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Women physicians forum tackles imposter syndrome at AAPI convention
The discussion was attended by around 1000 delegates
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Staff Reporter - Sun, 07, Sep 2025
- 06:34 EDT
- 24
Panelists of Imposter Syndrome discussion / Asian Media USA
As part of the 43rd Annual Convention of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, the Women Physicians Forum hosted a panel discussion on Women leaders, recently.
Titled, 'Unstoppable Leadership: Breaking Down the Barriers of Imposter Phenomenon,' the discussion focussed on the South Asian diaspora, particularly those navigating the world of medicine, this event was sought to confront a silent adversary faced by South Asian women physicians, imposter syndrome.
Witnessing attendance from around 1000 delegates, the discussion was led by Dr. Divya K. Navani, an internal medicine physician and transformational health coach with nearly three decades of experience.
Glimpses from the panel discussion by the Women Physicians Forum / Asian Media USADr. Apoorva Ramaswamy (appearing virtually), Deborah Hayes, CEO of The Christ Hospital Health Network, and Jessie Torres, a peak performance coach headlined the discussion along with Navani.
Navani opened the discussion with a deeply personal reflection the issue, she narrated how she failed to advocate for the benefits her peers effortlessly claimed, while negotiating for her first job.
She added, "That day in the car, I was confused, angry at myself, and ashamed even. I promised myself never again."
Hayes, a nurses-aide turned CEO said, “When I read the definition of imposter syndrome, I thought -- That’s me.” With multiple degrees in biology, nursing, informatics, and business administration, Hayes turned her pursuit of knowledge into a bulwark against self-doubt.
Dr. Ramaswamy, a laryngologist specializing in voice and swallowing disorders, offered a unique perspective shaped by her immigrant roots and her father’s mantra, "Just Nike it!" Unable to attend in person, she shared via video how her father’s journey as a foreign medical graduate inspired her to focus on duty over self-doubt. “It’s never been about whether I felt like I belonged,” she said. “It was about whether there was something I could contribute.”
A survivor of deep personal trauma, Jessie Torres said to all the attendees, “We need you whole.” She emphasized that authentic leadership stems from embracing one’s essence, not just achievements.
Dr. Navani’s closing words encapsulated the essence of the discussion, "Leadership is hard. Imposter syndrome is real. When you step up, remember that the generations of women before you are celebrating you, and the generations to come are thanking you."
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