Imposter Syndrome in Medical School

Imposter syndrome is loosely defined as doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud. It disproportionately affects high-achieving people, who find it difficult to accept their accomplishments. Because of this, it is something that plenty of medical students experience and is rife in medical school.

Imposter syndrome can negatively impact your self esteem and make you feel like you aren't good enough.

If imposter syndrome is left unaddressed, it can lead to anxiety, burnout, and emotional exhaustion. A study of imposter syndrome in medical students stated that 38.09% of the sampled medical students had moderate imposter syndrome and 54.49% had severe imposter syndrome.

When you get to medical school, you might feel like you've gone from being top of the class to being surrounded by lots of people at the same ability as you. You might not be doing as well as you did before, you might have lost the academic validation you once had. That doesn't mean that you're not worthy of being in medical school.

Even though imposter syndrome can be a really common thing for medical students, it's not something you just have to live with.

Some ways to help with the feelings of imposter syndrome are separating your feelings from fact - even if you feel like a fraud, you have earned everything that you've received. Celebrate your successes and reward yourself. Practice positive self-talk, accept your mistakes, establish a support network, and rephrase your negative thoughts.

While imposter syndrome can be really unpleasant, it does not have to be permanent. You are completely worthy of being at medical school and you have more than earned your place. Don't let your self-doubt stop you from getting the most of your experience.

If you're feeling this way, reach out. Plenty of people are there to support you.

By Aisia Lea.