Feeling like an imposter?
09 Jun 2021
Imposter phenomenon (IP) mainly afflicts high achievers and people with perfectionist tendencies.2
It’s most common at early career stages or at times of transition, and in careers that have high levels of expectation and a high cost of mistakes.3
More than low self-confidence, IP involves a pattern of thinking where success is attributed to factors beyond our control, and a constant fear of exposure, isolation and rejection.4 These thoughts can be overwhelming, affecting mental health and causing people to change careers or decide to not go on with their training.5
Syndrome or phenomenon?
Although imposter syndrome is the term commonly used, it was actually first (and more accurately) documented as imposter phenomenon6 – because IP is not a diagnosable condition as the term ‘syndrome’ suggests.
If you answered ‘often’ or ‘always’ to most of these questions, you may be experiencing IP. Please note these results are not an official diagnosis – if you have concerns, talk to your GP or mental health provider.
It can help to:
- talk about what you’re going through with someone else3,5
- focus on what you’re doing well and acknowledge your success2,3
- pay attention to situations where you feel like an imposter and challenge these thoughts with evidence.2
Resources
Member-only podcasts on imposter syndrome:
- Part one, Feeling like a fraud? – focuses on how imposter syndrome is experienced (18 minutes)
- Part two, Taking action – explores multiple strategies for responding to maladaptive imposter thoughts (22 minutes)
For all: 6-minute excerpt of the podcasts.
References
1. Shorten K. High-Achievers Suffering From ‘Imposter Syndrome’. Available here.
2. Gazelle G. How Overcoming the Imposter Syndrome Decreases Physician Burnout. Available here.
3. Stark J. Am I Normal? Imposter Syndrome. Available here.
4. Trehan D. Imposter Syndrome is a Growing Problem for Young People. Available here.
5. Lewin E. 'I Thought It Was Just Me': Registrars and Impostor Syndrome. Available here.
6. Clance P, Imes S. The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention. Available here.
My Career Journey with Dr Nick Coatsworth
Dr Nick Coatsworth is an expert in health policy, public administration and a practising infectious diseases physician. He held a national role in the Australian response to COVID-19 as Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Australia, becoming one of the most recognised medical spokespeople during the pandemic. Nick engaged the Australian community through a variety of media platforms most notably as the spearhead of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign. Dr Micheal Gannon, Obstetrician & Gynaecologist, sits down with Dr Nick Coatsworth to discuss Nick's medical career journey, and what insights and advice he has for junior doctors. MDA National would like to acknowledge the contributions of MDA National staff, Members, friends and colleagues in the production of the podcast and note that this work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under applicable copyright law, you may not reproduce the content of this podcast without the permission of MDA National. This podcast contains generic information only, is intended to stimulate thought and discussion, and doesn’t account for requirements of any particular individual. The content may contain opinions which are not necessarily those of MDA National. We recommend that you always contact your indemnity provider when you require specific advice in relation to your insurance policy or medico-legal matters. MDA National Members need to contact us for specific medico-legal advice on freecall 1800 011 255 or email advice@mdanational.com.au. We may also refer you to other professional services.
09 Jun 2022
Career complications and contending with uncertainty
Among the many challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for junior doctors is how to respond to medical training impacts and career uncertainty. In this podcast, Dr Caroline Elton (a psychologist who specialises in helping doctors)and Dr Benjamin Veness (a Psychiatry registrar) share advice for coping with medical training and career delays, disruptions and unknowns.
10 Aug 2020
