career development, family responsibilities, and personal well-beingRecognizing different pathways and timelines for professional successDeveloping leadership through mentorship and everyday opportunitiesKey Takeaways Build confidence through experience. Develop trust in your abilities while remaining open to feedback, continued learning, and professional growth.Lead with humility. Recognize that acknowledging mistakes, discussing complications, and seeking advice demonstrate accountability rather than weakness.Address complications directly. Maintain communication with patients, remain engaged in their care, and evaluate difficult outcomes to identify opportunities for improvement.Strengthen your support network. Cultivate relationships with trusted colleagues who can offer clinical perspectives, emotional support, and honest feedback during challenging situations.Approach conflict as an opportunity for growth. Examine underlying expectations, communicate clearly, and work toward solutions rather than avoiding difficult conversations.Recognize that careers evolve. Understand that family responsibilities, personal priorities, and professional ambitions may require different levels of attention throughout your career.Give yourself room to grow. Avoid measuring success against someone else's timeline or feeling pressured to pursue every opportunity early in your career.Recognize everyday leadership. Make a difference by supporting colleagues, mentoring trainees, contributing to committees, and leading within your own practice.Invest in the next generation. Share your experiences, encourage emerging leaders, and create opportunities for others to develop confidence and pursue meaningful professional roles.The LIMITLESS Leaders podcast series is presented by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) in collaboration with The Aesthetic Society, with generous support from Allergan Aesthetics. About Enhance Your Practice Enhance Your Practice is the official practice management podcast from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), featuring conversations with leaders in plastic surgery on practice management, leadership, innovation, and professional development. Each episode delivers practical insights to help plastic surgeons build successful practices and thrive throughout their careers. Explore more educational resources from ASPS at plasticsurgery.org.
