Graduating DO-PhD at 35

[YayPudding]

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Hi folks,

I have had two interviews for the DO-PhD programs at Michigan State and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I've worked in medical research since graduating college and I will be starting medical school at 27.

Long story short - is it feasible for me to undertake one of these programs and to graduate at 35? What if I fall in love with surgery or another field that will require horrific hours and lack of sleep?

Anyone else undertake a dual degree program at a relatively advanced age?

 

[eteshoe]

I started at 26. IMO, I know I won't feel like putting myself through a surgical residency in my mid-thirties, but hey to each his/her own.

No guarantee that you'll love surgery but if you do that'll be a decision you'll have to make once you reach that point.

I assume you're interested in research since you're pursing the PhD, so focus on doing well in your pre-clinical yrs and your research and by the time you get through all that plus your rotations, you'll know if you feel like pursuing a 7+ yr residency lol.

As far as the horrific hrs and lack of sleep - if hrs rally matter, don't go into surgery (unless you love the OR). Lack of sleep will happen regardless of specialty - I guess you'll have to decide how often you feel like doing it.

 

[Mirp]

What do you want to do that you need the PhD? You can do research without it and eventually you may want to enjoy life too.

 

[YayPudding]

What do you want to do that you need the PhD? You can do research without it and eventually you may want to enjoy life too.

I envision a career as a physician scientist, but it is true that a DO/MD alone doesn't disqualify one from participating in research.

 

[solitude]

Hi folks,

I have had two interviews for the DO-PhD programs at Michigan State and Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. I've worked in medical research since graduating college and I will be starting medical school at 27.

Long story short - is it feasible for me to undertake one of these programs and to graduate at 35? What if I fall in love with surgery or another field that will require horrific hours and lack of sleep?

Anyone else undertake a dual degree program at a relatively advanced age?

I will be brutally honest with you. No, do not do it. You are too old. You don't feel old now. You will feel old when you are done. I was one of the first in my class to finish, graduated in my late 20s and am halfway through residency. I feel old, and staring at the prospect of fellowship, then postdoc, then K08, etc...it just isn't gonna happen. You marry, have a kid or two, and many other things start to take priority over research.

Go to med school, and if you still feel like doing research during your fellowship, then get into it then. Chances are, you won't.

 

[YayPudding]

I greatly appreciate the feedback

 

[Fencer]

You professional life expectancy still will be 30-35 years. I am 53 and I still have 20 years in the tank. The big question for you is whether you love to do research or not. If you have a resounding absolute yes, then, go for it. No, you are not too old (yet)...

 

[YayPudding]

You professional life expectancy still will be 30-35 years. I am 53 and I still have 20 years in the tank. The big question for you is whether you love to do research or not. If you have a resounding absolute yes, then, go for it. No, you are not too old (yet)...

I'll absolutely have to consider what clinical/research ratio may work best for me.

I think we PM'd a bit a few years ago when I had my old account. You were very helpful at the time, thank you again.

 

[Neuronix]

Clearly there is no right answer here. You have to do what's right for you. I tend to agree with solitude, but it may not be the right advice for you.

At any age, I wouldn't recommend a combined program without full funding--that is living stipend and no tuition for all years in the program. I'm not aware of any DO/PhD programs that offer this.