The ProspectiveDoctor Podcast

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Kristin Yates

Dr. Kristin Yates, a practicing OB-GYN physician, discusses dealing with and overcoming imposter syndrome. Having struggled with the imposter syndrome herself, she now mentors other female physicians who feel insecure in their medical careers.

 

  • [01:29] Why OB-GYN?
  • [05:11] Why Disillusionment Occurs in Medicine
  • [08:09] Imposter to Unstoppable Podcast
  • [09:47] Advice for Dealing with the Imposter Syndrome
  • [13:39] The Difference Between a Therapist, Coach, & Mentor
  • [17:41] Dr. Yates’s Plans for 2021
  • [19:14] Dr. Yates’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students

Dr. Yates also hosts the Imposter to Unstoppable Podcast. Check it out!

Why Specialize in OB-GYN?

Dr. Yates has always wanted to work in women’s health. She finds the mix of primary care and surgical procedures in OG-GYN unique and interesting. The ability to provide care for women in a safe space drew her to the field. Fortunately, she also enjoys performing surgery, which is a common responsibility for any obstetrician-gynecologist. As opposed to choosing family medicine, Dr. Yates chose to specialize in OB-GYN which has a laser focus on pregnancy and female reproductive health.

Dealing with the Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome is a common struggle that most people don’t talk about. You are not alone in dealing with feelings of inadequacy. The journey to becoming a doctor is supposed to be difficult. Instead of shutting yourself down, think of medical school as an opportunity for growth. With this mindset, you become more intentional about learning through adversity. Even after you get through medical school, there will always be new challenges to grow from.

The Difference Between a Therapist, Coach, & Mentor

A therapist primarily helps you process old memories and trauma that may interfere with daily life. He/she tries to help you gain insight on the effect of your past on your present. Meanwhile, a coach can help you create a plan with actionable steps to achieve your future goals. Lastly, a mentor is a role model. Choosing a mentor means that there are certain aspects of his/her life that you’d like to emulate. All these roles are not mutually exclusive. You can seek help from a therapist, coach, and mentor depending on your needs. 

Dr. Yates’s Advice to Pre-Meds and Medical Students

Due to the challenging nature of medical school, students are so fixated on getting to the next step of their careers. Throughout their education, students look forward to becoming an intern, resident, fellow, and finally, an attending. After long years of training, doctors may find themselves disillusioned with their jobs.

To prevent this, Dr. Yates advises students to plan for their careers early on. Determine your goals and priorities as soon as possible. Take time to envision what your ideal life will be like as an experienced physician. Allow yourself to have hobbies and to grow in other areas of your personal life. The earlier you start planning for your future, the more sustainable your career will be.

 

Erkeda DeRouen

Dr. Erkeda DeRouen is a graduate of Hampton University with a B.S. in Biological Sciences, followed by completing medical school at the Boston University School of Medicine. She then completed residency at The University of Maryland Family and Community Medicine Program. After that, she worked at an underserved community health center, and currently is an Associate Medical Director of a telemedicine company. She recently became one of the first 1,000 lifestyle medicine certified physicians in the world! Her areas of interest include: health equity and eliminating health disparities, service of underserved populations, HIV management, transgender care, mentorship, and lifestyle medicine.

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