WATCH: Acute Care Surgeon Explains Why Impostor Syndrome Hasn't Held Her Back

In the latest episode of Houston Methodist's Women in Surgery video series, Dr. Nicole Tapia, a Houston Methodist Hospital general surgeon and critical care specialist, reflects on her journey from surgical intern at one of the busiest trauma centers in the nation to her current role as a leader in critical care education, research and patient care.

In a conversation with Dr. Shlomit Schaal, chief physician executive at Houston Methodist, Dr. Tapia provides an inside glimpse at the challenges and rewards of being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field.

No time for imposter syndrome

Dr. Tapia began her surgical training with an interest in surgical oncology but soon found herself drawn to trauma surgery. "I fell in love with trauma," she recalls, describing her first experiences in the ICU. "It was incredible that these very sick patients could have horrible things happen and walk out alive because of the care we provided."

During her seven-year residency, which included two dedicated research years, Dr. Tapia published extensively, making her a competitive candidate for fellowship training. She ultimately chose a one-year fellowship in surgical critical care, a decision that enabled her to provide comprehensive care from the operating room to the ICU.

Trauma surgery is unpredictable and intense, and Dr. Tapia acknowledges the stress that comes with it. "You never know what's going to come into the ER," she says. "You have a short period of time to make the most impact and save a life." As a fellow, she took on a leadership role, managing ICU rounds and overseeing junior residents while taking general surgery calls under attending supervision.

Such high-pressure environments can breed internal second-guessing, Dr. Tapia says she doesn't let self-doubt hold her back. "Everyone has impostor syndrome to some extent," she says, "but your job is to save the patient. That focus makes everything else go out the window."

After years as a trauma surgeon, Dr. Tapia transitioned to acute care surgery, a field that combines general surgery with critical care. "I missed general surgical cases," she explains. "At Houston Methodist, we see very complex cases, and although we don't specialize in trauma, we handle high-acuity patients requiring a very high level of care."

Her work involves taking calls from emergency departments and hospitals across Texas and beyond, coordinating the transfer of critically ill patients to Houston Methodist for specialized care.

Balancing career and family

As a surgeon and a mother, Dr. Tapia navigates the demands of both roles with the support of her husband and colleagues. "I'm very fortunate to have wonderful partners who also have families," she says. While she might miss a PTA meeting, she makes it to most of her son's baseball games.

As an educator and mentor, Dr. Tapia is committed to training the next generation of surgeons. She is particularly passionate about robotic surgery education and recently secured a grant to develop new teaching methods for residents. She also advocates for open conversations about career and family planning since physicians often put off having children until after their extensive training is complete.

Her message to aspiring young surgeons is clear: "Go for it. Be wholeheartedly committed to whatever you choose to do. Use all your resources, do your research and don't let anything hold you back."

Dr. Tapia is optimistic about the future of surgery and the caliber of young surgeons entering the field. "It's truly a privilege to train them," she says. "Watching them grow from unsure interns to confident leaders is incredibly rewarding."

Through her insightful questions, Dr. Schaal invites Dr. Tapia to expand upon the evolving culture of surgical training, where mentorship, work-life balance, and opportunities for women continue to expand.

Click on the image above to hear more from Dr. Tapia about her role as a surgeon and her advice for young surgeons starting out in the field.