Resident physicians are at high risk for impostor syndrome: inaccurate, devaluing self-assessments that limit feelings of adequacy. Estimated syndrome prevalence among residents approaches 75% and is greater in women and minorities. Consequences may include burnout, social isolation, and fear of asking for help or admitting failures. Numerous factors contribute, including frequent transitions, variable expectations, and new environments. Not to supplant efforts addressing root causes of impostor syndrome, but to serve adjunctively, we created a forum to openly acknowledge the issue through a peer lens.Empathy Rounds is an event featuring respected resident panelists being vulnerable and sharing themed personal stories with an audience of peers. The goals of Empathy Rounds include peer normalization of imperfection and recognition of shared struggles to target impostor syndrome and nurture the resident community. Hearing peers being vulnerable can drive recognition that audience members are not alone and that they share work-related emotions, doubts, and fears.
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