Help! Family wants no part of

[AngelaChanel34]

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I have posted several times and I was wondering how many have started their journey age 34 or later? I am going to be 34 and I will be just starting college. I know I want to be a D.O...I was telling my family my goals and they are very negative towards my choice and they have been really discouraging me. I was havign dinner with my family today and they say to me your 34! in what 6 months you have a 11 year old and a two year old how will you support them? and what if you fail what then. I feel like they are right. I have no solid means of support my family said not to ask them for help they feel like I am a flunky cause I could never decide what I want to be when I grew up. I feel so sad and discouraged. I have been told by so many that I am being foolish and even selfish because I should have done this like 10 years ago. I really have no argument. I know it will be a challenge Am I being unrealistic?My father said I would be old before I even got to apply to med School he said your going to be what like 43 and thats if I get through college in 4 years. Is there anyway I can sort of speed up the process? I have even considered becoming a Nurse with a Associate degree and then I can work and continue on to D.o. school maybe this way I can support my family and still achieve my goal, if all else fails I can move forward in Nursing and become a Nurse Practioner. Please some advice! 🙁😱

 

[swamprat]

I have posted several times and I was wondering how many have started their journey age 34 or later? I am going to be 34 and I will be just starting college. I know I want to be a D.O...I was telling my family my goals and they are very negative towards my choice and they have been really discouraging me. I was havign dinner with my family today and they say to me your 34! in what 6 months you have a 11 year old and a two year old how will you support them? and what if you fail what then. I feel like they are right. I have no solid means of support my family said not to ask them for help they feel like I am a flunky cause I could never decide what I want to be when I grew up. I feel so sad and discouraged. I have been told by so many that I am being foolish and even selfish because I should have done this like 10 years ago. I really have no argument. I know it will be a challenge Am I being unrealistic?My father said I would be old before I even got to apply to med School he said your going to be what like 43 and thats if I get through college in 4 years. Is there anyway I can sort of speed up the process? I have even considered becoming a Nurse with a Associate degree and then I can work and continue on to D.o. school maybe this way I can support my family and still achieve my goal, if all else fails I can move forward in Nursing and become a Nurse Practioner. Please some advice! 🙁😱

First off I wouldn't listen to anyone else, its your life, your goals and your dream. Yeah it would make you a big non-trad student, but I have heard of this before. You could probably finish college in 3 years if you take classes during the summer sessions and over breaks, maybe even less - but lets say 3 because you can only start med school in the fall (in the US at least). Then you got 4 years of med school and lets say 3 years residency. So total 10 years, you'll be 44. Practice 25 years and retire at 70... sounds like a plan. lol however you could go NP or PA route and that might be easier considering the whole family situation with kids. Good luck 👍

 

[MSSM2013]

where's the money gonna come from while you are in college?

 

[PunkmedGirl]

where's the money gonna come from while you are in college?

FA is an option.😀

It's definitely going to be a rough road for you to go to undergrad and medical school with two kids as a single mother, but you can definitely make it if you have the strength to endure it. You can't let people discourage you and force you to make a decision that will impact you and your kids lives. You are the only one that's in control of your life and it's outcome. There are plenty of people who started medical school in their late 30s, 40s, and even 50s, so that's definitely not an excuse to give up.

 

[Absentia]

I have posted several times and I was wondering how many have started their journey age 34 or later? I am going to be 34 and I will be just starting college. I know I want to be a D.O...I was telling my family my goals and they are very negative towards my choice and they have been really discouraging me. I was havign dinner with my family today and they say to me your 34! in what 6 months you have a 11 year old and a two year old how will you support them? and what if you fail what then. I feel like they are right. I have no solid means of support my family said not to ask them for help they feel like I am a flunky cause I could never decide what I want to be when I grew up. I feel so sad and discouraged. I have been told by so many that I am being foolish and even selfish because I should have done this like 10 years ago. I really have no argument. I know it will be a challenge Am I being unrealistic?My father said I would be old before I even got to apply to med School he said your going to be what like 43 and thats if I get through college in 4 years. Is there anyway I can sort of speed up the process? I have even considered becoming a Nurse with a Associate degree and then I can work and continue on to D.o. school maybe this way I can support my family and still achieve my goal, if all else fails I can move forward in Nursing and become a Nurse Practioner. Please some advice! 🙁😱

It's never to late to achieve your dream.. don't let people bring you down. You have to believe in yourself and find ways to motivate yourself. My mom became a lawyer around 50 and she is glad she did it..

 

[CHOCCHIP1207]

Follow your dreams! I am rooting for you all the way!

I have posted several times and I was wondering how many have started their journey age 34 or later? I am going to be 34 and I will be just starting college. I know I want to be a D.O...I was telling my family my goals and they are very negative towards my choice and they have been really discouraging me. I was havign dinner with my family today and they say to me your 34! in what 6 months you have a 11 year old and a two year old how will you support them? and what if you fail what then. I feel like they are right. I have no solid means of support my family said not to ask them for help they feel like I am a flunky cause I could never decide what I want to be when I grew up. I feel so sad and discouraged. I have been told by so many that I am being foolish and even selfish because I should have done this like 10 years ago. I really have no argument. I know it will be a challenge Am I being unrealistic?My father said I would be old before I even got to apply to med School he said your going to be what like 43 and thats if I get through college in 4 years. Is there anyway I can sort of speed up the process? I have even considered becoming a Nurse with a Associate degree and then I can work and continue on to D.o. school maybe this way I can support my family and still achieve my goal, if all else fails I can move forward in Nursing and become a Nurse Practioner. Please some advice! 🙁😱

 

[group_theory]

baby steps

Don't sell the idea med school just yet - as you have said in your post, your family does not believe that you can achieve it. To ultimately become a doctor means many hoops to jump through.

First convince your family that you going to college is the right step for you and the family. Getting a college degree will open up more opportunity for you to get a better paying job, career advancement, personal enrichment, etc. Getting that college degree will also show your family that your goal is achievable. You can major in anything you want as long as you take the necessary premed courses.

Second, do well in college, get good GPA, and do well in your premed courses. This will show your family that you have the ability to sit down and study (for long periods of time for multiple courses) and that you can handle the courseload of medical school.

Third - once you have a good GPA and are doing well in college, you can convince your family that you are ready to study and take the MCAT ... a good score will convince your family that you not only were a good student and studied for your courses, but you retained the informtion and know how to apply for it.

At this point, your actions will be louder than any arguments you make right now. You will have demonstrated to your family that you are taking your dream seriously and can handle the workload. For medical school, you will definately need the support of your family. Monetary wise, it makes no sense but if this is your dream that you want to pursue, then go for it.


In regards to age - in 4 years, you will be 47, no matter what. Would you like to be 47 and be a new college graduate, or would you like to be 47 in your current position?

In regards to rushing through college or speeding things up - DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!!! This is the mentality that your family have reservation about.
A health career is something that you have to explore and invest time in - there are no short cuts. Do you know what a nurse does? Or an NP? Do you know the difference between an NP and attending physician?

Becoming a physician is a long road for premeds, but an even longer road as a nontraditional student. Your first step is to start college and go from there. Rushing the process will not yield positive results.

 

[jkmph]

Angela, I would message ShyRem. I don't know what kind of advice she will have but she is a frequent poster on these forums and will probably happily respond. She's a non-trad mother/wife (I believe) who started her medical education a bit later in life. She may share some of her experience(s) with you on the subject.

 

[J1515]

Don't listen to any of the idiots here telling you to "follow your dreams" and "you can do it!" None of them are in your position. I'm not going to tell you whether or not it's realistic, but I would recommend looking into PA schools as that is a much more plausible option in my eyes.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Don't listen to any of the idiots here telling you to "follow your dreams" and "you can do it!" None of them are in your position. I'm not going to tell you whether or not it's realistic, but I would recommend looking into PA schools as that is a much more plausible option in my eyes.

Are you in her position?

I know I can definitely relate to what she is going through, being a single mom working towards the same goals. I believe its realistic for her to want to go to medical school and become a physician. Having people support you and encouraging you doesn't make them idiots, IMO.🙄

 

[Jayscin]

I have posted several times and I was wondering how many have started their journey age 34 or later? I am going to be 34 and I will be just starting college. I know I want to be a D.O...I was telling my family my goals and they are very negative towards my choice and they have been really discouraging me. I was havign dinner with my family today and they say to me your 34! in what 6 months you have a 11 year old and a two year old how will you support them? and what if you fail what then. I feel like they are right. I have no solid means of support my family said not to ask them for help they feel like I am a flunky cause I could never decide what I want to be when I grew up. I feel so sad and discouraged. I have been told by so many that I am being foolish and even selfish because I should have done this like 10 years ago. I really have no argument. I know it will be a challenge Am I being unrealistic?My father said I would be old before I even got to apply to med School he said your going to be what like 43 and thats if I get through college in 4 years. Is there anyway I can sort of speed up the process? I have even considered becoming a Nurse with a Associate degree and then I can work and continue on to D.o. school maybe this way I can support my family and still achieve my goal, if all else fails I can move forward in Nursing and become a Nurse Practioner. Please some advice! 🙁😱

Go for it! Prove them wrong!

I know a physician that went to medical school, in the same class as her daughter, when she was 40. I know another physician that went to medical school after attending law school and practicing law for 5 years. In addition, I know a pharmacist that taught high school chemistry for 20 years before deciding to go to pharmacy school. Long story short, it can be done. You can do it if you have the motivation to do it.

 

[ShyRem]

I had a feeling my name was here somewhere. My fingers were burning. 🙂

Angela, I started back to undergrad at the ripe old age of 35. Began med school at the decrepit age of 39. I will graduate med school as a decomposing 43 year old (on my birthday nonetheless!). It's been fun. It's been hard. It's been guilt-ridden along the way. And my children are immensely proud of me, my husband has been phenomenally supportive. My father will hood me at graduation, and I will be the only physician in my family.

Is it possible. Absolutely. I'll tell you to expect the naysayers. No less than six medical schools flat out told me I was too old. My family and friends said "it's about time you woke up and figured out this was what you were meant to do."

Have I been top of my class? No. But I never failed a class. Never had to remediate an exam. Definitely not at the bottom of my class. Passed my boards first try. And got really great reviews on my clinical rotations. I have gotten less sleep than before med school as I chose to be a wife and mother through med school, thus studies waited until everyone fell asleep. But I did pretty ok. Better than some classmates, not better than other classmates. I'm satisfied. I had a life. I had things NOT med school that kept me sane. But I'll also say it was d*&m hard.

PM me if you have questions. As others have said, you have to start somewhere. Start with going back to undergrad. Then take it a day at a time. Who knows, with Obama care coming down the pike, I might be sad I didn't do PA instead of DO.

 

[redrok]

I'm not ever one to tell someone not to shoot for their dreams (although there are exceptions, but not necessarily in your case).

Here is an idea - someone in one of the other posts mentioned not trying to sell the whole doctor thing to your family right now (that might be a good idea). Your family may have some very valid points, so I wouldn't disregard everything they say, but sometimes it's best to agree to disagree and avoid the topic.

One other idea - as far as the schooling, you have a perfect example (ShyRem) of someone who went back and is going to finish soon. It's possible!

If I were you, I would probably break things into smaller steps (and use this with your family as well). Look at things like getting an associate degree, and then maybe becoming a PA as stepping stones. You don't actually have to even go to PA school, but much of the course work along the way is the same as becoming a doctor. A good friend of mine, who wants to become a PA, was in every single one of my classes except for the second semester of O-Chem. I think the only difference between us is that after graduation, she has 2 more years of school and I have 7.

The idea is that at least then you also have somewhere to stop (and have something to show for it) if at the end of your undergrad work you do find out you didn't really want to (or can't or whatever) spend the 7+ years you would need to become a doctor, you could either get a job with your chosen major, or only go to 2 more years and become a PA.

So maybe you could start at a smaller college and begin taking the classes you need, if you do well and still love the idea, then transfer to a university to finish.

Just some final thoughts - I don't really understand the position you are in fully, but I have a cousin (who is more like a brother) who decided to go back to school at 32 and he decided on law school. Most of his undergrad work was done because he did already have a BS, but many of the family members (me included) were worried about his kids and wife where he planned on working full time and going to school full time. It has been extremely difficult for them, but he was lucky to have a supportive wife and was lucky to have a job that was willing to work with his schedule.

The one thing that we as close family wanted to know is if he was doing it for his family (to better himself) or to prove something (selfishness). He had to make that decision as will you.

 

[J1515]

Are you in her position?

I know I can definitely relate to what she is going through, being a single mom working towards the same goals. I believe its realistic for her to want to go to medical school and become a physician. Having people support you and encouraging you doesn't make them idiots, IMO.🙄

And if she fails? Then what? She's stuck with $100,000 debt, two kids, and no job. But that won't effect your life. And she'll be thinking "But everyone on SDN told me I could do it, where did I go wrong?" It's easy for people to give naive idealistic advice like "Follow your dreams, don't let anything stop you" when it isn't their ***** on the line.

I'm not in her position. That's why I'm not telling her whether or not she can do it.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

And if she fails? Then what? She's stuck with $100,000 debt, two kids, and no job. But that won't effect your life. And she'll be thinking "But everyone on SDN told me I could do it, where did I go wrong?" It's easy for people to give naive idealistic advice like "Follow your dreams, don't let anything stop you" when it isn't their ***** on the line.

I'm not in her position. That's why I'm not telling her whether or not she can do it.

Why are you so bitter? .Or maybe its just your post that give off that bitterness.

You're right, everyone doesn't succeed in this path to becoming a doctor. She is the one who has to determine if this is something she can do and handle for herself regardless of what we say to her. Encouraging someone to do something they have a desire for isn't naive or idiotic advice. And I'm sure everyone has sacrificed their **** in order to do something that is meaningful to them in their lives. So many people (myself included) who give up on what they really want in life simply because they weren't encouraged enough to push forward. Is it possible to become a physician as a single mom with two kids? Yes. Can the OP do it? Depends on how hard she's willing to work in order to achieve it.

 

[jkmph]

And she'll be thinking "But everyone on SDN told me I could do it, where did I go wrong?" It's easy for people to give naive idealistic advice like "Follow your dreams, don't let anything stop you" when it isn't their ***** on the line.

I'm not in her position. That's why I'm not telling her whether or not she can do it.

I'd say it's pretty naive to think or even suggest that anyone who reads/posts on SDN makes life decisions based solely or even partially on what is posted here.

 

[djd2187]

as someone already said take baby steps, and you are never too old to become a doctor. The doctor I shadowed (possibly one of the best doctors in my mind) was 51 when she graduated medical school. Also, there are tons of scholarship related programs that will pay for your medical school as well as pay you if you commit to them afterward. But first thing is first, go get your bachelor's, take the mcats and see where you stand.

 

[jayzbel2]

Ignore your family. I know people are are 46 and just finishing medical school. It is never too late to do something if you have a passion to do it. Do well and show your family that you mean business. Besides, you are 34, and an adult. If they do not like your decision, they can go fly a kite

In all seriousness, I believe that our lives take certain paths for a reason. Have no regrets about your children, or not going to school right away.

We have all been brainwashed with the idea of graduating out of high school at 17 or 18, and going to college, and being in medical school by the time we are 22. Well, life happens. Children happen, work happens, and our dreams are often pushed aside so we can live our lives.

If it is meant to be that you will start your undergrad at 34, then so be it. I would not waste my time worrying about what my family thinks, nor would I allow them to insult me by telling me that I did not have what it takes to be a doctor because I am too old and have kids. Proove them wrong.

By the way I am 31 with 2 kids, only difference is I am not a single mother, so I do not have to worry about handling medical school alone. Do not let that worry you, I know you can do it if you put your mind to it.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Ignore your family. I know people are are 46 and just finishing medical school. It is never too late to do something if you have a passion to do it. Do well and show your family that you mean business. Besides, you are 34, and an adult. If they do not like your decision, they can go fly a kite

In all seriousness, I believe that our lives take certain paths for a reason. Have no regrets about your children, or not going to school right away.

We have all been brainwashed with the idea of graduating out of high school at 17 or 18, and going to college, and being in medical school by the time we are 22. Well, life happens. Children happen, work happens, and our dreams are often pushed aside so we can live our lives.

If it is meant to be that you will start your undergrad at 34, then so be it. I would not waste my time worrying about what my family thinks, nor would I allow them to insult me by telling me that I did not have what it takes to be a doctor because I am too old and have kids. Proove them wrong.

By the way I am 31 with 2 kids, only difference is I am not a single mother, so I do not have to worry about handling medical school alone. Do not let that worry you, I know you can do it if you put your mind to it.

👍👍

We use to say this all of the time along with..."Go jump in a lake".

So OP, tell your family to go jump in the lake.😀 Ok, I"m just kidding.

 

[jkmph]

So OP, tell your family to go jump in the lake.😀 Ok, I"m just kidding.

Only if they can swim!

 

[JediZero]

OP, I agree with most of what is being said in this thread- no, it is not too late, and yes, it is totally possible for you to make it to medical school.

However, you should by no means ignore your wife and your kids. You absolutely need them on your side in this process. They have some very valid concerns. How are you going to pay for this? How are you going to support them while you're in school? Will you have time to be a husband and father while you're not studying? These are important questions, and as a family, you have to answer them together, not by yourself.

Take a good, long look at your options. If you can honestly say that this is the right choice for you and that you are determined enough to be successful, then you can find a way to make them see that. Meet with a financial advisor and see how the money will work out if you do this. Sit down with them, explain why this is important to you, and ask them to support you one step at a time, starting with getting started with college. Show them how it's possible.

I really hope you can make this work for you and for your family. This is a big undertaking, but if you have them behind you, you can pull it off and stick together. Good luck!

 

[TopQuark]

baby steps

Great advice. OP: If you haven't started your undergrad yet, deciding whether or not to go to med school might be a little premature. A lot of people that start college as pre-med change their minds, and a lot of others will apply but aren't accepted. Get your undergrad started ASAP, having a Bachelor's degree is an asset for whatever you choose to do. Get a degree in something your interested in, and/or one that will provide you with a good back up career path in case you change your mind or it takes awhile to get in. After you get through OChem, Biochem, Physics, etc. with good grades and then do well on the MCAT, you'll have a much better perspective to make your decision. You'll also have a better idea of what kind of life adjustments going to med school fulltime will require. Best of luck!

 

[tndoc12]

While I am an advocate of "following you dreams" I also believe that family is one of the most important things in life. They know you better than anyone else. Look into PA school. From what I hear they are not as competitive to get into, they're not as expensive and everyone knows that they dont take near as long to get through. Be a family man! However, I also know every one is different.

The bottom line is to do what your heart tells you. If you want to be a doctor then do everything it takes to reach that goal. But take care of the ones who love you the most on the way!

 

[SolanoDoc]

I have posted several times and I was wondering how many have started their journey age 34 or later? I am going to be 34 and I will be just starting college. I know I want to be a D.O...I was telling my family my goals and they are very negative towards my choice and they have been really discouraging me. I was havign dinner with my family today and they say to me your 34! in what 6 months you have a 11 year old and a two year old how will you support them? and what if you fail what then. I feel like they are right. I have no solid means of support my family said not to ask them for help they feel like I am a flunky cause I could never decide what I want to be when I grew up. I feel so sad and discouraged. I have been told by so many that I am being foolish and even selfish because I should have done this like 10 years ago. I really have no argument. I know it will be a challenge Am I being unrealistic?My father said I would be old before I even got to apply to med School he said your going to be what like 43 and thats if I get through college in 4 years. Is there anyway I can sort of speed up the process? I have even considered becoming a Nurse with a Associate degree and then I can work and continue on to D.o. school maybe this way I can support my family and still achieve my goal, if all else fails I can move forward in Nursing and become a Nurse Practioner. Please some advice! 🙁😱

At the school I plan to attend nearly a third of the students are over 30, I don't think its a big deal to go to medical in your 30s at all.

 

[iatros]

true story-

one of the docs i work with in the ER graduated from med school when he was 40 and yeah, he already had a family. he told me the oldest person in his class was in his 60's. no kidding.

ps- this doc is a DO, went to UNT in DFW,Tx
pps-awesome doctor.
ppps- a buddy of mine is gonna be 34 when he gets in to med school.

i'm sure it wont be a cakewalk but nothing in life worth having comes easy.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

true story-

one of the docs i work with in the ER graduated from med school when he was 40 and yeah, he already had a family. he told me the oldest person in his class was in his 60's. no kidding.

ps- this doc is a DO, went to UNT in DFW,Tx
pps-awesome doctor.
ppps- a buddy of mine is gonna be 34 when he gets in to med school.

i'm sure it wont be a cakewalk but nothing in life worth having comes easy.

QFT. (My first time using this acronym.😀)

 

[MedicineMan99]

3 people in my medical school class were OVER 40 as MS-1s. Their professions included lawyer, physio professor, and an actor. They all are married and have families, are currently MS-3s, and are doing great.

Use your life experiences to your advantage!

 

[mickc]

I have posted several times and I was wondering how many have started their journey age 34 or later? I am going to be 34 and I will be just starting college. I know I want to be a D.O...I was telling my family my goals and they are very negative towards my choice and they have been really discouraging me. I was havign dinner with my family today and they say to me your 34! in what 6 months you have a 11 year old and a two year old how will you support them? and what if you fail what then. I feel like they are right. I have no solid means of support my family said not to ask them for help they feel like I am a flunky cause I could never decide what I want to be when I grew up. I feel so sad and discouraged. I have been told by so many that I am being foolish and even selfish because I should have done this like 10 years ago. I really have no argument. I know it will be a challenge Am I being unrealistic?My father said I would be old before I even got to apply to med School he said your going to be what like 43 and thats if I get through college in 4 years. Is there anyway I can sort of speed up the process? I have even considered becoming a Nurse with a Associate degree and then I can work and continue on to D.o. school maybe this way I can support my family and still achieve my goal, if all else fails I can move forward in Nursing and become a Nurse Practioner. Please some advice! 🙁😱

DO it! One life to live, no regrets. Who cares what anyone else says or thinks? It's your life. You've got financial aid to help out, and after the first four years, you'll be earning something back in residency. Sure it'll be stressful, but for your peace of mind, it will be well worth it.

There's an MD at my hospital who left his PhD in Chem to attend medical school at the age of 35. Now he's a successful GI doctor.

BTW, nursing is very different. I work as an RN (ADN), and I'm working towards my DO. If you want to become a DO, don't mess around with nursing school. It only adds units to your academic history, and it will wear down your GPA.

Know why you want to be a DO, then do it!

 

[Birdeee]

My husband is 51 and a successful MSII -

you have to do what is right for you - at the right time for you. Take a few classes and see how it feels. Financial aid can make it all possible - perhaps not totally comfortable, but possible.

 

[nshalaby]

i have a guy in my classes right now thats 35 taking classes he needs to get into med school...hes a pharm rep. right now and cant stand it...everyday he comes to class right after work and then has to go home to his family and says its extremely tough...but he knows what he wants to do...i say earn the support of your family..then execute!

 

[Bowl of oranges]

Honestly this sounds like a bad idea. I am all for chasing a dream, becoming suddenly motivated in mid life. In fact i could hardly imagine me telling anyone not to try this. But you have a family, with no visible means of support (correct me if i am wrong). You are obviously over estimating the positives of being a doctor, because considering the risk reward ratio, it does not look good.

What you are risking: Financial, family, 3-4 years college, then another 4 if you are lucky, then another 1 year of average pay, then you may find you do not like the job. And consider this, what percent of the time do you fail to become a doctor. A conservative estimate is 10%, but a more likely estimate is 30%.

What you gain: 15 years of a job you like, 10 years of profit (5 years or more paying of debts).

But good luck i hope you get in 🙂

edit: wow i did not know there were so many non trad med students.

 

[DrMcKittrick]

I agree with alot here. But I emphasize getting your Bachelors first and going from there. There is a long road ahead. But DO NOT quit regardless.

 

[ShyRem]

Bowl, your message has several errors.

The fail rate for medical students is quite low. Less than 5%. Almost all students who enter medical school graduate. And depending on the school you get into, your debt may be much smaller than the average $200-300K. Texas is quite cheap. State schools are more reasonable. Mayo very cheap. Even if you go to a more expensive institution it is possible to pay off your loans. You may not live like a king, but you can pay off your loans and live comfortably working in a field you enjoy.

Several students do take longer than 4 years for medical school. But if you are smart about your time management, even with a family and still being a parent you can do it in 4 just like most students do.

1 year of average pay? A short residency is 3 years. You will earn around $45-50K/yr for working 80 hours a week. Remember, your children will be older at this point and more independent. And by the time you finish third year, you generally have a darn good idea what you want to go into (or don't want to go into). It is possible to switch residency programs if you find you hate the specialty you chose.

 

[PunkmedGirl]

Bowl, your message has several errors.

The fail rate for medical students is quite low. Less than 5%. Almost all students who enter medical school graduate. And depending on the school you get into, your debt may be much smaller than the average $200-300K. Texas is quite cheap. State schools are more reasonable. Mayo very cheap. Even if you go to a more expensive institution it is possible to pay off your loans. You may not live like a king, but you can pay off your loans and live comfortably working in a field you enjoy.

Several students do take longer than 4 years for medical school. But if you are smart about your time management, even with a family and still being a parent you can do it in 4 just like most students do.

1 year of average pay? A short residency is 3 years. You will earn around $45-50K/yr for working 80 hours a week. Remember, your children will be older at this point and more independent. And by the time you finish third year, you generally have a darn good idea what you want to go into (or don't want to go into). It is possible to switch residency programs if you find you hate the specialty you chose.

👍 I approve this message.😀

 

[IamAriDO]

Wanted to add to this thread ....
My father was a professor for 15 years at a medical school when he got the bright idea that he should go to medical school instead of teaching it. So at the ripe age of 41, with my mother, myself and my two sisters (I was 5 and sisters were 2yrs old and 3 mos at the time) we moved to Des Moines for him to go to DMU. He graduated in 1993 at 44 (three year program they had back then for PhD holders) and did IM at Cleveland Clinic. Then he pursed a cardiology fellowship at UMiami/Jackson down in Miami. So for him it was a very long road. He finished his Card fellowship (including interventional) and began private practice in 2002 at the wonderful age of 54.
My point of this is that my father did it, moved us all over the place and I have never been prouder of him. It was a tough sell I remember (being 5 at the time of course) but he suceeded. There were trade offs, I feel like only recently have I been close to him but in the end I realized not only is my family better for it, but he in a myriad of ways inspired me .....as I am halfway through my M1 year at NSU-COM.

Go for it, dont let anything stop you...your dreams are your dreams ...fulfill them

IamAriDO

 

[Bowl of oranges]

Bowl, your message has several errors.

The fail rate for medical students is quite low. Less than 5%. Almost all students who enter medical school graduate. And depending on the school you get into, your debt may be much smaller than the average $200-300K. Texas is quite cheap. State schools are more reasonable. Mayo very cheap. Even if you go to a more expensive institution it is possible to pay off your loans. You may not live like a king, but you can pay off your loans and live comfortably working in a field you enjoy.

Several students do take longer than 4 years for medical school. But if you are smart about your time management, even with a family and still being a parent you can do it in 4 just like most students do.

1 year of average pay? A short residency is 3 years. You will earn around $45-50K/yr for working 80 hours a week. Remember, your children will be older at this point and more independent. And by the time you finish third year, you generally have a darn good idea what you want to go into (or don't want to go into). It is possible to switch residency programs if you find you hate the specialty you chose.

I am using numbers from New Zealand med schools, and i meant that you are not guaranteed a place in med school. I concede that i dont have any knowledge to give advice for specifics of American med schools (that was not my intension). But surely there is something to be said for the fact that a person with family is taking a big risk. There are many stories of people who made it here (which is awesome), but selection bias plays a role in this. How many failures lurk student doctor? Or associate with medical students?

 

[ShyRem]

New Zealand med schools are not American med schools. As for "big risk", that is up to the person and family to decide. But to not try is to have failed before even beginning. Far better to be able to look in the mirror every morning and know you were not the one who denied yourself the opportunity to even try.

 

[wook]

New Zealand med schools are not American med schools. As for "big risk", that is up to the person and family to decide. But to not try is to have failed before even beginning. Far better to be able to look in the mirror every morning and know you were not the one who denied yourself the opportunity to even try.

Ok....in my med school class the oldest person started at age 50. By the time he's done he'll likely be 60 by the time he starts practicing (he's doing IM and then GI Med). More power to him. He was one of the smartest dudes in our class.

Heck, I graduated from med school around 40. Did residency and am doing a fellowship.

Several folks have advised you to be aware of the finance part of the education. I would agree that you need to be congnizant of it and plan it out carefully.

With that being said, if you truly want to do it, do so with the knowledge of the financial risk. But consider do you want to be 60 wondering...should I have done that?

Just make sure you are doing medicine for the right reasons. It has alot of frustrations and challenges which will become more prominent in the near future.

Me...I'm glad I did it. I have the best job in the world, but I've also created some options in case I want to do something else. I still love the job and helping people.

Wook