age limit for residency

[mekvol1]

I am a 37 year old pre-med with a previous bachelor's. I am currently working on my science prereqs so I can apply to med school. My mother has been pushing me to become a nurse, but after a lot of research and soul searching I decided I would rather be a physician. Nothing against nurses. I discovered I like science a lot. And I want to have autonomy. My mother is the only person in my life who has not been extremely encouraging. She told me she was really disappointed in me. She says my goal of becoming a doctor is an unrealistic pipe dream. She read on the internet about how brutal residency can be. This was not news to me. I am aware that residency is challenging to say the least. She says an older person can't cut it in residency because of the demands and that's why most residents are so young. I realize I'm not 20 anymore, but I don't think I'm ready for the nursing home just yet. And I am not unaccustomed to working extremely long and physically demanding hours. I don't think I have my head in the clouds about this. Do I? Am I chasing windmills? Any advice from someone who knows would really be appreciated.

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[elwademd]

there's no age limit. in my program, one of the residents is older than our program director (resident is 41, program director is 40).

in medical school, there were a few people in my class who were in their 40s.

while your medical career may not end up being as long as others, there are plenty of other people out there in the same boat.

btw, i'd argue that most residents are young because the typical average age of a medical student is around 23 or 24, thus 4 years later, the age of an average resident would be 27 or 28. an average of course is just that.

best of luck.

 

[mekvol1]

Thanks

 

[persia]

Sometimes people discourage us for all kinds of unconscious reasons - like, 'I wish I had done that myself.'

Don't take it personally, but consider that she might also have some regrets about her life. As for age being an issue - nada! nope! no way. 🙂

Some people are old fogies at 24, and others are live wires into their 70's. It's all in the thinking. Which one are you? Also, when you are happy you have an abundance of energy - you can do anything and it's fun! When you are depressed, you have less than zero energy and can't get out of bed. You only live once, which life do you want to have?

Besides, think of all you have to offer now that you are older and have lived. Age has its benefits.

 

[mgdsh]

Just a couple random thoughts:

- Why does your mothers approval/support matter at this point in your life?

- I'm not sure where you are long the pre-med process, but seeing that med school is 4 years and residency is at least another 3, you probably won't really start practicing until your late 40s at best. That basically gives you a ~15 year career to pay off 200k+ in loans.

- are you married? Do you have kids? If no do you plan to at any point etc?

I mean hey if what you really want to do is become a doctor, than regardless of what age you are in life it is still possible. Personally I wouldn't started med school at any age after 25 or so, but at the end of the day you should do whatever makes you happy and gives you the biggest sense of fulfillment.

Cheers and good luck.

 

[Faebinder]

The only problem with starting older is that you will be in debit when you are older and cant afford to be in debit. As an example, 60 year old on chemotherapy and still has medical school debit?

I would really consider going to a career where you are less likely to acquire this much debit. Now if they give you a scholarship ride all the way... by all means... take it.

 

[mekvol1]

Thanks for the feedback

 

[Top Gun]

There is no age limit. If medicine is your dream, then go for it. As for what your mother says, you are 37 years old. You've got your own life to lead. If she doesn't want you to go into medicine, too bad for her. Its your decision, not hers.

 

[lilgecko]

A few years ago, I was a 37 yo premed with a previous BA. Now I'm a third year med student (42 yo). Some third year clerkships required some pretty long hours but I survived.

My original med school advisor was a surgeon and we had some pretty candid conversations about whether I could/would be considered a competitive candidate for a surgical residency given my age. She believed that my age would be a factor but that it would be weighed against the demonstration of my interest and will. Also, no one ever discouraged my interest in any speciality based on age....it appeared to simply be a factor to consider. Just as having children is a factor to consider.

In all, med school is hard. But, it is completely doable for people in their 40s. I don't expect residency to be much different...it will be hard but doable.

Good Luck!!

 

[Doowai]

Dude, I am so old that the only good all the education is going to do me when I am finally done is I will understand all the bad news they tell me when I am in the rest home.

I thought it would have bigger payoffs. I recently had to get a yearly check up. The doctor would not let me do my own prostate exam.

 

[Danbo1957]

Go for it - IF you can afford it financially.

Debt is a major consideration; I would look at medical schools that are within your financial reach.

Starting practice as a doctor of medicine at the age of 45 will be just as rewarding for you as for another doctor starting practice at the age of 30...

 

[mekvol1]

Thanks

 

[starayamoskva]

If you want to go to be a physician then go for it. There is NO reason for you to not follow your dream. I graduated med school a few days before my 40th birthday. I will finish my ObGyn residency just after my 44th birthday (2009). I have excelled in residency, have had no difficulty "keeping up with the younger residents".

Think of it this way... 4 years from now you will be 4 years older... if you go to medical school you will be a physician... if you don't you don't go to medical school you will still be 4 years older but you won't be a physician. You will have plenty of time to pay off any student loans and to work and make enough money for a comfortable retirement.
The average American works to age 65-70. Do you want to spend the next 30 odd years in your current job or do you want to live your dream?

 

[skypilot]

I think there are some residencies where being older is a real asset. One of these is psych, maybe also FP. Surgery in your late forties would be tough though.


Good luck.

 

[LadyGrey]

There are people in my class in their 40s and early 50s. They manage.

I think they are leaning towards shorter residencies, but they don't seem to handle med school itself worse than anyone else.

 

[mekvol1]

Thank you

 

[Old_Mil]

Am I chasing windmills? Any advice from someone who knows would really be appreciated.

No. It's perfectly doable - but realize that because of your age, certain aspects of medicine will be closed to you. Certain medical schools are more accepting of older applicants, others simply will not take you because of your age. When you're done, you'll be in your early 40s. This probably means that you won't be able to spend 8 years in a residency and fellowship and subspecialize.

 

[mekvol1]

Thanks

 

[ekydrd]

Age limit??? Are you kidding???? If that was the case I never would have gotten where I am today. I was the oldest in my med school class, and am the oldest resident in the IM and Peds programs (I'm Med-Peds), but not the oldest over all. There are several FM residents who are either my age or older. One is in his mid fifties (he decided to change from an OB attending to FM so is doing the whole resident thing all over again).

Just a couple random thoughts:
- I'm not sure where you are long the pre-med process, but seeing that med school is 4 years and residency is at least another 3, you probably won't really start practicing until your late 40s at best. That basically gives you a ~15 year career to pay off 200k+ in loans...

Last time I checked retirement age is almost 70. Even if the OP does not finish residency until late 40's he/she will still be able to practice a good 20 years or more. I finish next year and will be 45, and I plan on practicing medicine for as long as I am allowed. I also have good loan repayment money written in to my contract, which will help pay off my student loans much earlier (I have already lined up a job for next year when I finish).

 

[ekydrd]

No. It's perfectly doable - but realize that because of your age, certain aspects of medicine will be closed to you. Certain medical schools are more accepting of older applicants, others simply will not take you because of your age. When you're done, you'll be in your early 40s. This probably means that you won't be able to spend 8 years in a residency and fellowship and subspecialize.

What? Why not? Yes, some fields are more youth friendly, such as surgery or ortho, but there is no real reason a person should not be able to subspecialize if that is what he or she wants to do. No aspect of medicine is truely closed just because of age. That would be age descrimination and is against the law. However, older residents are often "encouraged" to seek positions in fields where being young and fit are not as important. When I was in med school there was a trauma resident who was just slightly older than I was at the time who had started med school as an older student as well, AND got into a good surgery residency despite being in his 40's. So anyone can do anything they feel drawn to with perseverance and hard work.

You will see many FMGs who were attending physicians in their home country who come here for better income, and have to redo residency and fellowships to practice in the US. They are often in their 30's and 40's (and sometimes older) when they come here, and more often than not go into whatever subspecialty field they want.

Never let someone else's attitudes about age limit what you attempt to do.

 

[NuMD97]

I am a 37 year old pre-med with a previous bachelor's. I am currently working on my science prereqs so I can apply to med school. My mother has been pushing me to become a nurse, but after a lot of research and soul searching I decided I would rather be a physician. Nothing against nurses. I discovered I like science a lot. And I want to have autonomy. My mother is the only person in my life who has not been extremely encouraging. She told me she was really disappointed in me. She says my goal of becoming a doctor is an unrealistic pipe dream. She read on the internet about how brutal residency can be. This was not news to me. I am aware that residency is challenging to say the least. She says an older person can't cut it in residency because of the demands and that's why most residents are so young. I realize I'm not 20 anymore, but I don't think I'm ready for the nursing home just yet. And I am not unaccustomed to working extremely long and physically demanding hours. I don't think I have my head in the clouds about this. Do I? Am I chasing windmills? Any advice from someone who knows would really be appreciated.

I have met several folks who were in residency in their 50's. One woman had gone back to school and was going to medical school with her two sons, sandwiched in between them year-wise. I, too, questioned the wisdom of finishing residency (a second one, mind you for this woman) at 58. A wise friend pointed out that if that is your desire, it is possible.

Thirty-seven is young for an "older resident." The only hindrance for folks in their 40's and 50's is the call schedule especially in the first year of residency, which can be brutal. Possible but rough. Some programs will look at your age as a plus, and consider your maturity in making this decision. You have the benefit of hindsight going back to school as an older individual. Ace your coursework now, and give it your best come interview time. Mark me, you just might be very pleasantly surprised.

 

[aecuenca2]

My good friend who graduated with me in med school is now in his mid-40's and is in his 3rd year of psychiatry.

AND HE IS BLIND TOO!

So if he can do it, so can you!

Pursue your dream, have no regrets.

 

[mekvol1]

Thanks to everybody