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3. OVERCOME THE IMPOSTER SYNDROME
In the hundreds of physicians I’ve coached, the incidence of the Imposter Syndrome is over 90%. Almost all physicians are walking around feeling like imposters. In short, Imposter Syndrome involves the sense that what we know is miniscule and what our peers know is massive. We all know true narcissists, but for the rest of us, the risk of the Imposter Syndrome is high. And it’s a very debilitating condition that erodes self-esteem, leads to excessive rumination, and contributes to the exhaustion of burnout.
Given how knowledge-based our work is and just how much medical information is available, the Imposter Syndrome is truly an occupational hazard of being a physician.
It’s critical that you manage your own Imposter Syndrome just as you have patients manage whatever chronic condition you’re treating.
Be present: the key here is to notice your pattern. Any time you have a thought of being an imposter, name that to yourself. Then, very intentionally, remind yourself that this is simply a thought process, and not the truth. Questioning your thoughts in this way is a key to building your resilience.