Written by Dorothy Egede on behalf of ACPN leaders, members and alumni (2018-2024)
Imposter syndrome, a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their abilities and fear being exposed as frauds despite evidence of their competence, is a prevalent challenge among pharmacy students. The transition from 'student’ to ‘trainee/professional’ can exacerbate imposter syndrome and Black trainee pharmacists in particular may feel excessive pressure to meet the expectations in their roles. Imposter syndrome is a silent struggle that has the potential to impact on mental health, causing stress, anxiety, and depression. Even with their qualifications and training, some trainees may still grapple with self-doubt, which can impact their confidence, job satisfaction, and overall mental well-being.
Real world challenges
While academic training provides a foundation of knowledge and skills, the real-world challenges of pharmacy practice can be daunting. Trainee professionals may face complex clinical scenarios, ethical dilemmas, and interpersonal challenges that they did not encounter in a classroom setting. The pressure to navigate these challenges successfully can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and impostorism.
The role of supervisors
Unfortunately, some designated supervisors exacerbate this challenge by maintaining a distant demeanour and lacking essential coaching skills including cultural competence. This perpetuates feelings of inadequacy and isolation among trainee pharmacists, hindering their ability to thrive in their roles. Additionally, the absence of clearly defined guidelines for minimum requirements for supervisors leaves room for personal biases to influence their interactions, further exacerbating the challenges faced by trainees.
How the ACPN makes a difference
Over the years the African & Caribbean Preregistration Pharmacy Network (ACPN) alongside other individuals have provided individual support for Black trainee pharmacists struggling without adequate support systems in their workplaces. Based on a survey conducted among 119 trainee pharmacists, a significant portion reported finding their relationships at work challenging or very challenging, indicating the prevalence of issues within the profession. Through initiatives and resources tailored to address these challenges, ACPN aims to provide a supportive community where trainee pharmacists can find the guidance and encouragement they need to overcome imposter syndrome and thrive in their careers. This support also includes providing a safe space to discuss feelings of inferiority for trainees who perceive themselves as not performing as well as their peers in comparison.
An ACPN member from 2021 said: “The biggest initial benefit was accountability, and being in a group of like-minded people who were all trying to succeed motivated me more. The leaders and those that went before gave us a belief transfer, so I knew if I put the work in, I could beat the statistics like my senior colleagues.”
Imposter syndrome must be recognised
Recognising and addressing imposter syndrome is crucial for fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within the pharmacy profession. By recognising the impact of imposter syndrome on mental health, ensuring adequate cultural competence of supervisors and providing targeted support, such as those offered by groups like the ACPN, we can empower trainee pharmacists to overcome these obstacles and realize their full potential in their roles.
If you’d like to get in touch with the ACPN, contact: [email protected]
Read our report: Chasing equality in pharmacy training Closing the awarding and attainment gap for Black trainees in pharmacy.
Read our previous blogs on differential attainment
Read more RPS blogs.