(198) Addition of imposter syndrome workshop to pharmacy student and resident curriculum?

Objective : To identify the prevalence of imposter syndrome among Western University of Health Sciences pharmacy students and PGY1 residents Identify characteristics of students and residents having imposter syndrome and the impact of a workshop to address imposter syndrome.

Methods: A pre-survey was administered to 3rd and 4th year pharmacy students and pharmacy residents prior to the imposter syndrome workshop which gathered baseline characteristics of student performance and assessed self-perception of imposter syndrome. A two-hour imposter syndrome workshop was administered to students and residents. The workshop reviewed imposter syndrome and introduced mindful practices to overcome feelings of imposter syndrome in the future. A post-survey re-assessed self-perception and confidence in utilizing workshop strategies in the future. Feedback was collected from participants post-workshop.

Results: A total of 147 responded to the pre-survey and 97 responded to the post-survey. Among survey participants, 84% (pre) and 100% (post) knew what imposter syndrome was . Among the respondents, 69% (pre) vs 82% (post) self-reported that they “think they have it” or think they “definitely have it”. On a scale of 1-5 (1 =not confident and 5 = very confident), 70% reported confidence levels of 4 or higher, with an overall median of 4/5 confidence. Most of the post-survey respondents (94%) found the workshop helpful for future students.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of imposter syndrome is high among pharmacy trainees . The implementation of an imposter syndrome workshop allows for increased awareness of this syndrome and provides strategies on how to overcome it. Feedback from respondents reinforced the need for this workshop and advocated for earlier introduction of it in pharmacy school curricula.