%0 Journal Article
%T Impostor Phenomenon Among Recently Graduated General Surgeons.
%A Halgas B
%A Horton J
%A Cancio L
%J Am Surg
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jun 12
%M 38867505
%F 1.002
%R 10.1177/00031348241259040
%X <B>BACKGROUND: </B>Imposter phenomenon can occur in highly competitive fields causing internal feelings of fraud and self-doubt. Significant imposterism has been recently reported amongst general surgery residents.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>We hypothesized that attending surgeons, navigating the transition into independent practice, would report a similar experience. We surveyed and collected Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale (CIPS) scores from 24 Army general surgeons within 4 years of graduation.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>Nearly all exhibited at least moderate imposterism, and over half reported significant or intense imposterism. Women reported statistically higher scores than men. Surgeons who engaged in off-duty employment or participated in mentorship were less likely to have significant or intense imposterism.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Transition to practice is a challenging and highly variable time for new surgeons. Identifying factors that attenuate these feelings could help with early career advancement.