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Imposter Phenomenon in Medicine: Recognizing the Signs and Taking Action

Writer's picture: Santina WheatSantina Wheat

When interviewing applicants for residency, I’m often asked if my residents feel confident in their abilities upon graduation, especially in specific skills. Recently, I’ve started to reframe my response. I confidently share that my residents gain ample exposure, practice, and competence in these skills—but confidence? That’s another story altogether. Confidence is deeply personal and varies greatly from one individual to another.


As I reflect on my career, I recognize there have been countless moments when I had the knowledge, the exposure, and the experience to excel. Intellectually, I knew I was capable. Yet emotionally, even when presented with opportunities to take the next step, I sometimes felt like I didn’t belong, wasn’t good enough, or was just one misstep away from being exposed as an imposter.


These feelings weren’t just thoughts—they often showed up in my body. I’ve felt them as a heavy pit in my stomach, shortness of breath, or sleepless nights spent replaying every decision I made that day.


Does this sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Many high achieving fields like medicine, have experienced imposter phenomenon—that persistent, nagging feeling that our successes are due to luck, timing, or external help rather than our own abilities.

Imposter phenomenon isn’t a reflection of your competence. Instead, it often stems from the pressures we face. In medicine, we’re no strangers to perfectionism and the weight of high expectations, whether imposed by ourselves, our families, or our profession. These factors create fertile ground for self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy, even when all evidence points to the contrary.


Let’s dive deeper into how imposter phenomenon might show up in your life and, more importantly, how to start overcoming it.


Note pad with question to "Myself" asking Do I belong
Do I belong


Three Signs You May Be Experiencing Imposter Phenomenon


  1. Attributing Success to External Factors

    When others recognize your accomplishments, you might dismiss their praise, thinking, They’re just being polite or I only succeeded because of luck or someone’s help. This inability to own your achievements is a hallmark of imposter phenomenon.


  2. Perfectionism and Fear of Failure

    Do you set impossibly high standards for yourself, fearing that even a minor mistake will expose you as inadequate? Perfectionism can keep you stuck in a cycle of anxiety and overwork, where no amount of effort feels like enough to prove your worth.


  3. Difficulty Internalizing Success

    Even after years of hard work and earning accolades, you might struggle to feel that you truly deserve your success. Instead, you worry that others will “find out” that you’re not as capable as they think you are.


If these experiences resonate with you, know that they’re common and manageable. The key is to start addressing them in intentional ways.


Five Ways to Tackle Imposter Phenomenon

  1. Acknowledge and Name It

    Recognizing that you’re experiencing imposter phenomenon is a powerful first step. By naming it, you begin to take away some of its control over your thoughts and feelings. Remember, this phenomenon is common among high achievers and doesn’t reflect your abilities or potential.


  2. Reframe Your Thoughts

    Challenge negative self-talk with evidence. For instance, instead of thinking, I don’t belong here, tell yourself, I’ve worked hard to be here, and I’m growing every day. By shifting your mindset, you can replace self-doubt with self-assurance.


  3. Track and Celebrate Achievements

    Start keeping a journal or list of your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Did you handle a challenging patient case? Get positive feedback from a peer or mentor? Write it down. Revisiting this list regularly can help ground you in the reality of your skills and progress. Even reflecting on one small win each day can reinforce your belief in yourself.


  4. Seek Support and Share Your Feelings

    You’re not alone in experiencing imposter phenomenon. Opening up to a trusted mentor, colleague, or coach can provide fresh perspectives and reassurance. Often, others see strengths in us that we overlook. Talking about your feelings can help you realize just how common—and unfounded—these doubts often are.


  5. Embrace Mistakes as Part of Growth

    No one’s path to success is perfectly linear. Mistakes and setbacks are part of learning and improving. Instead of fearing failure, view it as an opportunity to grow. Even the most accomplished professionals started as novices and made missteps along the way.

Final Thoughts

Imposter phenomenon thrives in silence and self-doubt, but it doesn’t have to control your narrative. By recognizing the signs, reframing your mindset, and taking proactive steps, you can start to quiet that inner critic and replace it with a voice of self-compassion and confidence.

Remember, confidence is a skill that develops over time through practice, reflection, and self-awareness. Just as you’ve built your competence through hard work and persistence, you can cultivate your confidence in the same way.

If you’re struggling with imposter phenomenon, you don’t have to navigate it alone. As a career and life coach, I specialize in helping healthcare professionals overcome these challenges, rediscover their purpose, and find balance and joy in their work and lives.

Take the Next Step

If you’re ready to tackle imposter phenomenon and build a career filled with confidence and fulfillment, I invite you to schedule a free discovery call. Together, we’ll explore your goals, challenges, and how personalized coaching can help you thrive. Click here to schedule your call today.

You’ve worked hard to get where you are—now let’s make sure you feel as capable and confident as you truly are.


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