Impostor phenomenon in veterinary medicine

Abstract

Background: Impostor phenomenon (IP), an internal perception of intellectual phoniness despite personal achievements, has been reported and evaluated in a number of professions, including doctors, dentists, pharmacists, and academic faculty. To date, this phenomenon has not been evaluated in the veterinary medicine. Methods: To examine the prevalence of IP in veterinary medicine, we surveyed veterinary students, house officers, and veterinarians at a large college of veterinary medicine. Survey measures included the Clance IP Scale (CIPS) and Young Impostor Scale (YIS). Results: The prevalence of IP in our population was 50%, 68%, and 34%, among students, house officers, and faculty, respectively, based on the responses to the CIPS. The prevalence of IP was 45%, 60%, and 26%, among students, house officers, and faculty, respectively, based on the responses to the YIS. Conclusion: Among veterinary students, house officers and faculty IP are experienced to a similar degree as that reported in other health professions.