Jerome Cohall, a Year 2 Dental Student in Jamaica shares five tips when imposter syndrome strikes.
Jerome Cohall, a Year 2 Dental Student in Jamaica shares five tips when imposter syndrome strikes.
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At the University of the West Indies (UWI) Mona, both medical and dental students study together during the first two years. These are preclinical years, where the focus is mainly on basic sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry. After this, dental students transition into their dedicated dental programme, while medical students continue with the clinical aspects of medicine.
This can sometimes cause overlap in experiences and perspectives during the early years of training, which might not be the case in other countries.
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Medical school is challenging by design, but sometimes the hardest part isn’t the workload - it’s the self-doubt. Many of us feel like we don’t belong, that we’re not good enough, or that others are “smarter” and more deserving. This feeling has a name: imposter syndrome.
1. Recognise you’re not alone
Research indicates that imposter syndrome is prevalent among medical students and physicians. Realizing that many of your peers are quietly struggling with the same thoughts can help normalize the experience.
2. Reframe your perspective
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on your own progress. Medicine is vast - no one knows everything. A senior’s confidence today came from years of making mistakes and learning.
3. Celebrating small wins
Finished a difficult rotation? Answered a tough question in rounds? Those moments matter. Keeping a “success journal” with small achievements helps shift your mindset from “I’m not good enough” to “I’m growing every day.”
4. Talk about it
Open conversations with friends, mentors, or supervisors can ease the burden. Often, you’ll hear them say: “I felt the same way in med school.” That reassurance is powerful.
5. Take care of yourself
Imposter syndrome often gets worse during periods of exhaustion and stress. Good sleep, regular exercise, and mindful breaks can make you more resilient to negative thoughts.
Conclusion
Imposter syndrome doesn’t mean you’re not capable - it means you care deeply about your work. Instead of seeing it as a weakness, view it as motivation to keep learning. Over time, you’ll realise that you do belong here, just like everyone else.