Feel like an imposter physician? It won’t stop when residency’s over

Of all age groups, physicians 35–44 years old have the highest average score on measure of imposter syndrome, says a recent study.

By: Brendan Murphy

A survey of more than 3,000 physicians shows that nearly one in four doctors across the career spectrum reports frequent or intense symptoms of imposter phenomenon—a psychological construct characterized by the persistent belief that one’s success is undeserved rather than due to personal effort, skill and ability.

Coupled with other available data points, the study’s findings suggest that for many physicians, imposter phenomenon experiences—sometimes referred to as imposter syndrome—can develop during medical school and residency and continue beyond training.

“Although physicians are compassionate with others, they often hold themselves to unrealistic expectations and are perfectionistic and self-critical,” said AMA member Tait Shanafelt , MD, the study’s first author and the chief wellness officer at Stanford Medicine Partners . “A number of professional norms and aspects of the culture of medicine also suggest that physicians should be impervious to normal human limitations.?This combination of these professional norms and a highly accomplished peer group can lead to feelings of inadequacy that also contribute to the imposter syndrome.”

How young physicians are affected

The study, published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, found that physicians more frequently experience disappointment in present accomplishments than workers in other fields. Using a modified version of the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale, the survey found that 40.4% of physicians had imposter phenomenon scores that would fall in the minimal range, 36.4% had scores in the moderate range, 17.4% had scores in the frequent range and 5.8% had scores in the intense range.

Average imposter phenomenon scores were higher (unfavorable) among women and younger physicians. For example, the average score (range 4-20) was 11.32 among physicians under 35 and 11.46 among physicians 35–44 years old. Both averages fall into the “moderate” imposter phenomenon category. The average dropped to 10.10 for the 45–54 age group and 9.39 for physicians 55–64 years old, still in the “moderate” range.?

“Over time physicians may be less likely to compare themselves to their peers, to recognize that people have different professional values and priorities, and to focus on those areas of greatest meaning to themselves rather than comparing themselves to peers,” Dr. Shanafelt said. “As they become more established in their career, they may also have more confidence and self-esteem.”

Imposter phenomenon scores also were less favorable among those working in academic practice or in the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION HEALTH CARE . In analyzing the scores among women physicians, higher rates of imposter phenomenon persisted after adjusting for age, relationship status, hours worked per week, practice setting and specialty.

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