We’ve all been there.
Sometimes it’s the cluster of cases that go sideways despite our best efforts. Or when that little voice in our head pipes up to ask if we’re sure we’re handling a case the best way.
We start to question our abilities—and wonder if we’re doing the best we can for our patients.
Losing confidence can be a normal—and temporary—response to the ups and downs of veterinary practice. But if it happens often, it could be a sign of imposter syndrome.
What is imposter syndrome?
Impostor syndrome (IS) is the tendency to lack confidence and doubt our abilities—despite truly having all the knowledge and skill we need to perform the task at hand.
Imposter syndrome was first described in 1978 by psychologists Dr. Pauline Clance and Dr. Suzanne Imes as a feeling of unworthiness in people who believe they are not intelligent, capable, or creative despite evidence of high achievement.
And it’s common among veterinarians. A recent study found that 68% of practicing veterinarians met or exceeded the clinical cutoff score for IS.1 And although most of the earlier research focused on younger women, it’s clear that IS affects both men and women of all ages.
Why are veterinarians prone to imposter syndrome?
Many of us tend to be perfectionists who hold ourselves to high—sometimes impossible—standards. And just like in human medicine, where IS also thrives, our profession is highly demanding.
Many veterinarians literally go from being a student one day to a doctor the next. Suddenly, all those tough decisions rest squarely on our shoulders.
But it’s not just new graduates. The longer we spend in practice, the more we realize how much there is to learn. And a case that doesn’t go well can challenge our confidence no matter how long we’ve practiced.
How can we boost our confidence in veterinary practice?
Whether you struggle with IS or not, there’s no doubt we’ve all had our confidence challenged by the demands of practice at some point.
And whether you need a confidence boost or just want to double-check your diagnostic or treatment plan, having a trusted source of support can make a big difference. That’s where Plumb’s Pro™ comes in.
5 Ways Plumb’s Pro™ Helps You Make Confident Decisions in Practice
1. Find a clear path forward with an algorithm
Concerned you might be missing steps in your diagnostic or treatment plan? Or that you’ve forgotten a differential? Algorithms have you covered.
These easy-to-follow visual roadmaps can help ensure you feel confident in your diagnostic process. Whether you’re starting with clinical signs or a specific diagnosis, an algorithm can guide your decision-making and help you choose the next steps.
2. Get practical veterinary clinical support with Dx & Tx monographs
Whether you’re treating a condition for the first time in years or wondering if the guidelines for treating a familiar condition have changed, you can count on Dx & Tx monographs.
These continually updated clinical monographs are written with general practice in mind and provide the diagnostic and treatment information you need to confidently care for your patients.
3. Tackle client education with pet owner guides
Even when you’re sure of your diagnosis, clearly and confidently explaining the details to a pet owner can be challenging.
But Plumb’s Pro™ makes pet owner education a breeze with patient guides.
These expert-written but easy-to-understand guides to clinical conditions, preventive care, and common procedures can help you feel confident that you’re communicating even the most complex conditions in language pet owners can understand.
And Plumb’s Pro™ also has medication guides—printable, emailable drug information sheets that clearly explain what medications do and how they are used.
4. Easily make informed drug decisions for your patients
It’s impossible to remember everything about the drugs we prescribe every day. Especially when new drugs—and new indications for familiar drugs—arise all the time.
But Plumb’s Pro™ has all the trusted, continually updated drug information you expect from the Plumb’s™ name—so you can easily double-check your drug information in seconds, from any device.
5. Prescribe without worrying about drug interactions
Prescribing a drug for a patient that’s already on multiple medications? Nervous about a potentially harmful drug interaction?
Prescribe with peace of mind when you use Plumb’s™ drug interaction checker.
This easy-to-use, animal-specific tool lets you enter multiple drugs to check for potential drug-to-drug interactions—from minor additive effects to major absorption concerns.
Whether you’re battling imposter syndrome or just need a little support to feel confident in your clinical decisions, Plumb’s Pro™ can make a world of difference.
Want to see Plumb’s Pro™ in action? Watch a free demo.
Ready to make Plumb’s Pro™ your partner in practice? Go Pro now.
References
- Kogan LR, Schoenfeld-Tacher R, Hellyer P, Grigg EK, Kramer E. Veterinarians and impostor syndrome: an exploratory study. Vet Rec. 2020;187(7):271.
- Clance P, Imes S. The imposter phenomenon in high achieving women: Dynamics and therapeutic intervention. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice. 1978; 15(3): 241-247.
- Bravata DM, Watts SA, Keefer AL, et al. Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: A systematic review. J Gen Intern Med. 2020;35(4):1252-1275.