Unpacking the impostor phenomenon
Feel like you’re better on paper than in person? Spoiler alert: You may well be as good as other people say you are.
Lilli Cooper’s no fluff newsletter.
Helping surgeons perform, and feel, better.
Lilli Cooper’s no fluff newsletter.
Helping surgeons perform, and feel, better.
Lilli Cooper’s no fluff newsletter.
Helping surgeons perform, and feel, better.
The voice that says “You’re not good enough”
Professional self-doubt is normal, and can be helpful
But when it starts to affect your performance or wellbeing, it might be something more. The Imposter Phenomenon, first described in 1978, affects up to 76% of surgeons — across genders, backgrounds, and levels of seniority.
It’s the feeling that you’re a fraud, that your success is luck, and your mistakes are proof you’re not cut out for the job. It’s not a medical syndrome, but it can impact surgical performance — both in the moment and over time — and often comes hand-in hand with anxiety and distress.
The voice that says “You’re not good enough”
Professional self-doubt is normal, and can be helpful
But when it starts to affect your performance or wellbeing, it might be something more. The Imposter Phenomenon, first described in 1978, affects up to 76% of surgeons — across genders, backgrounds, and levels of seniority.
It’s the feeling that you’re a fraud, that your success is luck, and your mistakes are proof you’re not cut out for the job. It’s not a medical syndrome, but it can impact surgical performance — both in the moment and over time — and often comes hand-in hand with anxiety and distress.
The voice that says “You’re not good enough”
Professional self-doubt is normal, and can be helpful
But when it starts to affect your performance or wellbeing, it might be something more. The Imposter Phenomenon, first described in 1978, affects up to 76% of surgeons — across genders, backgrounds, and levels of seniority.
It’s the feeling that you’re a fraud, that your success is luck, and your mistakes are proof you’re not cut out for the job. It’s not a medical syndrome, but it can impact surgical performance — both in the moment and over time — and often comes hand-in hand with anxiety and distress.
Recommended reading
Read the RCS Bulletin feature:
The Imposter Phenomenon: Getting out of your own way
Co-authored with Dr Olivia Donnelly, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Staff Psychology at North Bristol NHS Trust. Olivia also leads on SUPPORT, an RCS initiative helping surgeons navigate adverse events.
Recommended reading
Read the RCS Bulletin feature:
The Imposter Phenomenon: Getting out of your own way
Co-authored with Dr Olivia Donnelly, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Staff Psychology at North Bristol NHS Trust. Olivia also leads on SUPPORT, an RCS initiative helping surgeons navigate adverse events.
Recommended reading
Read the RCS Bulletin feature:
The Imposter Phenomenon: Getting out of your own way
Co-authored with Dr Olivia Donnelly, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Head of Staff Psychology at North Bristol NHS Trust. Olivia also leads on SUPPORT, an RCS initiative helping surgeons navigate adverse events.
Explore related resources
I have put together a curated selection of resources relating to imposter syndrome.
PQ assessment:
A free self-assessment to get to know your inner critic better, from the PQ model by Shirzad Chamine.
Mindfulness resource:
Mindfulness can help create psychological distance from self-critical thoughts and feelings.
Impostor scale:
Wonder how you’d score on the impostor scale? Find Pauline Clance’s free Impostor Scale, below.
Explore related resources
I have put together a curated selection of resources relating to imposter syndrome.
PQ assessment:
A free self-assessment to get to know your inner critic better, from the PQ model by Shirzad Chamine.
Mindfulness resource:
Mindfulness can help create psychological distance from self-critical thoughts and feelings.
Impostor scale:
Wonder how you’d score on the impostor scale? Find Pauline Clance’s free Impostor Scale, below.
Explore related resources
I have put together a curated selection of resources relating to imposter syndrome.
PQ assessment:
A free self-assessment to get to know your inner critic better, from the PQ model by Shirzad Chamine.
Mindfulness resource:
Mindfulness can help create psychological distance from self-critical thoughts and feelings.
Impostor scale:
Wonder how you’d score on the impostor scale? Find Pauline Clance’s free Impostor Scale, below.
Low hanging fruit:
Do do this at home!
Each day, try noting down three things you’re grateful for and one thing you’re proud of.
Gratitude and acknowledging your wins can make a real difference — helping you feel happier, calmer, sleep better, stay focused, and build lasting self-esteem.
Low hanging fruit:
Do do this at home!
Each day, try noting down three things you’re grateful for and one thing you’re proud of.
Gratitude and acknowledging your wins can make a real difference — helping you feel happier, calmer, sleep better, stay focused, and build lasting self-esteem.
Low hanging fruit:
Do do this at home!
Each day, try noting down three things you’re grateful for and one thing you’re proud of.
Gratitude and acknowledging your wins can make a real difference — helping you feel happier, calmer, sleep better, stay focused, and build lasting self-esteem.
Suggested Reading
The original description of the Impostor Phenomenon, back in 1978. An interesting, relatable, and practical read!
Suggested Reading
The Chimp paradox (also on audible). Professor Steve Peters has created a brilliant model for mind management, which I love.
Suggested Reading
The original description of the Impostor Phenomenon, back in 1978. An interesting, relatable, and practical read!
Suggested Reading
The Chimp paradox (also on audible). Professor Steve Peters has created a brilliant model for mind management, which I love.
Suggested Reading
The original description of the Impostor Phenomenon, back in 1978. An interesting, relatable, and practical read!
Suggested Reading
The Chimp paradox (also on audible). Professor Steve Peters has created a brilliant model for mind management, which I love.
Reflection
You have intrinsic value because of who you uniquely are.
You are not your job. Your job is an expression of your strengths, passion and hard work.
Reflection
You have intrinsic value because of who you uniquely are.
You are not your job. Your job is an expression of your strengths, passion and hard work.
Reflection
You have intrinsic value because of who you uniquely are.
You are not your job. Your job is an expression of your strengths, passion and hard work.
Who is Lilli?
A surgeon by background and also a professional coach.
This newsletter aims to share relevant, concise tips to help surgeons perform, and feel, better.
Thanks for being here — feel free to message with thoughts, suggestions, or just to say hi.
Who is Lilli?
A surgeon by background and also a professional coach.
This newsletter aims to share relevant, concise tips to help surgeons perform, and feel, better.
Thanks for being here — feel free to message with thoughts, suggestions, or just to say hi.
Who is Lilli?
A surgeon by background and also a professional coach.
This newsletter aims to share relevant, concise tips to help surgeons perform, and feel, better.
Thanks for being here — feel free to message with thoughts, suggestions, or just to say hi.
Latest news:
We held the 13th National Surgical Skills Final with RCS Engl in April. If you’re a consultant and would like to be a judge next year, get in touch here.
Book one-to-one here
Fancy some coaching? Get in touch and book in for some sessions or a free chat.
Latest news:
We held the 13th National Surgical Skills Final with RCS Engl in April. If you’re a consultant and would like to be a judge next year, get in touch here.
Book one-to-one here
Fancy some coaching? Get in touch and book in for some sessions or a free chat.
Latest news:
We held the 13th National Surgical Skills Final with RCS Engl in April. If you’re a consultant and would like to be a judge next year, get in touch here.
Book one-to-one here
Fancy some coaching? Get in touch and book in for some sessions or a free chat.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional services. The information shared should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health conditions. For personalised medical advice, please consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional services. The information shared should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health conditions. For personalised medical advice, please consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or professional services. The information shared should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health conditions. For personalised medical advice, please consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
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A monthly letter sharing insights, reflections, and resources for clinicians and high stakes professionals who want to perform or feel better, or both!
Thoughtful content, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sign up for Lilli's Newsletter
A monthly letter sharing insights, reflections, and resources for clinicians and high stakes professionals who want to perform or feel better, or both!
Thoughtful content, no spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
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Copyright Lilli Cooper © 2026, All Rights Reserved
Copyright Lilli Cooper © 2026
All Rights Reserved