Imposter Syndrome

Figure. Imposter Syndrome

Media

Sharpie markers and colored pencil on poster board.

Imposter syndrome is a real and uncomfortable feeling for many of us who find ourselves in the midst of talented and accomplished people. This was certainly the case for me as I started my journey in medicine, constantly comparing myself to others and worrying that I did not measure up.

Imposter syndrome in medicine is a topic most often discussed from a serious psychological point of view.^1,2,3 The use of cartoon humor, however, makes the concept of “imposterhood” accessible and understandable in an immediate and nonthreatening way. The drawing tries to capture at a glance medical students’ universal feeling of insecurity: “Am I good enough? Is my disguise working? Are people going to find out that I’m not what I should be?” At the same time, the picture shows that the artist is laughing at herself, recognizing the silliness of her disguise in the midst of a room full of people trying to disguise themselves as well. The lightheartedness and visual immediacy of the cartoon capture a kernel of truth and irony that a narrative essay could not—it allows us to laugh at ourselves, reflect on imposter syndrome as a common human experience, and perhaps breathe a sigh of relief that we are not alone.