Impostor Phenomenon Among Family Medicine Residency Program Directors: A CERA Study

Background and Objectives: Impostor phenomenon (IP) can be described as feelings of inadequacy that exist despite apparent success. Although IP may related to multiple important outcomes in physicians, it has not been examined among residency program directors (PDs). Methods: The seven-item Leary Impostorism Scale (LIS) was added the 2021 Council Academic Family Medicine Educational Research Alliance (CERA) PD survey. In addition standard questions, we surveyed PDs about their likelihood leave role, whether they started role due an unexpected transition, beliefs concerning workplace evaluations relative self-assessed performance, perceived support completing responsibilities. Results: Of 257 included survey (response rate approximately 41%), 28% (N=71) reported no IP. did statistically differ across gender or race. LIS scores were lower Hispanic/Latino respondents, but only 8% our sample (N=20) identified Hispanic/Latino. significantly by position for starting a sudden transition. Respondents who felt overestimated actual performance had higher scores, those with levels administrative responsibilities less time role. Conclusions: Most respondents report high Short duration lack programmatic support, negative self-evaluations correlated Future research should examine interventions resources help thrive.