Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

Author: Matthew Vaughn, CCMA

When you’re first starting out as a medical assistant—whether certified or not—it’s not uncommon to feel a nagging sense of imposter syndrome. That voice in the back of your mind might whisper, “You’re not cut out for this,” or “What if I don’t know enough?” You might even feel like a complete fraud at times, wondering how you got here and if you’re doing anything right. If you’ve ever felt this way, know that you’re not alone, and these feelings are part of the journey to becoming a strong, capable healthcare professional.

The Early Days: Learning from Those Who Came Before Us

In my early days as a medical assistant, I was what I like to call “raised by nurses.” I was trained by incredibly knowledgeable RNs and LPNs who seemed to have all the answers. They had years of experience and a depth of clinical knowledge that I hadn’t yet acquired. Meanwhile, I was still in undergrad, studying subjects that sometimes felt distant from the realities of patient care.

Watching them in action was both inspiring and intimidating. I often wondered if I would ever reach that level of competence and ease with patients. But instead of letting that doubt hold me back, I used it as fuel. I decided to learn as much as I could and sought out every opportunity to expand my knowledge. I forced myself to look things up, review medical resources, and dive deeper into understanding the “why” and “how” behind our practice.

Embracing the Unknown: It’s OK Not to Know Everything

One of the most valuable lessons I learned was that it’s perfectly okay to say, “I don’t know.” In healthcare, no one—regardless of title or years of experience—knows everything. There will be times when you encounter a situation or question that you don’t immediately have an answer to. Dr. Mikhail Varshavsky, also known as Doctor Mike, gave a great TEDx talk on the topic "I Know All" experts, and this talk was a turning point for me, as he emphasized the importance of honesty in healthcare. Admitting when we don’t know something doesn’t make us frauds; it makes us responsible, trustworthy professionals.

When I started practicing this in my interactions, I would communicate openly with patients if I was unsure about something. I’d tell them, “I know this much, but let me check with the provider to confirm.” This approach doesn’t just reassure patients; it also builds trust. They see that you care enough to seek clarity and ensure their health is in good hands. Even seasoned providers need to look up information from time to time, and that humility in learning is something to be proud of.

Building Confidence Through Continuous Learning

With every patient interaction, every procedure, and every question answered, I started to feel more comfortable in my role. I learned that confidence comes not from knowing everything, but from the willingness to learn continuously. I wasn’t afraid to ask questions or review cases, and I actively sought opportunities to grow my knowledge base. In time, this persistence paid off. My provider began to value my insight and experience, even seeking my thoughts on cases as if I were an equal.

Today, as I apply to medical school, I work with a provider who discusses cases with me and sometimes bounces ideas off me. I’ve worked with specialists across different fields, so I often have insights into how they might approach certain cases. This collaborative learning experience has shown me that knowledge isn’t about having all the answers, but about being able to connect, apply, and grow with what we do know. That’s where true confidence comes from.

The Power of Perseverance: Anyone Can Do This

If I could pass along any advice to someone struggling with self-doubt as a medical assistant, it would be this: anyone can do this if they set their mind to it. Imposter syndrome is natural in a field where we’re constantly measuring ourselves against our mentors, supervisors, and colleagues. But the real key to growth is a willingness to put in the effort, go the extra mile, and keep learning. I don't fear the medical assistant who is willing to learn, I fear the one who stopped learning and is living in the false reality that they know it all.

Being in healthcare means we’ll always be in situations where we need to learn something new. It isn’t about memorizing every fact or skill; it’s about cultivating the mindset of a lifelong learner. If you know what you want to achieve, stay committed to learning, and work hard, you can overcome any self-doubt that arises along the way.

Final Thoughts

Imposter syndrome and self-doubt are common in healthcare, especially in the early stages of your career. But with dedication, humility, and the courage to keep learning, those feelings will start to fade. Before you know it, you’ll look back on your journey and realize that every moment of doubt was a stepping stone to the confident, knowledgeable professional you are becoming.

So, embrace the uncertainty, stay curious, and trust that you belong in healthcare. Every patient you help, every skill you master, and every question you ask brings you closer to the professional you aspire to be.