Is it possible for the patient's well-being to always take precedence, 24/7, without sacrificing any hope of leading a balanced life? The unfortunate answer is no. Hence, there must be a mechanism to switch off this relentless dedication. This brings us to the second of the two primary directives, the unspoken one.
The directive we rarely acknowledge is to never reveal vulnerability, never display any sign that might lead others to believe you lack the necessary capabilities. It is within this specific set of ingrained beliefs that the root of imposter syndrome can be found. Imposter syndrome is characterized by a persistent inner voice that often begins with a simple question: "What if they discover?"
What if they discover that I am facing challenges? What if they discover that I need assistance? What if they discover my doubts about the suitability of my career path? What if they discover my desire to quit? The looming uncertainty: "What if they find out?" typically triggers a common response. When a healthcare professional hears this unsettling question, the inner voice whispers, "Hush, just keep pushing through, work harder."
Incidentally, this inner dialogue mirrors Einstein's definition of insanity: the relentless pursuit of the same approach while expecting different results. It encourages the individual to double down, toil harder, and ignore any signs of personal struggle.
Dike Drummond is a Mayo-trained family practice physician, burnout survivor, executive coach, consultant, and founder of TheHappyMD.com.
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