Why Skilled Infection Preventionists Still Experience Imposter Syndrome and What the Profession Can Do

Over the past few years, I have had several conversations with infection preventionists (IPs) across different health systems, countries, and levels of experience who express a similar concern about belonging in the field of infection prevention. These discussions are rarely about a lack of technical knowledge or workload alone, but more about the uncertainty they feel about their professional identity and legitimacy within the field.

Many of these professionals are highly trained individuals, such as biochemists, epidemiologists, lab technicians, and microbiologists, who entered infection prevention through varied pathways, driven by interest and passion for the work they could do to improve patient outcomes. Across continents, both in developed and developing countries, I have observed that some early-career IPs are beginning to consider pursuing additional clinical training, such as nursing, because they feel it may be necessary to be fully recognized as legitimate practitioners.

In a recent conversation with a seasoned practitioner in Canada, he described repeatedly hearing similar concerns from early-career IPs who confided that they felt uncertain about their standing in the profession despite performing the work effectively. Additionally, there have been multiple discussions on social media platforms like LinkedIn, where a variety of opinions have been raised regarding whether a clinical background should be required for professionals interested in infection prevention. This shows a broader pattern within the field that goes beyond individual experience.

Beyond Individual Confidence

When we consider these conversations collectively, it becomes apparent that most of the professionals expressing doubt are already working in demanding environments, interpreting surveillance data, engaging frontline teams, and supporting organizational infection prevention goals without a clinical degree.

The tension appears to be in how roles are defined, how credibility is perceived, and how IPs are integrated into organizational decision-making structures. In many cases, IPs contribute to outcomes without being fully involved in the strategic conversations that lead to them. This can further influence how they perceive their own professional standing and contribute to feelings of inadequacy, repetition fatigue, and imposter syndrome.

Two Journeys That Illustrate a Larger Reality

Two IPs I have worked with over time, Kelvin and Jaclyn, are great examples of different pathways into the same structural challenge. Their stories show what becomes possible when the right support systems are in place.

Kelvin, with a background in biochemistry, epidemiology, and microbiology, initially described experiencing imposter syndrome when transitioning into infection prevention in Nigeria. When he participated in structured mentorship and coaching through the Powerful IP program, he refined his communication skills and developed systems thinking. This enabled him to present data in ways that allowed department leaders to act without friction. His new approach and newfound confidence enabled him to achieve a 30% reduction in surgical site infections within 3 months and a 60% increase in patient satisfaction within 6 months. His role has since expanded. He has now helped another facility build its own infection prevention program, and he collaborates directly with the executive leadership teams within his facility to improve patient outcomes and strengthen the organization's standing within the region.

Jaclyn has also demonstrated a greater impact in her facility in the US. She entered infection prevention during the COVID-19 era as a master of public health graduate and described her early experience as one marked by uncertainty while building confidence in a complex environment. Through mentorship and coaching via the same program, veteran IPs helped her strengthen her ability to engage interdisciplinary teams and leadership. In her work, she contributed to infection prevention initiatives, such as catheter-associated urinary tract infection reduction efforts, and helped develop her systems-level perspective. She is now pursuing medical training, building on the leadership and infection prevention foundation she developed through her field experience.

What This Suggests About the Profession

When individual experiences begin to show similar themes across different settings and regions of the world, it is a good indication that structural dynamics, rather than isolated personal challenges, need to be addressed.

Based on these conversations, it is clear that expertise among IPs is strong, but there seems to be a recurring gap between capability and perceived legitimacy within organizational systems based on academic backgrounds. This gap can influence career decisions, retention, hiring decisions, and how professionals position themselves within health care environments.

It raises 2 important questions for the field:

1. How can IPs be supported beyond technical competency to emphasize the collaborative, diverse, and leadership nature of the profession without creating contention or a perception of neglect over academic backgrounds?
2. How can early-career IPs be supported in developing the confidence and structural presence they need to operate fully within their roles?

A Path Forward

Infection prevention continues to evolve in complexity. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the field now requires skills beyond technical expertise, such as the ability to lead across interconnected systems of leadership, operations, and workforce dynamics. The experiences shared by practitioners such as Kelvin and Jaclyn demonstrate a broader pattern that is increasingly visible across health care settings and nations.

What leaders in the profession need to prioritize is collaborating with institutional leaders and redesigning systems so that a combination of academic backgrounds, professional experience, and transferable skills creates a sought-after profile for professionals seeking to make an impact in infection prevention.

Additional Information

• Howard LL, Kamangu CW, hosts. From Nervous Infection Preventionist to Brave Leader [video interview]. Dumontel Healthcare Consulting. Published October 31, 2025. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://youtu.be/RP7beLgGK-0?is=8JQ1aa_dZUHwGA2Z
• Kamangu CW. The future of infection prevention is leadership in action. Healthcare Hygiene Magazine. March-April 2026. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://www.healthcarehygienemagazine.com/infection-prevention-control/
• Kamangu CW, host. From Struggling Infection Preventionist to Confident Leader [video interview]. Dumontel Healthcare Consulting. October 25, 2024. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://youtu.be/n3GBRkLNYXE?is=zrsVdZCrFJOMbOQs
• Whitacre Martonicz T. A recruiter's national view on bridging the gap in infection prevention hiring. Infection Control Today. March 26, 2026. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/recruiter-s-national-view-bridging-gap-infection-prevention-hiring
• Whitacre Martonicz T. Veteran infection preventionists chat: What are the soft skills that make strong IPs? [video interview]. Infection Control Today. November 1, 2025. Accessed July 8, 2026. https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/veteran-infection-preventionists-chat-what-are-soft-skills-make-strong-ips