From Stage to Simulation: Embracing Imposter Phenomenon in Healthcare Education

Kirsty Freeman, Academic Coordinator at the Rural Clinical School of WA and a Fellow of the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, explores the intricacies of impostor phenomenon within healthcare education. Kirsty shares her journey from a budding actor to a healthcare educator, integrating her passion for performance into teaching through innovative simulation techniques. She discusses her ongoing PhD research, which focuses on understanding impostor phenomenon among healthcare simulation educators. By sharing personal experiences and research findings, Kirsty highlights how feelings of impostorism, often perceived as a barrier, can be reframed as a tool for personal growth, professional development, and humility. This conversation offers a fresh perspective on how educators and professionals can navigate and even embrace these feelings, ultimately leading to more authentic and resilient teaching practices.