Imposter Syndrome: What Is It and What Can We Do About It?

Betsy Grunch, Erin Raybon-Rojas, and April P. McDonald (all female MD physicians) talk around the table about an ever growing tacit issue in the workforce – imposter syndrome. Now, what exactly is imposter syndrome? In the video they define it as a behavioral health phenomenon that has behaviors such as self doubt, self doubt of skills, thoughts, and solutions. It’s akin to gaslighting…energy, conversations, and actions that belittle us slowly over time, until we lose all our strength and confidence. 

What these educated women tell us is that imposter syndrome stems externally, it’s from other people doubting us, and not that we actually doubt ourselves. It’s the idea that you have to prove to others something before you’re worthy and can be seen by them, and oftentimes it happens to women in work settings. These women cite real experiences where they are told they need a man to tell them they’re qualified to do a task at work. Absolutely unbelievable. 

Erin Raybon-Rojas, MD and Betsy Grunch, MD

They mention that in a study, 70% of female CEOs experience some form of imposter syndrome. So the dying question: what can we do about it? What can we do to change the trajectory of the pipelines? The ladies came up with some insightful solutions:

1. Mentorship: showing other women or minorities first hand, growing the tribe of diverse people.
2. Inclusion
3. Open up the conversation about it – there may not be tangible solutions right now, but the problem needs to be acknowledged 

April P. McDonald

Some beautiful and empowering wisdom from beautiful and empowering women.

@sdj2023

@andrewise6366

To watch the full interview, click the link below:

NGHS Continuing Medical Education