Negotiating Learner Differences MOOC’s Updates
Imposter syndrome in ER learners
In the field of medicine in general, but specifically in the emergency room the amount of content to be learned is vast and can be overwhelming. As a first-generation college student and minority woman myself I felt the draw towards self-doubt, intimidation right up to imposter syndrome many times. Had it not been for informal mentoring along the way (from mostly other people of color in medicine), I may not have continued.
I am very sensitive now to these these tendencies in learners I teach, learners from college/pre-med level, medical school, residency and early career. The symbolic microaggressions are still all around in this field (think hallway lined with older white men in their high academic positions). The instituion of medicine and training to be a physician as a whole has changed very little in its culture. Mentorship both formal and informal is often the only avenue to acknowledge the risk to these learners and offer support and encouragement.
https://www.psypost.org/2020/01/first-generation-university-students-are-more-likely-to-struggle-with-imposter-syndrome-55207
https://science.sciencemag.org/content/367/6479/749.2
I love that you are a mentor and see the value a strong mentor can have on a student. It is so important to recognize that each student is unique and brings their strengths to a field of study. I really appreciate your reference to the imposter syndrome. Having someone there to help you push through feelings of inadequacy is so vital. It is easy to feel isolated but sharing doubt is sometimes all we need to see past those feelings. Diversity in education, being able to identify with the work or someone in the field can make all of the difference.