Comparison is the enemy
The future seems bleak
Look left, look right
It’s only me
Staring blankly in the mirror
Short white coat in hand
I somehow made it
Diligence alone could not have brought me this far
Do I really belong here?
Perhaps it was a mistake
Or maybe dumb luck
How am I about to be a physician
When I know so little?
Am I an imposter?
Am I a fraud?
They think that I’m smart
Since I just agree and nod
How did I get here?
Among those who are better than me
Smarter than me
Have more experiences than me
Can others tell that I do not belong?
Why so often
Does this feel so wrong?
But could I belong here?
I am smart
I am competent
I worked so hard to be in this moment now
Studied countless hours
Learned from my teachers, peers and mistakes
My knowledge increases each day
I have seen my learning
Aid patient care numerous times
Yes, I do belong here
Reflection in the mirror cracks a slight smile
It is time to see a patient now
Image credit: Distorted life in cells (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by Visavis
Poetry Thursdays is an initiative that highlights poems by medical students. If you are interested in contributing or would like to learn more, please contact our editors.
Contributing Writer
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Chika Nwachukwu is a third-year medical student at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine in El Paso, Texas class of 2023. In 2018, she graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in health. She enjoys watching basketball, reading, traveling, and singing. After graduating from medical school, Chika would like to pursue a career in psychiatry.