Imposter syndrome, the persistent feeling that you’re not as competent as others think, is prevalent among medical students, affecting the majority of them at some point during their training. This often results in feelings of doubt and the inability to perform at their full potential.
As a med student, the pressure to perform, the fear of making mistakes, and the overwhelming expectations can create a perfect storm for insecurity. Therefore, despite years of hard work and academic excellence, many students fall into self-doubt.
But, how do you deal with this overwhelming feeling? Here are a few things to help you out:
Find a coping mechanism
Talk to a friend, try journaling, go out. Find a hobby - anything that keeps you sane.
Your mental well-being matters. Set healthy boundaries with those who threaten them; don’t lose yourself.
No one has it all figured out
Understand that it’s alright to feel like this. It is also a fact that almost everyone in med school has felt this way at some point, regardless of how well-off they seem. Nobody has everything planned out, and that’s okay.
Feeling like an impostor doesn’t mean you are one. You have worked to be where you are. Everything comes at its due time, which brings us to the next point.
Comparison breeds insecurity
Remember, you only see the tip of others’ success. No one talks about their late-night breakdowns, failed exams, or moments of doubt. Nobody talks about the failures that got them to success.
Comparison breeds insecurity. Someone else’s goals might not even align with yours. Focus on your growth; everyone has their timeline.
Self Reflection
You didn’t get into med school by chance, you earned your spot. Take a breather, reflect, and list down everything you've achieved.
Understand that growth takes time. And no, you’re not required to know everything, you’re not supposed to excel at everything. You’re still learning; it’s okay to fail. Medicine is a lifelong learning journey, and no one expects you to know everything from day one.
Celebrate the Little Wins
Med school is mentally exhausting already. Give yourself credit for getting through your hard days. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small they may seem; it helps build self-confidence.
Focus on what you’re capable of. And most importantly, trust yourself. You got this.
