Episode 18: Impostor Syndrome in Healthcare Providers

In this episode, we shed light on impostor syndrome in healthcare. This all too common phenomenon is an isolating experience. Providers who feel like impostors are constantly striving to earn the acceptance they cannot give to themselves. This is most common in marginalized groups including people of color, first-generation college students, and women in male-dominated fields. If not addressed it worsens as people attain more prestige/higher positions and is associated with burnout. 

We share our experiences with impostor syndrome and how this has affected us in the clinic. Feeling inadequate or like a fraud definitely influences how a provider interacts with patients. Impostor syndrome is shaped by our thoughts and beliefs, which thankfully we can change. We end by discussing strategies that help us face impostor syndrome. 

Highlights from our conversation in Episode 18

• (0:34) Introduction
• (1:58) Defining Impostor Syndrome (IS)
• (2:30) Who is most likely to experience IS 
• (5:15) The link between IS and mental health 
• (5:45) Monika’s experience with IS 
• (7:45) How IS can show up in clinical practice 
• (12:24) Sammy’s experience with IS
• (19:55) Self-compassion as an antidote 
• (22:35) Affirmations to develop compassion
• (23:49) Connecting with others 
• (25:36) Seeking feedback to retrain your brain 
• (29:33) Adjusting your expectations of yourself 
• (30:04) Improving your self-awareness 
• (31:45) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy 

Thank you for listening to The Conscious Clinician. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and write a review for the podcast to grow our community. Keep the conversation going by following The Conscious Clinician on Instagram and Facebook. 

Resources from Episode 18

• (20:51) Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristen Neff
• What is self-compassion?
• Test your level of self-compassion
• (30:04) Impostor Syndrome test
• (31:45) Finding a CBT therapist

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