About Imposter Syndrome

If you are a medical student, it is almost guaranteed that you have developed (or will at some point) feelings of imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is characterized by an extreme underappreciation for one’s own achievements and abilities, often due to self-comparison among peers. It results in feelings of inadequacy, incompetency, or inferiority. I don’t think that the mental health of the students in our program, no matter what year, is addressed enough – so let’s talk about the hard stuff. What I hope you will gain from reading this is solace in the fact you are not alone and a more positive outlook.

Before we begin, I want the readers who came to this post in search of comfort to let your guard down because I know you are exhausted. Mentally, physically, spiritually, whatever it may be, medical school (especially this program) carries a heavy weight and it’s unrealistic to pretend that it doesn’t. Know that I speak from a place of experience about this subject and many other students could as well; I understand how these feelings can get out of your control so easily. It doesn’t have to always be this way and it won’t.

I think that one of the most common ways that imposter syndrome begins developing is when you start feeling like your peers are having an easier time with concepts that are a little more difficult for you. This looks like saying to yourself, “How do they just get it like that? It’s like they don’t even have to study,” “What are they doing that I’m not?” “Am I studying enough? Am I even studying right?” and so on. The reality is this: yes, there are always going to be students that seem to just “get it.” You’re well aware that this program selects applicants that are apt and intelligent, your peers are very smart. More importantly, the admissions board hand-picks the individuals (including you) that they think have a real shot at success in this program, whether it’s because they had a 36 on their ACT and 20 AP/IB classes OR because they still exceed the academic expectations while also demonstrating key qualities that give them an equal chance at success. Another thing to keep in mind is that there will be classes that you excel in compared to others and vice versa; it’s virtually impossible for every class to be your strong suit. Personally, I struggled in anatomy but I’m great at chemistry, so OChem came easier to me than some of my classmates. That really means nothing, though, and you have to realize that. Allowing yourself to worry about other people’s performance will never enhance your own. Read that again. It does not matter what seems to be working for everyone else; you need to zone in on what works for YOU and if that looks like more hours spent studying then so be it!

It’s very important that you realize that people are putting on a front almost always. Nobody wants to admit they are struggling because it’s perceived as a sign of weakness or ineptitude and us medical students are wired to hide it. Take a moment to reflect on some times in your life where you struggled yet maintained a facade to the world that you have it under control. Maybe one of those times is now for you. Now I ask you, what is the likelihood that you are the only one who does this? The answer is 0%, full stop. The point of me explaining this to you is to enhance your awareness of the environment that is medical school. At first glance, it seems like a lot of people have not a worry in the world but many times that’s the farthest statement from the truth. You are wasting your time comparing yourself to other people because the reality is that you will never know what’s behind the mask unless you are telepathic. Never. And another reality to consider is that people lie, especially to avoid judgement. If you haven’t already figured this out, the way you delegate your time in this program will determine the outcome of your academic performance.

Now that you have an idea of what imposter syndrome is and may feel like, let’s talk about how to cope with it. I have already mentioned that one of the more important strategies which is to become aware that you are experiencing this feeling. Imposter syndrome is largely about hyper-focusing on perceived underachievement or inadequacy so much to the point we forget just how capable we are. I believe that one of the best combative strategies is to realize your strengths and successes both inside and outside academia. I suggest that you take the time to write out a list of these things either on paper or just as a quick note in your phone and keep it as a resource you can look back on when you feel down again. You will likely find that you can piece together a decent list that is longer than what you might have expected. No success is too small, and keep in mind your smaller achievements will look more significant in sum. Finished all the items on your to-do list today? List. Are you an ambitious person? List. Woke up on time today? List.

Here is a useful article that addresses several coping mechanisms in greater detail. It’s easy to follow and I strongly agree with the advice it contains!

Talking about taboo subjects like imposter syndrome is uncomfortable because it’s a discussion involving vulnerability and weakness. My hope is that this post served you in providing a little bit of education and advice about it as a resource you can refer to in anonymity. Of course, I would encourage you to have this talk with people you trust (it really does help), but I know the reality is that most people just aren’t comfortable with that yet and that’s okay. I’d like to remind you that you can always reach out to me via instagram or e-mail (find those contacts here), I am more than happy to answer any questions or just listen if that’s what you need. In any case, stay safe and please be kind to yourself. See you in the next one! 🙂