What are some strategies to prevent imposter syndrome as an ophthalmologist?
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Imposter syndrome can drive personal growth
I think that impostor syndrome is prevalent and that probably every person has felt it at some point in their career.
One thing I try and do when I have that feeling or when I worry that I am not qualified enough for a task is to go back to the basic science if it is an ophthalmology topic or a surgical skill. I take a step back and think about the topic or surgical skill I am not feeling confident in, and then I will do research and learn as much as I can about the topic. That inherently makes me more confident and reduces imposter syndrome.
It is important to stay positive. Being aware of imposter syndrome will help us recognize that feeling when we are having it. Be mindful of the fact that imposter syndrome is a reality for almost everyone. It helps to focus on the skill that I want to learn and not worry about what other people think.
Being older and having more wisdom and experience have helped me reduce that feeling of impostor syndrome, but I don’t think it ever fully goes away because I am always learning something. If we are trying to drive ourselves in our career, learn more, and expand our skill set and knowledge, it is almost natural and inevitable to have some type of imposter syndrome. If we are only staying in our comfort zone, then maybe we will not have impostor syndrome. So, if you are pushing the boundaries, moving forward and learning, we could look at it as a good thing. It shows that you are advancing yourself and moving outside of your comfort zone, which allows for growth.
- For more information:
- Jennifer Loh, MD, is a Healio | OSN Technology Board Member.
Mantras help overcome imposter syndrome
Feelings of inadequacy manifesting in anxiety and perfectionism characterize imposter syndrome, with thoughts like, “I feel like a fake,” “I don’t deserve this or deserve to be here,” and “I really don’t have what it takes to be here” being present.
Thoughts of insecurity and self-doubt can trouble the most skilled surgeons. In an ophthalmologist, these thoughts translate as, “I am not a good/natural surgeon; all my patients must have good outcomes; my complication rate has to be 0.0000001%; I need to be able to see ‘xyz’ number of patients more in shorter clinic visits with a 100% patient satisfaction rate; that new surgical technique is only for great ophthalmologists and not me; and the learning curve may be too steep for me.” These thoughts may cycle through the minds of ophthalmologists and are frequently unfounded.
Combating imposter syndrome requires some measure of self-awareness, at least enough to recognize these for what they are — thoughts and feelings and not reality. Pausing the thoughts to spell out the facts (often repeatedly) is a power tool, as is identifying and giving yourself credit for previous personal achievements and victories.
Recalling the training required to become an ophthalmologist, retinal surgeon, glaucoma specialist and so on provides positive feedback.
Recognize that almost everyone, including the “greats,” feels or has felt inadequate at some point in life and everyone has made a mistake at some point, too — no one is excluded from them. I will quote George Spaeth who once said, “Why do you think you of all surgeons should have no complications?”
Mantras for the ophthalmologist combating imposter syndrome sound like this:
- I went through medical school. I was accepted and completed an ophthalmology residency, and that is no small feat.
- I am a trained surgeon.
- I have learned the basics of surgery and can adapt to new techniques.
- I once was unable to perform intraocular surgery. Now look at what I can do.
- My attendings and/or whoever is responsible for putting me on this platform as an ophthalmologist, a speaker or whatever the position is not a fool and is capable of making reasonable judgments and has decided I belong here.
When dealing with negative thoughts, these reminders can act as a tool to reinforce your sense of value and worth. These feelings can initially be persistent, but the more we combat them, the less frequently we will have to battle.
Lastly, keep pushing on despite how you feel. Remember the saying: “Fake it till you make it.”
- For more information:
- Omolola “Lola” Idowu, MD, is CEO of LongView Eye Associates, Hanover, Maryland.
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