Abstract
Purpose: Imposter phenomenon refers to feelings of inadequacy due to inability to internalize evident success. While high achievers such as physicians have been known to exhibit imposter phenomenon, there is limited literature specific to radiologists. Our purpose was to (1) investigate imposter phenomenon in radiologists and assess correlation with burnout, and (2) pilot an intervention aimed at addressing imposter phenomenon through improvisational theater techniques. Methods: Part 1 - Clinical radiology faculty at a single large academic medical center completed an anonymous survey with questions related to demographics, burnout (derived from the validated Mini-Z assessment tool), and imposter phenomenon. Part 2 - A one-hour interactive workshop on imposter phenomenon was organized for the radiology department at the same institution. The workshop included the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS). A post-workshop survey rating was also performed. Results: Part 1 - Of 30 clinical radiology faculty who participated in the survey, 83% reported feelings of imposter phenomenon during their career. There was significant (p = 0.024) correlation between imposter phenomenon and burnout. Part 2 - Of 21 members of the Department of Radiology who completed the CIPS in the interactive workshop, 71% exhibited frequent or intense symptoms of imposter phenomenon. On the post-workshop survey asking participants to rate the workshop, the mean score was 4.4 and the mode score was 5 on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Conclusion: Imposter phenomenon affects radiologists and is correlated with burnout. Innovative interventions to address imposter phenomenon such as workshops utilizing medical improvisational techniques are well-received.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 94-99 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Clinical Imaging |
| Volume | 82 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Feb 2022 |
Funding
Funding was awarded through an internal institutional wellness grant. We developed an innovative workshop on imposter phenomenon utilizing techniques and strategies of improvisational theater. The goals of the workshop were to introduce the concept of imposter phenomenon, provide reframing exercises for imposter feelings, and promote teamwork and wellness within the department. Of note, the workshop was not designed to “cure” imposter phenomenon but rather to provide information and tools to individuals to help them benefit from imposter feelings and optimize mentorship of others who may be undermined by imposter phenomenon. All physicians in the radiology department at our academic medical center were invited to attend a 1-hour workshop. The workshop began with administration of the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS), a validated 20-question tool developed by Dr. Pauline Rose Clance. 11 Permission to utilize the CIPS for this study was obtained directly from Dr. Clance. Key elements of the workshop were an introductory presentation on imposter phenomenon and burnout, paired partner activities regarding the “yes, and…” principle, and individual values affirmation exercises. A post-workshop survey was administered to assess participant rating of the workshop. Northwestern University YourLife Wellness Grant. A $500 grant was awarded by Northwestern University, sponsored by Human Resources, Well-being. The grant was used to fund the pilot interactive workshop. The sponsors did not have a role in study design, data collection, or writing of this paper.
Keywords
- Imposter phenomenon
- Imposter syndrome
- Medical improv
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging