Student Doctor Network Forums - View Single Post - How Old Is Too Old to Go to Medical School?

Member 45736 · 03-09-2012, 07:19 AM

It depends. I was 39 when I started medical school... and most folks don't believe I'm almost 45 now as a resident and think I'm 10 years younger. I am exasperated by laziness/complaints of fatigue by some of my younger resident peers. I freely admit I can't run up 8 flights of stairs anymore due to a permanent joint injury, but somehow I get to the codes faster than the 20-something residents. Go figure.

There were non-trads in my med school class both older and younger than I who had more than their share of failed classes that needed remediation. There were traditional aged students who had similar issues, so this was not a function of age alone.

As for financial burden, it's interesting. I see most of my younger resident and younger new attending peers buying houses that are 2-3 times their signed for salaries, buying new cars, going on expensive vacations. The non-trads tend to be more cautious with finances, purchasing modest homes less than their yearly attending salary, only replacing vehicles when they are worn out (>10 years old), stay-cations rather than expensive intercontinental vacations, and socking money away like crazy. Of course, this is all personal observation over an n of about 50, so it's all generalization and exceptions certainly apply. Could also just be my locale.

All in all, it depends. If you are a "young" 45, then go for it. If you are an "old" 30, then you shouldn't.

03-09-2012, 07:19 AM	#29
Member 45736 I need more coffee. Status: Resident Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Where I hang my hat. Posts: 9,708	It depends. I was 39 when I started medical school... and most folks don't believe I'm almost 45 now as a resident and think I'm 10 years younger. I am exasperated by laziness/complaints of fatigue by some of my younger resident peers. I freely admit I can't run up 8 flights of stairs anymore due to a permanent joint injury, but somehow I get to the codes faster than the 20-something residents. Go figure. There were non-trads in my med school class both older and younger than I who had more than their share of failed classes that needed remediation. There were traditional aged students who had similar issues, so this was not a function of age alone. As for financial burden, it's interesting. I see most of my younger resident and younger new attending peers buying houses that are 2-3 times their signed for salaries, buying new cars, going on expensive vacations. The non-trads tend to be more cautious with finances, purchasing modest homes less than their yearly attending salary, only replacing vehicles when they are worn out (>10 years old), stay-cations rather than expensive intercontinental vacations, and socking money away like crazy. Of course, this is all personal observation over an n of about 50, so it's all generalization and exceptions certainly apply. Could also just be my locale. All in all, it depends. If you are a "young" 45, then go for it. If you are an "old" 30, then you shouldn't. __________________ Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment.