anyone know the avg. age?

[OBfan]

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Just was wondering if there is an avg. age of those who go into psych. I have heard that usually the age of those that go into psych is older than some of the other specialties.

I think I'm curious because I'm in my mid 30's and am half way through 3rd year.

thanks

 

[psydoc]

I had the impression that people I've seen going into psychiatry have often taken their time in finishing med school. I thought that maybe they might have more interests in other fields (i.e. take more time to read, go to the theatre or whatever) than the average doctor, and so maybe taking a little more to prepare their exams. As I went through med school, with the idea of pursuing psychiatry, I had less passion for a lot of subjects than my fellow students had, but maybe it's just me. Any thoughts?

 

[OldPsychDoc]

I came from a med school class with a large percentage of matriculants over 30. In the end, we also had one of the highest percentages of psychiatry matches in school history as well. AFAIR, more than half of those that went into psych were from our "geriatric gang". I think the lifestyle has quite abit to do with it. When you have kids and "a life" (such as it is), you like to have an easier residency and the hope of a more controllable practice life.

 

[maranatha]

I think I'm curious because I'm in my mid 30's and am half way through 3rd year.

thanks

Ditto on that (except in my 4th year). It can only help to have some exta life experience, especially in psch. Also, maybe older students are less attracted to prestige and having to prove themselves and are looking for more job satisfaction then the average med. student. Not that all med. student are looking for this...you know what I mean. 😉

 

[whopper]

The only time I've seen age be used against a candidate was a situation where the candidate was in her 60s.

I don't think age should be used against anyone. If someone were to discriminate based on age, I figure that would violate civil rights.

I certainly don't think someone in their 30s would be discriminated against. IMHO someone going into psyche in their mid 20s is too young unless that person has experienced quite a bit.

This is a field where life experience does make a big difference.

 

[medstudent99]

I had the impression that people I've seen going into psychiatry have often taken their time in finishing med school. I thought that maybe they might have more interests in other fields (i.e. take more time to read, go to the theatre or whatever) than the average doctor, and so maybe taking a little more to prepare their exams. As I went through med school, with the idea of pursuing psychiatry, I had less passion for a lot of subjects than my fellow students had, but maybe it's just me. Any thoughts?

i'd say learn as much as you can regardless of what field your going into. it will make you a better doctor in the long run.