You have finally achieved your DVM! But why do you feel like you still do not belong? You have made it through all of the tests, clinicals, and even boards. But why does it feel like not enough? Many high achieving professionals experience imposter syndrome, especially at the start of their career or when they transition back into the field. Have you ever wondered what imposter syndrome is?
Imposter syndrome is when a competent person doubts their abilities and feels like a fraud. They attribute their success to luck rather than their own skill and live in fear of people discovering their “secret.” This can be seen in all stages of your career including experienced veterinarians and specialists. If you live in constant fear of making mistakes and constantly comparing yourself to others, you may be experiencing imposter syndrome.
People that usually choose veterinary medicine have perfectionistic tendencies and high academic achievement expectations. This is necessary to get into veterinary medicine. While in veterinary school, you may have constantly compared yourself to other classmates and social media can exacerbate this. Practicing in today’s veterinary field comes with high client expectations that can feed into an underlying fear of medical errors. I remember the constant pressure through veterinary school and in my early practice career to know everything, which is obviously not possible. Feeling like I was constantly unprepared, even though I researched all of the appointments a day prior to the client coming in. I would feel a tightness in my chest, a rock in my stomach, and often had thoughts that my patients would be in better hands with another doctor. Mistakes may play on your mind like a broken record and can prevent you from taking opportunities for fear of failure. If any of this resonates to you, try some of these practical ways to manage these feelings.
- First, it is important to normalize learning. No one knows everything. Allow yourself the opportunity to continue the learning process. Reframing how you talk to yourself is very important. Practicing self-compassion keeps us in a growth mindset. Separating your mistakes from your identity is crucial. Mistakes do not define you, and it is important to learn from errors.
- Secondly, keep evidence of your successes. This can be really helpful and is known as a ‘wins journal’. It is easy to remember your failures and harder to focus on your successes. Saving thank you notes to look back on or keeping a ‘wins journal’ can remind you of all of your successes.
- Thirdly, sharing difficult cases and your fears with a mentor or colleague can help you feel less isolated. Each doctor will have experiences that may be similar to yours, and our mentors or colleagues can help to shed some light on complex cases. Verbalizing fears can also help you realize how common these feelings are.
If you are struggling with imposter syndrome it does not mean you are failing. Caring deeply about patients and clients can increase your self-doubt and asking for support is a strength. If you are struggling today, ask yourself: “Would I speak to a colleague the way I speak to myself?” What expectations am I placing on myself that may be unrealistic? Know that you are not alone. Please reach out for a complimentary discovery called if these feelings are overwhelming and making work difficult.