Sandra is a third-year medical student at The Ohio State College of Medicine in Columbus, Ohio class of 2026. In 2020, she graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. She enjoys various forms of exercises like cycling, boxing, rowing and strength training, playing drums, writing and reading in her free time. After graduating medical school, Sandra would like to pursue internal medicine.
I was having one of those days in medical school where the weight of everything felt crushing—the pressure to be perfect, the constant comparisons to my peers, and the nagging doubt of whether I truly belonged here. It felt like I was running a race on a treadmill—no matter how fast I went, I was never getting any closer to the finish line. The harder I pushed, the more distant my goal seemed, leaving me …
It was a warm summer day in July, and I felt trepidation as I prepared to meet my very first patient. This encounter marked my initiation into the world of clinical practice as a budding, first-year medical student. My patient, whom I will refer to as Bob, appeared to be in his late 50s.
With imposter syndrome raging,/ I sit quietly at my desk,/ reflect on goals for my future/ and what it means to do my best.
Dance has always been a medium for me to express my emotions. It makes me feel alive and helps me process my experiences, including that with imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome has been described as feelings of self-doubt, especially in high achieving people
This phenomenon of imposter syndrome is prevalent in many of us pursuing medicine. Especially for those of us who are first-generation physicians, we are left to fend through uncharted territories. While we try to do our best to navigate this difficult path, we are left feeling that there is someone else better suited for our spot in medicine. We feel that we are not deserving of this privilege. As we pass through these high obstacles — basic sciences, board exams, core rotations, even electives — we stew in self-doubt after each success.
You already started / your medical school journey / non-traditionally. / Just keep pushing
You lose / your pen with / the red and blue and black ink
So, one way or another / I keep craning my neck / Looking up.
We all earn our way here / Paid in hours of studying / and minutes of fun lost.
“Eager and enthusiastic” / As I drag myself from bed. / “Positive energy” / Do you have an injury to your head?
I am waiting for my coffee when / a middle-aged Turkish man / asks if I am a medical student
They say you’re at the top of the class / I say I’m barely able to pass
Contributing Writer
University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
My name is Bradley Maller and I am a member of the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2020. I am from Largo, Florida and have a B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Florida. When I'm not stressing about medical school, I enjoying playing and watching hockey (Go Lightning!).
