Should Medical Educators Help Learners Reframe Imposterism?

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Medical Education
• Professional Development

Background:

• Impostor syndrome, also known as imposter phenomenon or imposterism, is a widespread psychological construct.
• It is frequently observed in the general population and particularly among healthcare providers.
• Existing literature often describes impostorism descriptively, with limited exploration of its impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reframe the approach to impostorism in medical professionals.
• To help medical students, residents, and physicians view episodic feelings of impostorism as appropriate situational responses.
• To mitigate potential negative psychological and behavioral consequences associated with impostorism.

Main Methods:

• This study presents an argument for a reframed approach to understanding and managing impostorism.
• It synthesizes existing knowledge on the associations and implications of impostorism.
• The authors advocate for a shift in perspective rather than a focus on eradication.

Main Results:

• Impostorism is associated with psychological distress, including stress, shame, guilt, and burnout.
• It can lead to behaviors like "hiding out," which hinder career progression.
• The universality of these feelings across the medical training and practice continuum is highlighted.

Conclusions:

• Episodic feelings of impostorism are virtually universal among individuals in medical and scientific careers.
• Appropriate management can channel these feelings into positive responses.
• Reframing impostorism can improve emotional health and mitigate adverse psychological and behavioral outcomes.