Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: A Personal Journey Through Doubt and Growth

I still remember receiving my acceptance letter to med school—an achievement that should have been the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. But instead of celebrating, I found myself questioning if I deserved it. Am I smart enough? Can I work as hard as the others? Am I too old to start over? These thoughts spiralled, making me feel like I had cheated the system and taken the spot of someone more deserving. Maybe I should stay in my comfort zone, return to my stable career as a pharmacist, and forget about chasing this impossible dream. What will I say if I start and fail? Will people in my life judge me for failing what I dreamt of doing? I began to consider if I should perhaps focus on being a better pharmacist rather than attempting something I may be destined to fail.

Looking back, I recognize those thoughts for what they were: imposter syndrome. That persistent, nagging voice that tells you you’re not enough, no matter how much you achieve. It’s a feeling I’ve battled at every stage of my professional journey, from qualifying as a pharmacist to applying to medical school. But through time, experience, and much reflection, I’ve learned how to quiet that voice and keep moving forward.

The First Battle: Becoming a Pharmacist

Imposter syndrome didn’t appear suddenly when I applied to medical school—it’s been a constant companion since the very start of my career. When I qualified as a pharmacist, I thought I should feel accomplished and confident, but instead, I was consumed with doubt. Could I really handle the responsibility of being the person patients and healthcare professionals turned to for answers? What if I made a mistake? What if I didn’t know the answers they all needed from me… expected from me?

I vividly recall my first shift as a qualified pharmacist. It was just a few hours in when a team member approached me with a question about a potential drug interaction. Deep down, I knew the answer. But I didn’t trust myself. Instead of confidently giving my answer, I asked for some time and spent 15 minutes frantically searching for external confirmation—reading guidelines and checking reference materials—to validate what I already knew.

When I finally gave the answer, it was the same one I had known all along. But that moment stuck with me. Why couldn’t I trust my own knowledge? Why did I feel like I wasn’t enough, even though I had earned my qualification?

The Next Battle: Re-Applying to Medical School

Years later, when I considered applying to medical school, those same doubts came flooding back. By this point, I had years of experience as a pharmacist and a solid career. I had trained others, progressed through my career and helped countless patients. But the idea of starting over made me feel like a fraud. Who was I to think I could become a doctor? I wasn’t as young or as sharp as the other applicants. What if I failed?

I remember almost talking myself out of applying altogether. I thought, Why not quit while I’m ahead? It felt safer to stay in my comfort zone than to take the risk of failing. But deep down, I knew that the fear of failure was what was holding me back—not a lack of ability. And I couldn’t let that fear dictate my decisions.

Recognizing and Challenging Imposter Syndrome

Imposter syndrome thrives in silence and isolation. It convinces you that you’re the only one who feels this way and that admitting it will only confirm your worst fears. But the truth is, imposter syndrome is incredibly common—especially in academia and high-stakes professions like healthcare.

Through my journey, I’ve learned to recognize the signs of imposter syndrome and challenge them head-on. Here’s how:

1. Acknowledge the Doubt Without Letting It Define You

I was overwhelmed by doubt in both moments—my first pharmacist shift and my medical school acceptance. But I’ve learned that doubt is not a sign of incompetence; it’s a natural response to stepping out of your comfort zone. Instead of fighting the feeling, I acknowledge it and remind myself: Doubt means I care about doing this well. It doesn’t mean I can’t do it.

2. Lean on Facts, Not Feelings

Imposter syndrome makes you doubt your abilities, even when the evidence is right before you. I now make a conscious effort to remind myself of my accomplishments.

For example:

• I passed my pharmacy exams because I studied and prepared.

• I earned my medical school acceptance because I worked hard and proved I was capable.

Facts don’t lie, even when my feelings try to convince me otherwise.

3. Celebrate Small Wins

It’s easy to focus on what you don’t know or what you could do better. But I’ve learned to celebrate even small victories. That first shift as a pharmacist taught me something valuable: I did know the answer. The extra 15 minutes I spent checking weren’t wasted—they gave me confidence for the next time. Now, I see those small steps as part of the journey.

I will never question what to do the next time I see that antibiotic prescribed again.

4. Share Your Feelings

Talking to peers, mentors, or friends has been one of the most effective ways to combat imposter syndrome. When I’ve shared my doubts, I’ve discovered that others often feel the same way. Even experienced professionals I admire have confided in me about moments of uncertainty. Knowing that imposter syndrome is universal makes it feel less personal and more manageable. I now know that if the professionals I look up to have felt it I am not above having those same doubts, and I should accept them and tackle them.

5. Focus on Growth Over Perfection

Perfectionism and imposter syndrome go hand in hand. For years, I felt like I had to know everything, make no mistakes, and always be “on.” But I’ve learned that growth is far more important than perfection. Mistakes are inevitable, and each one is an opportunity to learn and improve. Never feel disheartened by your mistakes reflect and move on.

Looking Back: What Imposter Syndrome Taught Me

If I could go back to my younger self—standing in that pharmacy, doubting whether I could handle the responsibility, or staring at my medical school application, wondering if I was good enough—I’d tell myself this:

You are capable. You earned your place. Doubt doesn’t mean you can’t do this—it means you’re pushing yourself to grow.

Imposter syndrome hasn’t disappeared from my life, but I’ve learned to live with it and even see it as a strength. The fact that I question myself means I care deeply about what I do. It keeps me grounded and motivates me to keep learning. But I no longer let it hold me back.

A Final Thought

Imposter syndrome is a common experience, especially for students and professionals navigating high-stakes environments. But it doesn’t have to define your journey. You can overcome self-doubt and thrive by acknowledging your feelings, celebrating your achievements, and focusing on growth.

So, the next time you hear that voice telling you you’re not enough, pause and reflect. Look at the evidence. Remind yourself of everything you’ve accomplished and the effort it took to get here.

You belong!

You’re capable!

And you’re much stronger than you’ll ever know!