2 answers
Hanna
Student
Lexington, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
677 views
How do I deal with the "impostor" syndrome of pursuing an academically challenging major and career?
I want to be a pharmacist, but anytime I experience a setback personally or academically,y I feel like I don't belong with my peers.
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2 answers
Josef Stockdale
Pharmacist
1
Answer
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Josef’s Answer
So let me start by saying that feeling I personally believe most new pharmacists have, especially if you were not a tech prior. I had that feeling myself and still am learning everyday since I just graduated last year.
For me I choose to do a residency at a hospital which I currently am a pharmacist resident to help build the skills clinically. Pharmacy school builds the basic skills and knowledge, but true application and clinical decision making takes time and practice. I feel more confident in my abilities everyday, but there are areas I still need to grow in.
If you are a current student in pharmacy school take advantage of your IPPE and APPE rotations to get the most out of it. Additionally, you can seek out employment as an intern pharmacist as a student at hospitals, retails, or other niche areas of pharmacy.
For me I choose to do a residency at a hospital which I currently am a pharmacist resident to help build the skills clinically. Pharmacy school builds the basic skills and knowledge, but true application and clinical decision making takes time and practice. I feel more confident in my abilities everyday, but there are areas I still need to grow in.
If you are a current student in pharmacy school take advantage of your IPPE and APPE rotations to get the most out of it. Additionally, you can seek out employment as an intern pharmacist as a student at hospitals, retails, or other niche areas of pharmacy.
That is very impressive, thank you!
Hanna
Aileen Poron
Andrologist Lab Tech
10
Answers
Katy, Texas
Updated
Aileen’s Answer
Hi Hanna,
Imposter syndrome is hard to overcome, but not impossible. Try to read positive affirmations to yourself everyday. There are apps on the App Store that have notifications so you can get some or just one throughout the day. It will really help to change your mindset. You’re your own greatest enemy. I’ve been there and this is one thing that greatly helped reduce that feeling. Another thing to do is to never compare yourself with others. Everyone has their own path and yours may look very different from theirs despite the same major. Hard work pays off. Despite there being setbacks as long as you keep on being persistent and do not give up you will become whatever you dream of, in your case a pharmacist.
Best of luck!
Imposter syndrome is hard to overcome, but not impossible. Try to read positive affirmations to yourself everyday. There are apps on the App Store that have notifications so you can get some or just one throughout the day. It will really help to change your mindset. You’re your own greatest enemy. I’ve been there and this is one thing that greatly helped reduce that feeling. Another thing to do is to never compare yourself with others. Everyone has their own path and yours may look very different from theirs despite the same major. Hard work pays off. Despite there being setbacks as long as you keep on being persistent and do not give up you will become whatever you dream of, in your case a pharmacist.
Best of luck!
Thank you so much!
Hanna