Do you ever feel like you don't belong in medical school, like everyone else is either smarter or more capable? That's imposter syndrome. Here's the thing: It's completely normal. Every medical student feels it at some point, but if you don't learn to interpret it correctly, it can tear you apart.
At its core, imposter syndrome is just appreciation for others’ strengths, but it becomes destructive when you let that admiration make you forget your own brilliance. You can appreciate the genius in others without losing sight of your own genius.
Medical school is stressful enough. Don't let imposter syndrome weigh you down even more. Remember, you've earned your spot, and you belong where you are.
COMMENTARY
You Belong in Medical School — Don't Let Imposter Syndrome Win
JR Smith, MD
DISCLOSURES
| December 18, 2024This transcript has been edited for clarity.
Do you ever feel like you don't belong in medical school, like everyone else is either smarter or more capable? That's imposter syndrome. Here's the thing: It's completely normal. Every medical student feels it at some point, but if you don't learn to interpret it correctly, it can tear you apart.
At its core, imposter syndrome is just appreciation for others’ strengths, but it becomes destructive when you let that admiration make you forget your own brilliance. You can appreciate the genius in others without losing sight of your own genius.
Medical school is stressful enough. Don't let imposter syndrome weigh you down even more. Remember, you've earned your spot, and you belong where you are.
Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
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