The Imposter Phenomenon in Physician Assistant Graduates

Abstract

Graduate schools and medical residency programs have identified a subgroup of individuals who tend to doubt their competency to excel in their chosen career paths. The imposter phenomenon (IP) implies the strong feeling of “intellectual phoniness” that is experienced among some “high-achieving” individuals. These individuals live in fear of “being found out,” and forced to abandon their professions. Results from a pilot study identified a high percentage of students to have feelings of imposture. Our study suggests IP may be a transient phenomenon. Further national studies involving the physician assistant profession are needed.