Are you in your 30's and trying to get into medical school as your 1st career?

[Gauss44]

Are you in your 30's and trying to get into medical school as your 1st career?

I am, essentially. And I've decided that it's time to re-evaluate my decision. It would be very helpful to me, if you would share the reasons you think that this is still a good idea at our age. I really want to get an MD. I always have. However, I am not of the opinion that that's the only thing that matters. I ask myself, how much of a family life will I have while in school? What will it be like to start a career near the age of 50 with $300k+ in debt? Will I look back and wish I did more while I had my youth?

Please tell me if you've thought about this. Should you have time to include some reasoning and detail, that would be excellent.

(I know this is my decision blah blah. I am also not 100 percent sure that I haven't overlooked valuable information.) Thanks.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[groundsquirrel]

I say go for it!

 

[Gauss44]

I say go for it!

Thanks for the encouragement. However, in the topic, I said that I am interested in WHY other 30+ year olds decided to continue to trying to get into medical school and more. IMO, there is not enough information here for anyone to make a sound judgement about my situation. Again, I appreciate the good intent.

 

[Gauss44]

Just some interesting stuff about Winston Churchill (almost off topic):

Winston Churchill: This Nobel Prize-winning, twice-elected Prime Minster of the United Kingdom wasn't always as well regarded as he is today. Churchill struggled in school and failed the sixth grade. After school he faced many years of political failures, as he was defeated in every election for public office until he finally became the Prime Minister at the ripe old age of 62. Source: http://www.budbilanich.com/50-famous-people-who-failed-at-their-first-attempt-at-career-success/

I'm still not sure I would have enjoyed his life. (And his situation isn't parallel to mine. I just wanted to share the story here on Non-trad.)

 

[pdxhopeful]

I was 30 when I started, and I'm sure not the oldest member of my class.

I did it anyway because I'd wanted to be a doctor for a very long time (life got in the way of a more traditional timeline) and it's my top external priority in life. Many of my classmates have families, and it's not always easy but with the right partner they make it work. I may not have the demands of a family, but I also don't have their daily assistance and support.

It's all about priorities. If you are not really on fire to be a physician, there are a lot of other routes you could go that would be quicker training, have better hours, etc. But if you are, wouldn't you hate to look back at 60 and regret not even trying?

 

[PreMedGuy222]

I'm just curious, when you say you're in your 30's and this is your first "career" do you mean you've never had a full time job before and have always been in school, or just that the other jobs you've had you don't feel fit the description as a "career"?

To answer your question, no one has nearly enough information to know whether this is a good idea for you. What I would recommend you do is you start with a pros and cons list of going to medical school (and post it here) as well as post some background information and what your alternative options are. That will allow people to give you more informed opinions.

 

[PreMedGuy222]

Thanks for the encouragement. However, in the topic, I said that I am interested in WHY other 30+ year olds decided to continue to trying to get into medical school and more. IMO, there is not enough information here for anyone to make a sound judgement about my situation. Again, I appreciate the good intent.

I think 30+ year olds want to be doctors for the same reason 22 year olds do.

A) The work seems exciting and interesting.

B) The job pays very well and is secure.

C) The alternative options aren't nearly as good as they used to be (a bachelors in science isn't always very useful, law school and PhD's are bad options for most people at the moment).

D) The job is prestigious.

E) If they're going back to school and don't like their current job, it lets them avoid working in the real world for at least a few years while they do their pre-reqs.

F) They want to help people (though TBH you can help people in most jobs and I think people cite this reasoning even if it isn't true for them, since that's what they think people want to hear).

Etc etc

 

[musicberger]

Dear Undecided,
I hope I find that you are well. I am 31, going all out studying ad hoc for the PCAT and eventually upgrading my pharmacy technician certificate for a R pharmacist license. I have given your query much thought and have to say:
Initially, on the path through the wilderness there are many gloms of trees and the trail is heavily wooded. How like a med school applicant pool, the one of us who is not motivated is hard to find. In fact even the worst student had to be motivated enough to take their exams.
Further, during this trek up the mountain there are brief glimpses of the underlying valley below and it seems the view is beautiful from the trail. I think every step I take toward being a pharm-student brings me understanding and instills my faith in myself. In fact, I had do a complete one-eighty for this learning experience.
Further still, the summit trail brings us to the top of the world with a view of horizon and the lovely landscape before us. Considering that few schools accept students without a baccalaureate degree in sciences or arts it's a big step forward to commit yourself to the practice, the long study sessions, the early mornings. In fact, nobody chooses to be a doctor, nobody earns the grades without first deciding to put their faith in the one true god, who blesses us and allows for the journey to take place or not.
So to answer your question, the reason I am deciding to go for it, is because my answers are still out there and I won't stop until I find them. Don't stop believing. don't stop praying for an A+

 

[radman123]

I am an attending out for about 7 years.

There are many unhappy doctors right now and there is a good chance that you will be one of them according to statistics.

The pay is good relative to average pay here, but think about the financial costs, opportunity costs, emotional and other costs involved getting there. Not to mention it only gets tougher in many fields after training.

There is a huge trend towards physician employment right now and job security is decreasing.

Many specialties severely limit your ability to live where you want and get a decent job.

Many (all?) are all consuming and make it tough to balance work and play. The hours are going up, the pay generally going down, more hoops to jump through as part of practice, high liability etc.

Do not think going into medicine is a good choice simply because alternatives are worse.

 

[Prncssbuttercup]

I'm a 37yr old 2nd year... I have people in my class who are older...
I am finally doing what I wanted to do at 22, but couldn't because I screwed up my grades... Always wanted to be here, still happy, and the docs I'm friends with are happy. Sure there are challenges; there are in any job. They love what they do, some of them own their own practices, some of them don't, some are hospitalists, some are clinicians... I however haven't met ANY who have told me that I made a mistake...

 

[deleted367183]

I have had meaningful work exp, but everyone from my college class is supposed to be a lawyer or a policy wonk or some kind of tool. So people basically say, "you went THERE and you work in the welfare office, wtf."

I dealt with this using crystal-clear explanations in my amcas and other essays. I didn't orate. Only explained like you would to your aunt.

 

[medicinegal]

Dear Undecided,
I hope I find that you are well. I am 31, going all out studying ad hoc for the PCAT and eventually upgrading my pharmacy technician certificate for a R pharmacist license. I have given your query much thought and have to say:
Initially, on the path through the wilderness there are many gloms of trees and the trail is heavily wooded. How like a med school applicant pool, the one of us who is not motivated is hard to find. In fact even the worst student had to be motivated enough to take their exams.
Further, during this trek up the mountain there are brief glimpses of the underlying valley below and it seems the view is beautiful from the trail. I think every step I take toward being a pharm-student brings me understanding and instills my faith in myself. In fact, I had do a complete one-eighty for this learning experience.
Further still, the summit trail brings us to the top of the world with a view of horizon and the lovely landscape before us. Considering that few schools accept students without a baccalaureate degree in sciences or arts it's a big step forward to commit yourself to the practice, the long study sessions, the early mornings. In fact, nobody chooses to be a doctor, nobody earns the grades without first deciding to put their faith in the one true god, who blesses us and allows for the journey to take place or not.
So to answer your question, the reason I am deciding to go for it, is because my answers are still out there and I won't stop until I find them. Don't stop believing. don't stop praying for an A+

😕

 

[beBrave]

Are you in your 30's and trying to get into medical school as your 1st career?

I recently turned 30. I am trying to get into medical school and medicine was not my first career. I regret my previous career. Medical school isn't for everyone however that's a decision each person must make. If it's a conviction, then you must simply go for it.

 

[occams_razor]

I am an attending out for about 7 years.

There are many unhappy doctors right now and there is a good chance that you will be one of them according to statistics.

The pay is good relative to average pay here, but think about the financial costs, opportunity costs, emotional and other costs involved getting there. Not to mention it only gets tougher in many fields after training.

There is a huge trend towards physician employment right now and job security is decreasing.

Many specialties severely limit your ability to live where you want and get a decent job

Many (all?) are all consuming and make it tough to balance work and play. The hours are going up, the pay generally going down, more hoops to jump through as part of practice, high liability etc.

Do not think going into medicine is a good choice simply because alternatives are worse.

Could you elaborate on how job security is decreasing for physicians? from what I've read and heard job security is one of the major perks of becoming a physician compared to other careers.

Also you said that "Many specialties severely limit your ability to live where you want and get a decent job". Can you explain this further? because I was under the impression that the demand for physicians in most specialties is increasing due to the aging population

 

[beBrave]

I am an attending out for about 7 years.

There are many unhappy doctors right now and there is a good chance that you will be one of them according to statistics.

The pay is good relative to average pay here, but think about the financial costs, opportunity costs, emotional and other costs involved getting there. Not to mention it only gets tougher in many fields after training.

There is a huge trend towards physician employment right now and job security is decreasing.

Many specialties severely limit your ability to live where you want and get a decent job.

Many (all?) are all consuming and make it tough to balance work and play. The hours are going up, the pay generally going down, more hoops to jump through as part of practice, high liability etc.

Do not think going into medicine is a good choice simply because alternatives are worse.

No disrespect to you however the grass is always greener on the other side.

 

[futuremddo]

No disrespect to you however the grass is always greener on the other side.

Yeah, I'd actually be interested in seeing the percentage of people with job dissatisfaction in the general population vs. doctors.

I just had an interesting conversation with a friend who is doing very well financially (owns three homes; bought all three, not inherited or anything), and she spent the last half-hour complaining about how she's not paid enough and what a dump she lives in. (For the record, her home is gorgeous!) After I hung up the phone I went back to eating my ramen, studying from my rental textbook, on my 6-year-old computer, in my "apartment" literally the size of my bed+desk+chair. And now I think of the people who are trying to support entire families on what I'm making and would love to be in my position. Life can be harder or easier, but happiness is something you can choose.

I think part of it might just be human nature to always strive for something better or something else.

Or maybe I'm just rationalizing because I'd like to be a doctor so badly that I just can't accept not being ecstatically happy every single day after I finally get the two letters after my name 🙂 (Of course I completely know that this won't happen! I might be a pre-med, but I'm not that naive!)

OP, I'm in my twenties but will be in my thirties by the time I get there, and it will be my first "real" career. I just read this today and thought you might find it interesting:
http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2013/1...prfacebook&utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook

 

[occams_razor]

Yeah, I'd actually be interested in seeing the percentage of people with job dissatisfaction in the general population vs. doctors.

I just had an interesting conversation with a friend who is doing very well financially (owns three homes; bought all three, not inherited or anything), and she spent the last half-hour complaining about how she's not paid enough and what a dump she lives in. (For the record, her home is gorgeous!) After I hung up the phone I went back to eating my ramen, studying from my rental textbook, on my 6-year-old computer, in my "apartment" literally the size of my bed+desk+chair. And now I think of the people who are trying to support entire families on what I'm making and would love to be in my position. Life can be harder or easier, but happiness is something you can choose.

I think part of it might just be human nature to always strive for something better or something else.

Or maybe I'm just rationalizing because I'd like to be a doctor so badly that I just can't accept not being ecstatically happy every single day after I finally get the two letters after my name 🙂 (Of course I completely know that this won't happen! I might be a pre-med, but I'm not that naive!)

OP, I'm in my twenties but will be in my thirties by the time I get there, and it will be my first "real" career. I just read this today and thought you might find it interesting:
http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2013/1...prfacebook&utm_source=npr&utm_medium=facebook

your story about your friend reminds me of one of my family members who is the president of a non-profit organization, makes over 200k a year and lives in a beautiful home but is miserable and complains about her job every time I see her. I've come to realize you can find people who are unhappy in any profession.

 

[beBrave]

your story about your friend reminds me of one of my family members who is the president of a non-profit organization, makes over 200k a year and lives in a beautiful home but is miserable and complains about her job every time I see her. I've come to realize you can find people who are unhappy in any profession.

Many traditional Doctors have no idea what a career outside of medicine is like. I think that's why it can be hard for them to relate.

 

[ToldYouSo]

Dear Undecided,
I hope I find that you are well. I am 31, going all out studying ad hoc for the PCAT and eventually upgrading my pharmacy technician certificate for a R pharmacist license. I have given your query much thought and have to say:
Initially, on the path through the wilderness there are many gloms of trees and the trail is heavily wooded. How like a med school applicant pool, the one of us who is not motivated is hard to find. In fact even the worst student had to be motivated enough to take their exams.
Further, during this trek up the mountain there are brief glimpses of the underlying valley below and it seems the view is beautiful from the trail. I think every step I take toward being a pharm-student brings me understanding and instills my faith in myself. In fact, I had do a complete one-eighty for this learning experience.
Further still, the summit trail brings us to the top of the world with a view of horizon and the lovely landscape before us. Considering that few schools accept students without a baccalaureate degree in sciences or arts it's a big step forward to commit yourself to the practice, the long study sessions, the early mornings. In fact, nobody chooses to be a doctor, nobody earns the grades without first deciding to put their faith in the one true god, who blesses us and allows for the journey to take place or not.
So to answer your question, the reason I am deciding to go for it, is because my answers are still out there and I won't stop until I find them. Don't stop believing. don't stop praying for an A+

I have had meaningful work exp, but everyone from my college class is supposed to be a lawyer or a policy wonk or some kind of tool. So people basically say, "you went THERE and you work in the welfare office, wtf."

I dealt with this using crystal-clear explanations in my amcas and other essays. I didn't orate. Only explained like you would to your aunt.

Interesting...

 

[IslandStyle808]

No disrespect to you however the grass is always greener on the other side.

In about a week, I will be 29 so meh....

I agree with this, I understand that physicians have there BS and its only getting worse. I keep looking at the rants from physicians on SDN about medicine and think that law, engineering, and business far are better carriers (they cite anecdotal stories about their friends, who probably got their jobs far before the economy got bad). It just amazes me that they don't even know what the market is like for these carriers today. The job employment and security are still much worse for these carriers than medicine.

I have a mom that recently graduate from law school and she is having the hardest time finding a job. She is not look for a big law firm to work at, JUST A JOB. It has been a year now since the job hunt, but she been working the connections, so I think she will get one soon. (If people are thinking n=1, I can tell you about 5 other of her classmates that are having a hard time also).

I agree with radman123 that medicine should not be picked for job security and pay alone, otherwise one would just feel miserable throughout the field. However, I still find medicine fascinating and that is my main reason for applying.

 

[beBrave]

In about a week, I will be 29 so meh....

I agree with this, I understand that physicians have there BS and its only getting worse. I keep looking at the rants from physicians on SDN about medicine and think that law, engineering, and business far are better carriers (they cite anecdotal stories about their friends, who probably got their jobs far before the economy got bad). It just amazes me that they don't even know what the market is like for these carriers today. The job employment and security are still much worse for these carriers than medicine.

I have a mom that recently graduate from law school and she is having the hardest time finding a job. She is not look for a big law firm to work at, JUST A JOB. It has been a year now since the job hunt, but she been working the connections, so I think she will get one soon. (If people are thinking n=1, I can tell you about 5 other of her classmates that are having a hard time also).

I agree with radman123 that medicine should not be picked for job security and pay alone, otherwise one would just feel miserable throughout the field. However, I still find medicine fascinating and that is my main reason for applying.

Medicine is a better choice to choose if you are capabale and then regret, than jumping from job to job (with no guidance; this is my opinion). A person of great wisdom on SDN, always talks about living a balanced life. She often emphasizes that medicine may not be for everyone however she has also shown appreciation for the opportunities it has offered her as well.

The last time I spoke with her seeking advice, she talked about living a balanced lifestyle, helping others (and not just in the medical field), taking care of yourself and connecting with the world outside of the Medical field. Doctors are members of the communities in which they serve. I think so many young Doctors get trapped in that bubble, they adapt to a specific kind of culture that has developed among Physicians and sometimes forget that they are human beings living in an imperfect world just like everyone else. Doctors are amazing, but they are only one important component in the world.

As I said before, the grass is always greener on the other side.

 

[312312312]

I'm a 32 year old and I've been an EMT for the past 4 years here in Chicago, and I'm gonna take my MCATS at the start of the 2014. You can do it you just gotta be focused is all.

 

[Zelda840]

Are you in your 30's and trying to get into medical school as your 1st career?

I am, essentially. And I've decided that it's time to re-evaluate my decision. It would be very helpful to me, if you would share the reasons you think that this is still a good idea at our age. I really want to get an MD. I always have. However, I am not of the opinion that that's the only thing that matters. I ask myself, how much of a family life will I have while in school? What will it be like to start a career near the age of 50 with $300k+ in debt? Will I look back and wish I did more while I had my youth?

Please tell me if you've thought about this. Should you have time to include some reasoning and detail, that would be excellent.

(I know this is my decision blah blah. I am also not 100 percent sure that I haven't overlooked valuable information.) Thanks.

I'm a 33 year old and this is my first application cycle. I have thought a lot about this too. It's a big risk.....big sacrifice......big reward, in my opinion. It's not for everyone. I think I am in a somewhat unique situation because while I am non-traditional because of my age, I also don't have kids. My partner and I are both very independent people and I get a lot of support without having someone who NEEDS my attention. As for the debt, that is the most serious concern for me. I apply for scholarships year-round and I am praying I get in at my state school ($28,000 a year). I guess if I were you, I'd think about what you would have wished you'd done in your youth if you were looking back at your life after becoming a doctor. Then really think about doing those things and whether it'd make you happier than pursuing medicine. When I think about looking back at my life once I'm old, the only regret I can imagine is not trying to be a doctor....that's part of why I know that this is going to be the life for me....stress and all.

 

[312312312]

I'm not traditional becuz of my age 32, but I don't have any kids or a boyfriend dragging me down or pay rent my parent's are footing the bill for that. You might wanna think about moving back home so you can save money on your student loans.

 

[ummasiya]

I've been on the path to become a doctor since the 8th grade, but "life happened". I got married after college, traveled abroad and had children. I was hoping to start medical school by the time I turn 30 next year, but that won't happen. I started the application process this year before I received my MCAT score and I am not going to finish applying because my score is not as high as I want it to be.

I've had to tell myself life isn't a race. I don't let it upset me that my former classmates are finishing their residency programs. In addition, my professors refuse to write letters of recommendation because they do not remember me well enough to give a strong recommendation (after all it has been close to a decade since I took their course). I still am going to pursue medicine as a first career, it may take a few years. I've waited 7 already, whats another 2 or 3 while I take courses to have academic references?