URiMs and Imposter Syndrome: Symptoms of Inhospitable Work Environments?

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Workforce diversity is associated with improved health outcomes. Currently, primary care physicians who are underrepresented in medicine (URiM) disproportionately work in underserved areas. Increasingly, URiM faculty describe experiencing imposter syndrome (IS), including a sense of not belonging in their work environment and a lack of recognition. Studies of IS among family medicine faculty are not prevalent nor are the factors most associated with IS among URiMs and non-URiMs. The objectives of our study were to (1) determine prevalence of IS among URiM faculty compared to non-URiM faculty; (2) determine factors associated with IS among both URiM and non-URiM faculty. Methods: Four hundred thirty participants completed anonymous, electronic surveys. We measured IS using a 20-item validated scale. Results: Among all respondents, 43% reported frequent/intense IS. URiMs were not more likely than non-URiMs to report IS. Factors independently associated with IS for both URiM and non-URiM respondents include inadequate mentorship (P