URiMs and Imposter Syndrome: Symptoms of Inhospitable Work Environments?

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Workforce diversity is associated with improved health outcomes. Currently, primary care physicians who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM) disproportionately work in underserved areas. Increasingly, URiM faculty describe experiencing imposter syndrome (IS), including a sense of not belonging in their work environment and a lack of recognition. Studies of IS among family medicine faculty are not prevalent nor are the factors most associated with IS among URiMs and non-URiMs. The objectives of our study were to (1) determine prevalence of IS among URiM faculty compared to non-URiM faculty; (2) determine factors associated with IS among both URiM and non-URiM faculty. Methods: Four hundred thirty participants completed anonymous, electronic surveys. We measured IS using a 20-item validated scale. Results: Among all respondents, 43% reported frequent/intense IS. URiMs were not more likely than non-URiMs to report IS. Factors independently associated with IS for both URiM and non-URiM respondents include inadequate mentorship (P<.05) and poor professional belonging (P<.05). However, inadequate mentorship, low professional integration and belonging, and racial/ethnic discrimination-based exclusion from professional opportunities (all P<.05) were more prevalent among URiMs than non-URiMs. Conclusions: While URiMs are not more likely than non-URiMS to experience frequent/intense IS, they are more likely to report racial/ethnic discrimination, inadequate mentorship, and low professional integration and belonging. These factors are associated with IS and may be reflective of how institutionalized racism impedes mentorship and optimal professional integration, which may be internalized and perceived as IS among URiM faculty. Yet, URiM career success in academic medicine is crucial for achieving health equity.

Reaching back to enhance the future: the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pipeline Program

“…Being able to ‘see’ themselves in their mentors as a relatable (and now possibly attainable) goal helps to deconstruct pervasive imposter syndrome experienced by many students of color. 19 As evidenced by the thematic analysis of the application essays, acknowledging personal loss, community empowerment and the effectiveness of current school programs is critical in their path to surgery.…”

“…Several studies have demonstrated the critical importance of mentorship, allyship and targeted recruitment. [17][18][19][20] The program surveys revealed that the vast majority of students reported a strong positive connection with their mentor who often shared URiM racial/ethnic or gender concordance. Being able to 'see' themselves in their mentors as a relatable (and now possibly attainable) goal helps to deconstruct pervasive imposter syndrome experienced by many students of color.…”

Seeing Is Believing: Mentorship Fosters Hope in Students Underrepresented in Medicine

“…Her reflective and critical approach significantly influenced my perspective in both medicine and research, fostering a culture of innovation, problem-solving, and patient-centered care. 1 In my research, I found this ability to conceptualize a topic to be an invaluable asset. Through the lens of a pianist, I learned to appreciate the symphony of signaling in disease pathophysiology, with each element playing its part in the seeming cacophony of aberrant biology.…”

“…Thus, mentorship should be considered an essential component of any institution's infrastructure to increase equity and support URiM students. 1 As URiM students, we exist in spaces where few people look like us, and many of our classmates come from wealthier, higher-status families. This, in concert with the pressures of counteracting the racism and stereotypes we encounter, reduces our sense of belonging-to the detriment of our success.…”

“…Mentorship fosters professional growth and development in the field of dermatology by enabling medical students and residents to learn from those who have been in their position. 1 We have personally gained invaluable insights into career advancement, research opportunities, and professional networking through our mentors. The challenge we often face is that of restricted time.…”