Taking the step up from A-levels to medical school can sometimes leave students feeling like a small fish in a big pond. RMBF student volunteer Abishaik Gnanenthiran, a second-year medical student at the University of Sheffield, shares his tips on dealing with thoughts of self-doubt.
What is impostor syndrome?
While the later years of medical study may demand deeper learning, the first year offers its own unique challenges. It can feel like a big step up from school, especially in terms of becoming a more independent learner. A common experience for students in any course is impostor syndrome – feeling like you’re a fraud, despite achieving high grades and performing well.
Even if you’re getting positive comments from those around you, they can feel empty and you may instinctively refute them, continuing to feel like an impostor. For me, this has been a struggle since I started secondary school. However, over the years, I think I’ve become better at handling these feelings, and wanted to share some of the methods I have used.
Dealing with impostor syndrome
The first thing to understand is that if you feel this way, you’re not alone! Many people struggle with impostor syndrome. Talking to your peers may reassure you that these types of thoughts are very common, and an honest conversation can be comforting and relieve stress. It can also help give you the support and validation you need to build your confidence and self-esteem.
It’s also really important to recognise your achievements and celebrate them – they are evidence of your hard work and your talent! Embracing these achievements can build your confidence and help you be more appreciative of your abilities.
Finally, and maybe the most valuable piece of advice: let go of your inner perfectionist. We all want to do as well as we possibly can, and that’s an admirable instinct. But it shouldn’t reach a point where you feel you need to be 100% perfect. This can do more harm than good: not only academically, but also for your mental health and social relationships. And holding yourself to an impossible standard will only exacerbate the effects of impostor syndrome.
These aren’t the only ways of dealing with self-doubting thoughts, and you may well find other methods that work for you! By taking small actions and adjusting your thinking, you can banish impostor syndrome – helping you deal with the stresses of study, and making your time at medical school even more enjoyable and rewarding!
