Why we need to ask less of medical students

I was extremely moved by Politis and Hodkinson’s article.1 The pressure described in it resonates with me even today, 20 years after graduating from medical school, and I hope I’ve learnt a few things in those intervening years.Firstly, almost all of us have imposter syndrome, from students to GPs to consultants. With the possible exception of a few people with high self-esteem—perhaps not the best of doctors—we all have the heart and mind of a terrified student waiting to be found out.Secondly, being a good enough doctor is in and of itself good enough. Provided the bell curve starts at the threshold of having the skills to practise, even if individuals are well below the mean, they are still good enough. People are above average at some things and below average at others. That’s why people work in teams.Thirdly, life is about more than work. It wasn’t my identity as…
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