Ep 254: Imposter Syndrome Isn’t Always Bad with Dr. Moriah McCauley

In this episode, Dr. Moriah McCauley explores the surprising upside of imposter syndrome—and why it might actually be a sign you're on the right path. Building off her conversation with Geoffrey van Zijl, she reflects on how mentorship has transformed since the ‘90s, when veterinary technicians were left to sink or swim, and shares Geoffrey’s story of finding his footing in emergency and critical care.Dr. Moriah also breaks down her favorite metaphor for understanding imposter syndrome: the stretch zone. She explains how to tell the difference between growing pains and full-blown burnout, and why the goal of any great mentor is to help you thrive just outside your comfort zone—without tipping into panic.Plus, she answers a listener’s question about mid-career mentorship and introduces the “plus-minus-equals” model: a simple framework for making sure you're always learning and lifting others up. And in the final segment, she sounds the alarm on a deeply concerning trend—fake AI-generated “veterinarians” pushing unregulated supplements online—and shares why showing up, building trust, and becoming visible in your community has never been more important.Whether you’re brand new or decades into your veterinary career, this episode will reframe how you think about mentorship, growth, and your role in shaping the future of the profession.Episode Outline[00:00] Imposter Syndrome in the Veterinary Profession [06:30] How It Shows Up in Everyday Practice [09:58] The Comfort, Stretch, and Panic Zones [12:14] Why Imposter Syndrome Can Signal Growth [15:44] Mentorship Dynamics at Every Career Stage [19:47] The Rise of AI in Veterinary Medicine [23:31] Rebuilding Trust and Showing Up as Real VetsEpisode LinksSee more from Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.instagram.com/dr.moriah.mccauleyConnect with Dr. Moriah McCauley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moriah-mccauleyMentioned in this episode:So You're a Vet, Now What? - The CourseAre you a new or recent veterinary graduate? If so, Dr. Dave’s course, ‘So You’re a Vet… Now What?’ has been put together specifically for you. The course focuses on non-clinical skills. This is not as dull as it sounds. In fact, almost every career problem that people face is due to not having well-developed, non-clinical skills. These are skills like client communication, so you have great relationships with clients. Emotional intelligence, so you've got great relationships with your teammates. Effective negotiation skills, so you can get paid what you are worth. Management of imposter syndrome, so you can have confidence in your abilities. And, how to build formidable resilience, so you can handle everything that comes your way. These are not just skills. They are prerequisites vital for success and financial and emotional wellbeing. This course serves as an essential stepping stone to your success. Dr. Dave will be your mentor as you go through 12-modules, helping you transition from being a student to a fully rounded veterinary professional. Visit www.drdavenicol.com/syav-class to learn more.