Introducing the intruder paradox: “It's not the imposter syndrome, it's you don't want me in the field”
We define IPx as a form of gaslighting used against those who do not fit sociocultural norms. Although it may co-exist with IP, IPx appears to be a distinct, overlooked barrier to personal well-being and professional advancement in medicine. Addressing IP and IPx, and achieving equity, depends on acknowledging the complex sociocultural factors that can trigger imposter feelings and be weaponized against intruders.
Authors
- Shiphra Ginsburg (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4595-6650)
- Kori A. LaDonna (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4738-0146)
- Lindsay Cowley (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0077-444X)
- Emily Field
- Rachael Pack (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0293-6294)
- Christopher Watling (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9686-795X)
Institutions
- Western University (CA)
- University of Ottawa (CA)
- University of Toronto (CA)
- Ottawa Hospital (CA)
- Women's and Gender Studies et Recherches Féministes (CA)
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (CA)
- Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Medical Education
- Published
- 2025-06-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.15741
- Citations
- 9
- Primary Topic
- Perfectionism, Procrastination, Anxiety Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 20.76
Funders
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada