In this episode, Tina Bhutani, MD, MAS, joins The Medical Sisterhood for a discussion about confronting imposter syndrome as a woman in medicine.
Introduction and Background - 00:00
Understanding Imposter Syndrome - 02:02
Personal Experiences with Imposter Syndrome - 03:29
Strategies for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome - 08:02
The Role of Support and Community - 10:34
Conclusion and Final Thoughts - 12:29
In this episode of The Medical Sisterhood, host Mona Shahriari, MD, sits down with dermatologist Tina Bhutani, MD, codirector of the Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center and director of the Dermatology Clinical Research Unit at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), to explore the challenges of imposter syndrome, particularly among women in medicine. Bhutani, who also serves as an associate professor of Medicine at UCSF, reflects on her personal experiences, sharing how her journey into dermatology was marked by setbacks, self-doubt, and a persistent fear of not belonging—even after securing a faculty position at UCSF, one of the top dermatology programs in the country.
Together, Shahriari, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine and the associate director of clinical trials at Central Connecticut Dermatology Research, and Bhutani dive into the ways imposter syndrome manifests, from overthinking every comment in meetings to feeling like accomplishments are due to luck rather than merit. Bhutani shares practical strategies for overcoming this mindset, including self-coaching, leaning on peer mentors, and recognizing the unique value each woman brings to the table. The episode emphasizes the need for women to uplift one another in professional spaces, particularly in male-dominated fields, and to celebrate personal milestones and successes.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into how to confront self-doubt, build confidence, and foster supportive networks to navigate the pressures of medicine. Shahriari and Bhutani also discuss how creating a community—like the one they hope to build with The Medical Sisterhood—can empower women physicians to thrive.
Tune in monthly on HCPLive for empowering conversations that will help you build a fulfilling career and life! All episodes of The Medical Sisterhood will be available in a video format via HCPLive.com, with audio-only version available via Apple and Spotify.
