By Oltian Bullatovci
The title can be open to many different meanings and interpretations, both with positive and negative connotations. When I say you are where you belong, I mean you deserve to be where you are.
I didn’t understand what ‘imposter syndrome’ was. I had only come across it at university with my course mates, but even then it wasn’t a term that was said outright. It often came in the form of ‘I don’t belong where I am now’ or ‘Seeing my peers confidently handle patient interactions makes me doubt my abilities’, although the latter is not said outright but as an intrusive thought instead. Even as far back as A-levels, when it came to applying to universities I had doubts about whether I belonged in the position I was in. I didn’t know it was an actual phenomenon that thousands of students encounter on their path in health-care.
Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenomenon characterised by persistent self-doubt and the fear of being exposed as a fraud despite evident accomplishments. It is not an uncommon thing among health care students, and as I mentioned I have experienced it from high school up until my current training year in pharmacy. It can manifest in different ways, from doubting your own academic prowess and comparing yourself unfavourably to classmates to fearing failure in clinical settings. The pressure to excel and meet the expectations of both academic and clinical environments can contribute to a pervasive sense of not belonging, hindering you from recognising and celebrating your own achievements. Healthcare students are groomed to become perfectionists and mistakes can be criticised harshly. Our achievements are glorified whilst our mistakes are swept under the untainted rug of perfectionism.
Image taken from https://www.simplypsychology.org/imposter-syndrome.html
The introduction of social media does not help the situation and can, in fact, exacerbate these feelings of doubtfulness in one’s ability to strive. We are conditioned to post our best side of ourselves online whilst our imperfections are never to see the light of day (or your phone). There comes a point where your achievements are seemingly dwarfed by those pursuing the same career as you and their accomplishments. It all doesn’t have to be so gloomy and is a phenomenon all who are under such a façade can overcome and work on.
How?!
Action points
1. Acknowledging your achievements
Start by acknowledging your accomplishments, both big and small. Keep a journal to record your successes, whether it's acing an exam, receiving positive feedback from a clinical supervisor, or mastering a challenging concept.
2. Normalise failure as a learning opportunity
Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Instead of viewing failure as a reflection of your abilities, see it as an opportunity to grow and improve. Discuss your challenges with peers and mentors to gain different perspectives.
3. Set realistic goals
Break down your academic and professional goals into smaller, achievable tasks. This not only makes your objectives more manageable but also allows you to celebrate incremental successes along the way.
4. Embrace continuous learning
Healthcare is an ever-evolving field, and no one knows everything. Adopt a growth mindset, recognising that learning is a lifelong journey. Attend workshops, conferences, and engage in continuous education to stay informed and confident in your knowledge.
5. Practice self-compassion
Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you extend to others. Remember that everyone experiences moments of self-doubt, and it's okay to seek support when needed.
Image taken from https://www.facebook.com/OsmoseIt/photos/a.293866334077588/1255523484578530/?type=3
Healthcare can be a journey through a million stars. You will get feelings that you are ashamed of where you are and you aren’t where you would like t be and I’m here to say that it’s okay! Use those feelings to fuel your desire to pursue what you feel is best and strive to become the best version of yourself through every passing day. This brings me back to my first sentence ‘you are where you belong’ because it is true. You worked to get to where you are, and are deserving of the position you put yourself in, whether that be in your final year of medical school to starting your first shift as a qualified pharmacist. There’s a reason you’ve been put where you are. Make the most of it and strive to appreciate the fruits of your own labour.
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