Issue link: https://publications.ovma.org/i/1440903
SIGNS THAT YOU MAY HAVE IMPOSTER SYNDROME • Passing on opportunities because you don't think you're qualified. • Downplaying achieve- ments. • Thinking your success is due to luck or isn't earned. • Difficulty accepting praise or compliments. I mposter syndrome is the feeling of self-doubt. It relates to you feeling like you don't belong, that you don't know what you're doing or that you only got this far by "faking" it. e experience of imposter syndrome is well-described in veterinarians. It's important to admit failures and recognize them as teachable moments and learning experiences, but it's also important to celebrate successes. Here are a few tips to deal with feeling like an imposter. Seek a mentor Engage with experienced veter- inarians who can help support you while you build confidence. Bounce ideas off them and ask for their advice. Remember, we're all "practicing" medicine, some just have more experience (successes and failures), which you can learn from. Teach others what you know Try being a mentor yourself to a new graduate or student veterinar- ian. Passing on what you've learned can help build confidence and reassure you that you're skilled and knowledgeable. It can help boost your self-esteem and sense of value. Talk about it Discuss cases with colleagues. Talking about appointments, sur- geries or farm calls that went well or didn't go well can open up di- alogue about teachable moments, knowledge or experience gaps, and potentially even clinic protocols or training that needs improvement. It can also help to form a practice group. ere are also online com- munities and medical resources for difficult cases, such as the Veterinary Information Network. Focus on what's going well Acknowledge what's going well and what you're good at. Make a list to help you recognize what's going well and don't forget to celebrate small wins. Get help It's normal to have self doubt. But if it's affecting your work or life, a counsellor can help with negative self-talk and provide strategies to help reframe your thoughts. F Shake self-doubt Imposter syndrome Engage with expe- rienced veterinar- ians who can help support you while you build confidence. TAIL END / ASK THE EXPERT For more mental health and wellness resources for you and your team, visit i-matter.ca. FOCUS ∙ January/February 2022 ∙ ovma.org facebook.com/onvetmedassoc 42 ILLUSTRATION: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM