Is Imposter Syndrome Prevalent Among Cardiothoracic Trainees and Early Career Surgeons?

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Psychology
• Medical Education

Background:

• Imposter syndrome (IS) is prevalent among physicians.
• This study focuses on cardiothoracic trainees and early-career surgeons.
• IS involves feeling inadequate despite evidence of success.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of imposter syndrome in cardiothoracic trainees and early-career surgeons.
• To investigate the impact of imposter syndrome on this population.
• To identify factors associated with imposter syndrome.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to US cardiothoracic surgery trainees and early-career (EC) surgeons.
• Validated scales for imposter phenomenon, social support, burnout, anxiety, and depression were used.
• Multivariable logistic regression and Pearson correlation coefficients were employed.

Main Results:

• 61.6% of respondents experienced significant imposter syndrome, more common in trainees (71.9%) than EC surgeons (53.2%).
• Female gender predicted IS (OR 6.9), while a thoracic training track was protective (OR 0.26).
• IS positively correlated with anxiety and foregone career opportunities, and negatively with social support.

Conclusions:

• Imposter syndrome is common in cardiothoracic trainees and early-career surgeons, particularly linked to anxiety.
• Associations with gender, training track, social support, and career opportunities were observed.
• Further research and mitigation strategies for IS in cardiothoracic training are recommended.