"Imposter syndrome (IS), also known as imposter phenomenon or imposterism, is defined as feelings of uncertainty, inadequacy, and being undeserving of one’s achievements despite evidence to the contrary. It's common among physicians. Experts have suggested many possible interventions/treatments for IS.
One consideration is to deemphasize our professional identity and take comfort in knowing that our real impact is based not on titles and recognition but on how we cultivate kindness and enhance other people’s lives, even in simple ways that are unrelated to our formal roles."-Thomas Beckman MD-Mayo Clinic Proceedings Nov. 2022.
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."-Maya Angelou.
I struggled with IS early in my medical career.
I'm not exactly sure when, but over time I started to introduce myself to new patients with just my first and last name while shaking their hand.
After the initial greeting, I would add, "I'm the doctor."
It was a way of connecting on a more personal level, in my opinion, seemed to promote a more optimal physician-patient relationship, and as an added benefit, helped to minimize the feeling of IS.
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