The PLS Pill: Defeating Doubt: Confronting and Conquering Imposter Syndrome

As pharmacy students, it can be easy to compare ourselves to others and feel like we do not belong. I am currently in my final year of my PharmD/MPH program, but I am also a first-generation college student. This has introduced challenges academically but also psychologically, as I have often felt like an imposter in my roles as a student and leader.

I have doubted myself, felt inadequate, and felt like a “fraud,” especially as I enter new roles. As I have navigated my graduate experience, I have learned how to confront and conquer imposter syndrome to become a more confident student and leader.

Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, despite how accomplished they may be.

Imposter syndrome can feel scary, especially when it feels like you may be experiencing it alone. However, imposter syndrome should not be taboo within the PharmD curriculum. Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, despite how accomplished they may be. It is important to recognize when you may be experiencing imposter syndrome so that you can work to learn and grow in a safe environment.

Pharmacy school is hard – we are constantly embarking on new rotations, leadership roles, and jobs. Entering a new experience with fresh expectations, like a rotation, can be scary and may induce imposter syndrome. However, understanding how to confront and conquer imposter syndrome can help ensure success as you move through the rest of your pharmacy experience. As a student who has felt like an imposter many times throughout pharmacy school, here are some things I have learned:

1. You Belong

You worked hard to get into a competitive PharmD program – you belong here!! You may think that you are on a long journey but what about all the work you have already done to get to this point? You have done some pretty great things and don’t discount that! While the day-to-day might seem tough, remember all the work you have already put in to get here – you have earned a spot at the table, remember that!

2. Build on your Strengths

What are you good at doing? Focus on those strengths! We often think that we need to build on our weaknesses, but we can contribute the most to a team byfocusing on building our strengths. Reflect on your strengths and build on those. This can help you become a more confident, prepared leader.

3. You do You!

While easier said than done, avoid comparison. Comparing yourself to others can only make feelings of imposter syndrome worse. Applying to residency or fellowship this year or the next? Find friends who cheer you on, rather than compete with you and do the same for them. Finding a community will help avoid comparison and minimize imposter syndrome.

4. Perfectionism is not Attainable

Failure is normal. The PharmD journey is not linear – it is often filled with rejection and achievement. However, we often only see the “good” that people share. Know that perfectionism is not attainable. Everyone’s journey is different but no one’s journey is perfect.

As you enter your next phase of your PharmD journey, remember that you worked hard to get here, and you belong! Imposter syndrome can be difficult to experience, but I encourage you to remember what you have already achieved – you’ve got this!