Ever catch yourself thinking "Who am I to be here?" right before a big moment in your public health journey? That voice in your head questioning if you're really qualified enough? You're not alone. In this episode of Public Health Curated, we tackle imposter syndrome head-on and explore why your unique perspective is exactly what public health needs.
Key Takeaways
- Imposter syndrome is especially common in public health due to the field's complexity and interdisciplinary nature
- Your "non-traditional" experiences provide valuable perspectives that enhance your public health work
- Practical tools like the Experience Inventory can help combat feelings of inadequacy
- Public health needs diverse perspectives to create innovative solutions to complex problems
Episode Highlights
Understanding Imposter Syndrome in Public Health
In public health, we're often dealing with complex challenges, working alongside people with decades of experience, and trying to create change in complicated systems. It's basically a perfect recipe for imposter syndrome!
Two common misconceptions fuel these feelings:
- The Expert Myth: Believing we need to be experts in everything, when public health is too broad for anyone to know it all
- The Traditional Path Myth: Discounting our "non-traditional" experiences that actually provide valuable and unique perspectives
Personal Stories That Resonate
I shared my experience interviewing for a dream job leading a nutrition and cooking education program at a farm for a youth workforce development initiative. The interview required me to lead current staff through a sample lesson AND prepare a meal together!
That voice in my head was going wild: "Who are you to teach this? Sure, you have an MPH, but have you ever run this exact type of program before?"
But then I remembered that my background leading arts programs at the Boys and Girls Club had given me valuable experience in youth development. I had intentionally carved out my own public health nutrition focus during my MPH program. Those seemingly unrelated experiences actually prepared me perfectly for this role.
Practical Tools for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
1. The Experience Inventory
Take five minutes to write down every experience you have, even ones that don't seem directly related to public health. You might be surprised at how they connect and strengthen your unique contribution.
2. The Impact Journal
Start keeping track of your wins, big and small:
- That thank you from a community member? Write it down.
- That program improvement you suggested? Note it.
- Build your evidence bank for those moments of doubt.
3. The Perspective Flip
Transform negative thoughts into empowering ones:
- Instead of "I don't know enough" → "I have a fresh perspective to offer"
- Instead of "I'm not experienced enough" → "I bring new energy and ideas"
- Instead of "I don't belong here" → "My unique background strengthens the team"
Why Your Perspective Matters
Some of the most innovative public health solutions come from people who dared to bring their whole selves—their diverse experiences, their unique perspectives, their "non-traditional" backgrounds—to the table.
Your different way of seeing things isn't a weakness—it's your superpower.
Your Action Steps
- Complete your own "Experience Inventory" and map out your unique combination of skills
- Start an "Impact Journal" to document both big and small successes
- Practice the "Perspective Flip" when negative thoughts arise
- Share one surprising skill you bring to public health using #PHCBelonging
Join the Conversation
How has imposter syndrome affected your public health journey? What strategies have helped you overcome it? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below.
About the Host: Veronica Sek-Shubert, MPH, is the founder of Public Health Curated and a DrPH candidate at Tulane University. With over 15 years of experience in non-for-profit and public health spaces, she's dedicated to helping professionals rediscover their spark while creating meaningful system change.