Impostor in the Mirror: A Clinician’s Reflection on Impostor Syndrome

Imposter syndrome, the internalised fear of being exposed as inadequate despite evidence of competence, is common in medicine. Using personal reflections from early training and later leadership roles, this manuscript explores how postgraduate rotations, workplace hierarchies, and professional expectations foster self-doubt among clinicians. The emphasis on reflective practice, while central to professional development, can intensify self-criticism and reinforce feelings of inadequacy when combined with the cultural demand for perfection. Imposter syndrome should be recognised less as an individual failing and more as a systemic issue shaped by medical training and healthcare culture. Addressing it requires leadership that promotes psychological safety, meaningful mentorship, and supportive structures that balance humility with professional confidence.