How do you overcome the age factor?

[Livestrong51085]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

So I'm a non-trad, obviously. I graduated from undergrad a few years ago, and did not know at the time that I wanted to be a doctor, although I felt it deep down, but didn't think I could or that it was worth the time commitment. I had originally wanted to do PT, but realized it wasn't for me, and that I really def wanted to do medicine. So I'm back at my undergrad school, doing the post bacc program, and will finish my post bacc in spring 2011, and will apply that summer to matriculate in 2012.

I'm currently 24 (about to turn 25) and will matriculate when I'm 27. Though I am happy that I'm pursuing my dreams, I can't help but feel slightly discouraged/upset when I realize that I could have avoided all of this if I had just done this during undergrad and knew that it was def what I wanted to do. I see all the 18-22 yr olds in my classes, and I wish it could be me back in that position, if only I had known then what I know now.

I know it's pointless to think about the past, and that I might as well be doing what I love, and that I will get older no matter what I do, but I wish I was going to be 26 or 27 when I GRADUATED med school, not STARTED. I hate the idea that I will be technically "5 years behind" everyone and won't even be done school until I'm 31, and won't start making real money until I'm 35. I know that I'll still have a 30-35 yr career after that, but I just find myself being really nostalgic for my undergraduate years (especially freshman/sophomore), since if I was back in that position, I could make better choices and do what I had to do, instead of kind of just coasting through (I got good grades, but never dedicated myself to anything with a lot of focus).

For some of you, I feel like it might be easier, because you had careers before you decided to do medicine. I never did. I graduated from college and then worked in a surgeon's office for over a year in an administrative position (which did help me realize for good that it's what I wanted to do), but I feel like becoming a doctor is going to be my first accomplishment in life, and that won't happen until I'm 31. I know that I can do tons of things in between and during med school and can have satisfying relationships and it's not all about the job, but it's frustrating to think that my peers will probably have been working in the professional world for almost 10 years by the time I am getting started.

How do you all get past the whole age thing and stay motivated and finally not let it bother you? Overall, I DO feel good about what I'm doing and am happy, but I just wish I could shake the nostalgia once and for all.

Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[aynmar]

Ha ha. Well if it makes you feel better, I'm 31 and still working on pre-reqs!

 

[Livestrong51085]

I mean, I know it's only a 5 year difference. I don't know I'm so hung up on that. I know this is going to make me happy.

I think the main thing I need to do is LIVE MY LIFE RIGHT NOW, and not think that my life only starts once I'm in med school or graduating med school or doing whatever. I need to enjoy the journey too.

 

[akinetopsia]

I know it's pointless to think about the past, and that I might as well be doing what I love, and that I will get older no matter what I do, but I wish I was going to be 26 or 27 when I GRADUATED med school, not STARTED. I hate the idea that I will be technically "5 years behind" everyone and won't even be done school until I'm 31, and won't start making real money until I'm 35. I know that I'll still have a 30-35 yr career after that, but I just find myself being really nostalgic for my undergraduate years (especially freshman/sophomore), since if I was back in that position, I could make better choices and do what I had to do, instead of kind of just coasting through (I got good grades, but never dedicated myself to anything with a lot of focus).

It's surprisingly more common than you think for people to start later. There are definitely still plenty of 21-23 y/o M1's out there, but there are also more that took a year or two off to work, volunteer, or even longer and had a first career. You are arbitrarily comparing your life to other people's lives. Life is not one-size-fits all. Everyone matures at different rates, realizes what they want out of life at different times, and has to act accordingly.

I understand the nostalgia for undergrad years, for a lot of us, especially since we weren't pre-meds (HAHA?), we had a great time. One thing you can't do is play the "what-if" game. One of my old coaches and friends had a saying, "If if's were a fifth, we'd all be drunk." It's not productive to think about what might have been, focus on what could be, and what you're doing today to get to where you want to be. I think if you look at most successful people, one trait they commonly share is an optimistic attitude and they lack a cynical outlook. They focus on what could be, and not what could go wrong. Figure out what you want, and take the steps to go after it.

How do you all get past the whole age thing and stay motivated and finally not let it bother you? Overall, I DO feel good about what I'm doing and am happy, but I just wish I could shake the nostalgia once and for all.

Age isn't a big deal, especially chronological age. In my lab for anatomy & physiology last year we measured vital capacity when we were covering the lungs. At my age at the time (28, which the class was surprised to learn) I was supposed to have one of the lowest VCs of people in the class considering I was being compared with 18 and 19 year old non-smoker males. Guess what? Even though they were somewhat active, my VC was higher. Yay running? What I am getting at, is how you take care of yourself, and your outlook has a bad [Edit: BIG, sorry 🙁] impact on how people perceive you. You can be the 30 year old "old guy" or the 30 year old "one of the guys." The choice is yours.

I don't see why the "age thing" should bother you. Somewhere, someone older has probably gone down the same path. And if you are successful and matriculate/graduate when you think you do, you'll still be on the lower end of the "non-trad" spectrum.

I think sooner or later you have to let go of the past, but still be mindful of the experiences you've had and what you've learned along the way.

 

[LingoLaine]

I know it's pointless to think about the past, and that I might as well be doing what I love, and that I will get older no matter what I do

Take your own advice and get over it. Seriously.

 

[Livestrong51085]

Take your own advice and get over it. Seriously.

I am, I was just asking for advice from people who have been in the same situation. No need to be a negative nelly.

 

[Livestrong51085]

It's surprisingly more common than you think for people to start later. There are definitely still plenty of 21-23 y/o M1's out there, but there are also more that took a year or two off to work, volunteer, or even longer and had a first career. You are arbitrarily comparing your life to other people's lives. Life is not one-size-fits all. Everyone matures at different rates, realizes what they want out of life at different times, and has to act accordingly.

I understand the nostalgia for undergrad years, for a lot of us, especially since we weren't pre-meds (HAHA?), we had a great time. One thing you can't do is play the "what-if" game. One of my old coaches and friends had a saying, "If if's were a fifth, we'd all be drunk." It's not productive to think about what might have been, focus on what could be, and what you're doing today to get to where you want to be. I think if you look at most successful people, one trait they commonly share is an optimistic attitude and they lack a cynical outlook. They focus on what could be, and not what could go wrong. Figure out what you want, and take the steps to go after it.



Age isn't a big deal, especially chronological age. In my lab for anatomy & physiology last year we measured vital capacity when we were covering the lungs. At my age at the time (28, which the class was surprised to learn) I was supposed to have one of the lowest VCs of people in the class considering I was being compared with 18 and 19 year old non-smoker males. Guess what? Even though they were somewhat active, my VC was higher. Yay running? What I am getting at, is how you take care of yourself, and your outlook has a bad impact on how people perceive you. You can be the 30 year old "old guy" or the 30 year old "one of the guys." The choice is yours.

I don't see why the "age thing" should bother you. Somewhere, someone older has probably gone down the same path. And if you are successful and matriculate/graduate when you think you do, you'll still be on the lower end of the "non-trad" spectrum.

I think sooner or later you have to let go of the past, but still be mindful of the experiences you've had and what you've learned along the way.

Thank you, Akinetopsia. I really appreciate the words. I think I was just in a negative mood earlier today. I went to the gym and had a good workout and I feel better now. I know that thinking about the past won't help and I have to look at what I can do now. I also know I'll technically only be 5 years behind the youngest med student (normally), so I know I'm not far behind in the long run. Again, thanks for the kind words. 🙂

 

[fizzgig]

I think the main thing I need to do is LIVE MY LIFE RIGHT NOW, and not think that my life only starts once I'm in med school or graduating med school or doing whatever. I need to enjoy the journey too.

This.


I'm still looking around every day going 'am I SERIOUS?!?' because I'll be 29-30 going in IF I manage to do a total 180 and start barreling through grad school while prepping everything I need for med. And I think if only I weren't 'behind', wouldn't be starting to educate myself for a career when my college classmates were getting their second promotions...

If I could go back to when I was 22 and know what I do now, and BE who I am now, I'd do it, sure, and not be 'behind.' But I don't just mean 'know I was going to pick medicine.' I mean really know everything that comes from having all the experiences I've had between graduation from college and now. If I could go back with the option of skipping all this experience and growth, I don't think I could choose it, because the person I am today is the person who has all of this background. I wouldn't send that naive 22year old off to med school without what I've gained. She wouldn't know what she was getting and she wouldn't appreciate it and she wouldn't know what end product she was really working for. I'll be old and have some stereotypical cats I guess and amuse my young'un classmates, but when I go I feel like I'll be ready for what I'm being given too. I'll be going through it all to become a doctor, not just to go to med school itself 🙂

 

[7starmantis]

Thank you, Akinetopsia. I really appreciate the words. I think I was just in a negative mood earlier today. I went to the gym and had a good workout and I feel better now. I know that thinking about the past won't help and I have to look at what I can do now. I also know I'll technically only be 5 years behind the youngest med student (normally), so I know I'm not far behind in the long run. Again, thanks for the kind words. 🙂

You gotta stop the pre-med neuroticism. You not "behind" anyone. Everyone in your class will be starting med school just like you. Your inherent assumption is this is some kind of competition or race. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else, this is not a competition or a race. This is an individual life journey and everyone is (and should be) different. Your not "behind" anyone. In fact, if I subscribed to your philosophy I would say I'm well "ahead" of most entering students because of my age, not behind. Either is really not true, we are all starting med school together, so why start the separations between us? This mentality is too close to the "gunner" mentality.

Seriously, just enjoy your life, live each moment to its fullest and stop comparing yourself and being neurotic about things! 😀 Enjoy your own path to and through med school, career, and life. Following someone else's path is boring.

 

[MacVA]

Dude, you will be in good company. There are plenty of people I know personally who started 3-4 years after they graduated undergrad.

By the way, I shadowed a 27 year old peds intern the other day. I asked her if she had any regrets regarding the entire process. She said "Yeah that I didn't take a couple of years off from undergraduate and discover myself; I really had no idea what I was getting myself into". Her husband is a 31 Ortho resident.

Enjoy the free time...

 

[7starmantis]

This.


I'm still looking around every day going 'am I SERIOUS?!?' because I'll be 29-30 going in IF I manage to do a total 180 and start barreling through grad school while prepping everything I need for med. And I think if only I weren't 'behind', wouldn't be starting to educate myself for a career when my college classmates were getting their second promotions...

If I could go back to when I was 22 and know what I do now, and BE who I am now, I'd do it, sure, and not be 'behind.' But I don't just mean 'know I was going to pick medicine.' I mean really know everything that comes from having all the experiences I've had between graduation from college and now. If I could go back with the option of skipping all this experience and growth, I don't think I could choose it, because the person I am today is the person who has all of this background. I wouldn't send that naive 22year old off to med school without what I've gained. She wouldn't know what she was getting and she wouldn't appreciate it and she wouldn't know what end product she was really working for. I'll be old and have some stereotypical cats I guess and amuse my young'un classmates, but when I go I feel like I'll be ready for what I'm being given too. I'll be going through it all to become a doctor, not just to go to med school itself 🙂

Good post 👍

 

[NTF]

If it makes any of y'all feel better there are people like me who wish they had their s**t together earlier so they could have started med school at 27. or 31. Just keep on trucking and realize that regrets about things you can't change should not be nurtured. Don't feel bad about having them occasionally, just don't nurture them.

"If a bird lands on your head it ain't your fault. But it is your fault if it starts building a nest."

 

[QofQuimica]

How do you all get past the whole age thing and stay motivated and finally not let it bother you? Overall, I DO feel good about what I'm doing and am happy, but I just wish I could shake the nostalgia once and for all.

I always get a chuckle out of reading posts by people in their 20s who think they're going to be "old" because they're *graduating* around age 30. Being 10 years older than my classmates doesn't bother me because I look ahead at what's to come, not what's behind. If anything, I take pride in the fact that I was courageous enough to risk going to medical school in my 30s, considering that I had so much more to lose. Thanks for making me feel so daring this morning. 😀

All kidding aside, Lingo may not have been the most diplomatic in expressing that you should "get over it," but the general gist of her advice is right. I think the issue is that you don't have enough sense of perspective. You're looking at where you're at right now, which is the little picture here. Also, you're comparing your accomplishments to those of other people, and acting as if there is one "right" pace to live out your life properly. But there isn't. You don't get extra "points" in the game of life for finishing med school at 26 instead of 31. The ultimate goal is to be a good physician, not a young physician. Right? 🙂

 

[Mister T]

work is overrated. Medicine is a highly paid overglorified technician job.

And I have a feeling that probably 80% of those kids in medical school rushed into it because they didn't know what else to do, parental pressure, societal pressure, low self-esteem, and "doing what every 'honor's kid' does."

IMO, a lot of these kids never did much but study throughout their youth because their parents made them feel guilty if they didn't --- a lot of them I personally know who never went out to drink, get laid, or just do anything "fun." In fact you can see them on this website right now on the "high school gunners" subforum and the neurotic gunners who are on a mission to save Africa and volunteering in Guatemala in their free time. Yeah, like you're the next Gandhi or Buddha who just so incidentally wants to get into medical school too . So in any case, I honestly don't find their lives very exciting or interesting --- just another cog in the wheel --- been there done that.

Sure they'll have a lot of money when they're in their thirties, but did they have a threesome or will they ever? Probably not. I know I have, and I know that some people would be willing to pay a million dollars for that.

Did they enjoy their twenties? No, because they were studying all the time.

You don't have much of a life while you're in med. school and residency, and by the time you're out you're no longer young probably overweight/fat, and maybe balding. So much for sexual appeal huh?

Remember, women don't find med. students attractive, doctors they do, but then they just know you're a good catch financially and have social proof. Gold diggers in other words.

Those are my "big reasons" as "superficial" as they may seem as to why I didn't want to go in right away.

Why should I stress myself and rush into something and die prematurely at hte age of 65 when I can enjoy life and live until the age of 90 or 95?

I know from my family and friends that the guys who rushed into medicine/law/whatever for the money alone and no genuine interest died sooner than later or never really enjoyed it.

And to me, the money is overrated. I've made $70,000/year on average over past two years, and that's more than enough money if you want to enjoy your life in the twenties. And if you're a doctor, by the time you actually get some money, you're too damn old to really enjoy it imo. I mean some of my best experiences were traveling with my buddies after college to Amsterdam and Spain, and you never really get a chance to do that while in medical school after 1st summer. And the lack of freedom and leisure really prevents you from doing much other than buying big houses and big cars to show to your only friends who are at that time probably doctors too (like dissolves in like afterall). But I don't envy that because at the end of the day, you're not going to take all that money to you grave when all is said and done. At the end of the day, I'm not going to bull**** myself by guilting myself that medicine is a passion. No, it's not, it's a job just like any other one, one that just pays very well and is good for a long term career.

On another note, I had the "once in a life opportunity" to live in San Diego for a couple of months and it was GORGEOUS (so... many... girls... in... thongs... ), and I know I would have never gotten the chance to do that if I was locked in some school in the northeast. It's better than being locked up in medical school in this ****-hole called New York for the rest of my life. I mean it seems to be the case that where you do medical school is where most of the residency placements are, and where you will probably work when you're older --- that or the Mid-West, and that's not very appealing in my opinion.

But in any case, age, wisdom, and life experiences will make you a happier, more adjusted person.

And what's the rush? Who are you competing with? The d-bag 22 year old gunners? Most of them have so many insecurities, brainwashed that they have to become doctors otherwise they are "failures", self-esteem issues, depression, and many have never been in a relationship or gotten laid before, that it makes you seriously wonder if their lives are really that envious? And "prestige" is overrated. The only people who are going to give a f*** about you being a doctor are your parents, and your gold-digger spouse. It's not like you're the fricking President of the United States, or Conan O'Brien, get over yourself, people these days are not going to cream their pants in awe that they are in front of a med. school student or resident lol.

And I know that if I rushed into medical school right after college, I would be getting Bs and Cs in all my classes or even failing a lot of them, and then you know what I would've ended up as? A ****ty low paid physician working overtime to "compete" against the specialists who make 300k a year.

Then again, if I'm a little older, I may just end up internal medicine, but at least I know that I like it.

The biggest worry about starting medical school, imo, is the financial gap between you and your younger peers. But if you also remember that a lot of them are financially ******ed, and if you do some financial planning and wiseinvestments you may end up better than them.

And if you are a little older, and you have proven to yourself/convinced yourself that medicine is your calling (a psychological trick imo), you may end up in a field that pays a lot more than you originally would have gone into post-coitus er college.

Now tell me, if a 50 year old who is a billionaire decides to go into medical school is he "late" compared to the 22 year old who will have to pay 500k in loans after interest?

The best measure of success in terms of work is money. If you have more, you win, if you don't then you're behind (this isn't to say that money is the end all but really this is the REAL reason to be sad that your peers are making money and you are not).

In any case, stop freaking out about being behind your fellow premed gunners.

At the end of the day, you have to tell me are you really envious of this dork?

All you have to do is take a look at this motivational poster and remember that life isn't half that bad. Save medical school for when you're a little bit older during your late twenties/early thirties when you're "old," smarter, and not as much fun anymore, and nobody ever said you can't have kids at the end of medical school or in residency.

Contrary to popular opinion, you don't need $150,000+ a year to raise a kid or two.

 

[vanslix]

I look at it as my life experiences after college are what led me to the path I'm on and I know that I'll be a better doctor for them. You're not 5 years behind. You're 5 years ahead on life experience.

 

[TheKnight]

I'm 27 now and will be 28 when I begin the application process. Age is nothing but a number to me. Many of my pre-med classmates that are in there late teens/early twenties, are amazed that I managed to work for a top 10 company for 10 years, and they enjoy hearing about the life experiences I’ve had, which many of them will never experience. I think in the end, it will help me build a better relationship with patients and contribute to being a better doctor. Some things in life can not be taught, it must be learned through experience.

Cheers! 🙂

 

[mfrizzo3]

hgh

 

[LingoLaine]

No need to be a negative nelly.

Okay, I didn't mean to be negative. In fact, I meant to be positive. But you've already articulated the main issue here -- that it's pointless to think about the past and that you might as well be doing what you love -- and yet, you seem to really be dwelling on your age. It's like your mind gets it but you haven't quite convinced your heart yet.

I understand the feeling though, I really do. When I was about your age I almost started a PhD program. In the end, I decided against it mostly because, realizing that I was going to be almost 30 (that oh-so-dreaded 30!) before I was done, I didn't want to put my life "on hold" for so long. I ended up doing a shorter Master's program instead. Now that I'm almost 39, my perspective has totally changed and I'm actually making plans to start med school at 40! I laugh at my ridiculous earlier thinking because today I understand that there's really no such thing as putting your life on hold... Life is what happens while you're busy making plans.

From my "older" perspective, you are not even REMOTELY OLD. In fact, I think you should consider yourself very lucky for figuring out what you want to do with your life now while you're still SO YOUNG. (Many of us needed to grow up before we figured out what we want to do when we grow up.)

Try looking at your life backwards. Think about what it's going to feel like when you're 91 and looking back at all your adventures... what will bring you the most joy and satisfaction? I can safely promise you that, the fact you started med school at 27 instead of 23 won't even make it to the very bottom of your list of regrets.

 

[Rollo]

I think the bigger problem with most medical students, young or old, is the lack of being able to prioritize and balance between fun and work.

Work hard, and play even harder. Most medical students usually end up doing the former rather than both.

And if it makes you feel better Livestrong, there is a 40-something year old gentleman in my class.

And I think UNECOM had a 50+ year old gentleman recently.

work is overrated. Medicine is a highly paid overglorified technician job.

And I have a feeling that probably 80% of those kids in medical school rushed into it because they didn't know what else to do, parental pressure, societal pressure, low self-esteem, and "doing what every 'honor's kid' does."

IMO, a lot of these kids never did much but study throughout their youth because their parents made them feel guilty if they didn't --- a lot of them I personally know who never went out to drink, get laid, or just do anything "fun." In fact you can see them on this website right now on the "high school gunners" subforum and the neurotic gunners who are on a mission to save Africa and volunteering in Guatemala in their free time. Yeah, like you're the next Gandhi or Buddha who just so incidentally wants to get into medical school too . So in any case, I honestly don't find their lives very exciting or interesting --- just another cog in the wheel --- been there done that.

Sure they'll have a lot of money when they're in their thirties, but did they have a threesome or will they ever? Probably not. I know I have, and I know that some people would be willing to pay a million dollars for that.

Did they enjoy their twenties? No, because they were studying all the time.

You don't have much of a life while you're in med. school and residency, and by the time you're out you're no longer young probably overweight/fat, and maybe balding. So much for sexual appeal huh?

Remember, women don't find med. students attractive, doctors they do, but then they just know you're a good catch financially and have social proof. Gold diggers in other words.

Those are my "big reasons" as "superficial" as they may seem as to why I didn't want to go in right away.

Why should I stress myself and rush into something and die prematurely at hte age of 65 when I can enjoy life and live until the age of 90 or 95?

I know from my family and friends that the guys who rushed into medicine/law/whatever for the money alone and no genuine interest died sooner than later or never really enjoyed it.

And to me, the money is overrated. I've made $70,000/year on average over past two years, and that's more than enough money if you want to enjoy your life in the twenties. And if you're a doctor, by the time you actually get some money, you're too damn old to really enjoy it imo. I mean some of my best experiences were traveling with my buddies after college to Amsterdam and Spain, and you never really get a chance to do that while in medical school after 1st summer. And the lack of freedom and leisure really prevents you from doing much other than buying big houses and big cars to show to your only friends who are at that time probably doctors too (like dissolves in like afterall). But I don't envy that because at the end of the day, you're not going to take all that money to you grave when all is said and done. At the end of the day, I'm not going to bull**** myself by guilting myself that medicine is a passion. No, it's not, it's a job just like any other one, one that just pays very well and is good for a long term career.

On another note, I had the "once in a life opportunity" to live in San Diego for a couple of months and it was GORGEOUS (so... many... girls... in... thongs... ), and I know I would have never gotten the chance to do that if I was locked in some school in the northeast. It's better than being locked up in medical school in this ****-hole called New York for the rest of my life. I mean it seems to be the case that where you do medical school is where most of the residency placements are, and where you will probably work when you're older --- that or the Mid-West, and that's not very appealing in my opinion.

But in any case, age, wisdom, and life experiences will make you a happier, more adjusted person.

And what's the rush? Who are you competing with? The d-bag 22 year old gunners? Most of them have so many insecurities, brainwashed that they have to become doctors otherwise they are "failures", self-esteem issues, depression, and many have never been in a relationship or gotten laid before, that it makes you seriously wonder if their lives are really that envious? And "prestige" is overrated. The only people who are going to give a f*** about you being a doctor are your parents, and your gold-digger spouse. It's not like you're the fricking President of the United States, or Conan O'Brien, get over yourself, people these days are not going to cream their pants in awe that they are in front of a med. school student or resident lol.

And I know that if I rushed into medical school right after college, I would be getting Bs and Cs in all my classes or even failing a lot of them, and then you know what I would've ended up as? A ****ty low paid physician working overtime to "compete" against the specialists who make 300k a year.

Then again, if I'm a little older, I may just end up internal medicine, but at least I know that I like it.

The biggest worry about starting medical school, imo, is the financial gap between you and your younger peers. But if you also remember that a lot of them are financially ******ed, and if you do some financial planning and wiseinvestments you may end up better than them.

And if you are a little older, and you have proven to yourself/convinced yourself that medicine is your calling (a psychological trick imo), you may end up in a field that pays a lot more than you originally would have gone into post-coitus er college.

Now tell me, if a 50 year old who is a billionaire decides to go into medical school is he "late" compared to the 22 year old who will have to pay 500k in loans after interest?

The best measure of success in terms of work is money. If you have more, you win, if you don't then you're behind (this isn't to say that money is the end all but really this is the REAL reason to be sad that your peers are making money and you are not).

In any case, stop freaking out about being behind your fellow premed gunners.

At the end of the day, you have to tell me are you really envious of this dork?

All you have to do is take a look at this motivational poster and remember that life isn't half that bad. Save medical school for when you're a little bit older during your late twenties/early thirties when you're "old," smarter, and not as much fun anymore, and nobody ever said you can't have kids at the end of medical school or in residency.

Contrary to popular opinion, you don't need $150,000+ a year to raise a kid or two.

 

[sixthangel9716]

Now that you've vented all your frustrations, leave them here. Don't look back or blame yourself anymore. That part is over. Look at your future and move forward 100% because now you're sure of your goal.

 

[agirl]

leave some space.

QUOTE=Livestrong51085;9283492]So I'm a non-trad, obviously. I graduated from undergrad a few years ago, and did not know at the time that I wanted to be a doctor, although I felt it deep down, but didn't think I could or that it was worth the time commitment. I had originally wanted to do PT, but realized it wasn't for me, and that I really def wanted to do medicine. So I'm back at my undergrad school, doing the post bacc program, and will finish my post bacc in spring 2011, and will apply that summer to matriculate in 2012.

I'm currently 24 (about to turn 25) and will matriculate when I'm 27. Though I am happy that I'm pursuing my dreams, I can't help but feel slightly discouraged/upset when I realize that I could have avoided all of this if I had just done this during undergrad and knew that it was def what I wanted to do. I see all the 18-22 yr olds in my classes, and I wish it could be me back in that position, if only I had known then what I know now.

I know it's pointless to think about the past, and that I might as well be doing what I love, and that I will get older no matter what I do, but I wish I was going to be 26 or 27 when I GRADUATED med school, not STARTED. I hate the idea that I will be technically "5 years behind" everyone and won't even be done school until I'm 31, and won't start making real money until I'm 35. I know that I'll still have a 30-35 yr career after that, but I just find myself being really nostalgic for my undergraduate years (especially freshman/sophomore), since if I was back in that position, I could make better choices and do what I had to do, instead of kind of just coasting through (I got good grades, but never dedicated myself to anything with a lot of focus).

For some of you, I feel like it might be easier, because you had careers before you decided to do medicine. I never did. I graduated from college and then worked in a surgeon's office for over a year in an administrative position (which did help me realize for good that it's what I wanted to do), but I feel like becoming a doctor is going to be my first accomplishment in life, and that won't happen until I'm 31. I know that I can do tons of things in between and during med school and can have satisfying relationships and it's not all about the job, but it's frustrating to think that my peers will probably have been working in the professional world for almost 10 years by the time I am getting started.

How do you all get past the whole age thing and stay motivated and finally not let it bother you? Overall, I DO feel good about what I'm doing and am happy, but I just wish I could shake the nostalgia once and for all.

Thanks in advance, guys.[/QUOTE]

 

[Mister T]

So I'm a non-trad, obviously. I graduated from undergrad a few years ago, and did not know at the time that I wanted to be a doctor, although I felt it deep down, but didn't think I could or that it was worth the time commitment. I had originally wanted to do PT, but realized it wasn't for me, and that I really def wanted to do medicine. So I'm back at my undergrad school, doing the post bacc program, and will finish my post bacc in spring 2011, and will apply that summer to matriculate in 2012.

I'm currently 24 (about to turn 25) and will matriculate when I'm 27. Though I am happy that I'm pursuing my dreams, I can't help but feel slightly discouraged/upset when I realize that I could have avoided all of this if I had just done this during undergrad and knew that it was def what I wanted to do. I see all the 18-22 yr olds in my classes, and I wish it could be me back in that position, if only I had known then what I know now.

I know it's pointless to think about the past, and that I might as well be doing what I love, and that I will get older no matter what I do, but I wish I was going to be 26 or 27 when I GRADUATED med school, not STARTED. I hate the idea that I will be technically "5 years behind" everyone and won't even be done school until I'm 31, and won't start making real money until I'm 35. I know that I'll still have a 30-35 yr career after that, but I just find myself being really nostalgic for my undergraduate years (especially freshman/sophomore), since if I was back in that position, I could make better choices and do what I had to do, instead of kind of just coasting through (I got good grades, but never dedicated myself to anything with a lot of focus).

For some of you, I feel like it might be easier, because you had careers before you decided to do medicine. I never did. I graduated from college and then worked in a surgeon's office for over a year in an administrative position (which did help me realize for good that it's what I wanted to do), but I feel like becoming a doctor is going to be my first accomplishment in life, and that won't happen until I'm 31. I know that I can do tons of things in between and during med school and can have satisfying relationships and it's not all about the job, but it's frustrating to think that my peers will probably have been working in the professional world for almost 10 years by the time I am getting started.

How do you all get past the whole age thing and stay motivated and finally not let it bother you? Overall, I DO feel good about what I'm doing and am happy, but I just wish I could shake the nostalgia once and for all.

Thanks in advance, guys.

If it really bothers you go become a dentist or PA.... oh wait that's "below" you isn't it? I took the DAT btw, and I still might just go into dental school --- it's funny because the only ones that have given a **** about dentistry not being "good" enough are the loser premeds with no lives and need to validate themselves.

Well there are 7 billion people and counting in this planet who would love to be in the position you are today.

 

[Livestrong51085]

Being a dentist or PA isn't below me. In fact, I considered becoming a PA, but the only reason I didn't is because, ultimately, I want to have complete autonomy in patient care.

Anyway, thank you to those of you who put everything in perspective for me. It really did help me to see that when I'm 90, I won't give a *** if I started a little bit later.

Though it's a bit cliche, the quote that someone posted above "Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans" rang really true for me in this situation.

I think I've become so wrapped up in this idea of "I haavvve to get into med school" that I'm forgetting that I also need to live my life now and not feel like I have to put everything on hold until I'm done. Because if I do that, I know I def will have regrets.

Again, thanks to everyone who offered support.

 

[MiniMoo]

Being a dentist or PA isn't below me. In fact, I considered becoming a PA, but the only reason I didn't is because, ultimately, I want to have complete autonomy in patient care.

Not on topic, but just a friendly tip. When you eventually start interviewing for schools and the interviewer asks, "Why MD? Why not nursing or PA?"... Don't answer with, "I want to have complete autonomy". Things can quickly go downhill from there. 😛

 

[Livestrong51085]

Not on topic, but just a friendly tip. When you eventually start interviewing for schools and the interviewer asks, "Why MD? Why not nursing or PA?"... Don't answer with, "I want to have complete autonomy". Things can quickly go downhill from there. 😛

I would say it more like "I want to have more in-depth knowledge and really be on top of my patient's care and make those important decisions." But I don't think it's necessarily bad to say that I want to be able to have the final say, I mean that's the truth, so why not say it?

 

[MiniMoo]

I would say it more like "I want to have more in-depth knowledge and really be on top of my patient's care and make those important decisions." But I don't think it's necessarily bad to say that I want to be able to have the final say, I mean that's the truth, so why not say it?

Because patient care should be a collaboration between patient and provider. Not to mention that an interviewer can start questioning how well you would deal with having your autonomy taken away by insurance companies, managed care organizations, etc. Just saying you should tread carefully. 🙂

 

[ChE04]

Amen, Mister T, amen... I had a lot of fun after graduating that I wouldn't have had if I'd gone straight to med school. I know residents the same age as me, in their mid/late 20s who went straight through and are miserable because they haven't REALLY lived at all. I've had my fun, experienced things that "traditional" premeds probably won't; and now I know what I want out of life, with no regrets of "wasted time."

 

[jl lin]

Woe. 24. Wow, that's just so old. LOL🙄

It's how young you look. 😉

You are only a couple years past the traditionals. Why are you sweating this?

 

[jl lin]

Because patient care should be a collaboration between patient and provider. Not to mention that an interviewer can start questioning how well you would deal with having your autonomy taken away by insurance companies, managed care organizations, etc. Just saying you should tread carefully. 🙂

👍 Very True.

 

[EdLongshanks]

I'm currently 24 (about to turn 25) and will matriculate when I'm 27.

You are too OLD, give it up. No one would take a geezer like you!!!! I mean, like, You'll be on social security!😛

 

[wiiturtledove]

MisterT:

I dont understand your post all too well. And that poster of the dork. Well that was an article posted in the NYT recently about the new crop of med schools being opened up. The poster is dumb to begin with. It is missing the point to make fun of anyone. Let alone label the guy as a gunner seeing as he failed to gun 28 med schools and got into one of the new ones that opened up.

Who says doctors are overglorified technicians? I think one of my best friends and brother and sister in law would have volumes to say about that statement. One's a cardio heading into surgery, the other specializes in pain. We all know what happens when a doc plays over-rated technician. Oh, I forget, you can't ask Michael Jackson if he still thinks a doctor can just play specialist....even a cardio playing anesthesia. You can try asking MJ's doc, but then you'd have to visit him in prison. Yeah, glorified techs indeed.

With that being said, the one non-traditional surgeon who I still look up to is a 45 yr old FBI forensic scientist who decided to enroll in med school and ended up being the chief of trauma at an ER. You might have seem him in TLC.

25 is not old. 45 is getting there though. But I just presented a man who managed to be productive and relevant at the ripe old age of 45.

 

[EdLongshanks]

25 is not old. 45 is getting there though. But I just presented a man who managed to be productive and relevant at the ripe old age of 45.

I just spoke to the admissions office at my state school. When I told her that I was 47, she told me that a couple of years ago they had a 50-year birthday celebration for one of their students.

 

[Livestrong51085]

Because patient care should be a collaboration between patient and provider. Not to mention that an interviewer can start questioning how well you would deal with having your autonomy taken away by insurance companies, managed care organizations, etc. Just saying you should tread carefully. 🙂

I will def find a better way to put it.

 

[murfettie]

you want to race?
i just saw the youngest MS1 this year at Baylor is 18..
talk about never winning.
don't be too worked up about it.

 

[pooker]

Age seems to have less implication towards given fields, or life in general as you get older. What does it matter if you are few years older if the majority of the people die before you? What if you live to be 80, and a med student that was in your class dies at 70? My point is that age has too much negative connotation with undergrad, and med students in general. I see a dermatologist who is 65 and looks 50. I see a dentist who is 50 and looks 60. We all have implications of what a certain age should look like, but age isn't as superficial as people make it, and everyone ages differently. No one can look at you and tell your age unless you tell them first regardless of what I or others think. If it bothers you that much, change your state of mind until you convince yourself that you are 20. I know alot of woman tend to do this (joking hehe).

 

[RANE]

Pffft I am 35 and this is only my second semester in college...You want to talk about old??? LMAO! I could not have done it at an earlier age simply because I would have failed. I did not have the discipline that I have now and in a way, I am glad that i am doing it now. I can start fresh without the worries of a bad previous college transcript. Onward I say!

 

[sanguines]

@OP: I can relate. Being 22 (almost 23) and just deciding what I'm going to do with myself, there's definitely a feeling of regret at not getting my act together sooner. I didn't try one bit in high school (thanks to a girl, mostly, and it didn't work out ), and after high school I had no direction and motivation so I ended up in the Air Force. Then, I still had no direction or motivation (coupled with depression) so I ended up failing my first technical training.

Nearly 4 years later, I've got my act together. I go to school full-time in addition to my full-time duty, I'm married, and life makes more sense. It still saddens me to look back and realize how much I squandered by being apathetic, but that's the way these things go. I think you (and I 🙂 ) just have to look forward. As the cliche goes, hindsight is 20/20...

 

[mspeedwagon]

Thank you for applying. You re-assure me that people like me have a much better chance of getting in.

I'll be applying to start school in 2012 as well and I'll be starting medical school at 29. Similiar to you, I always wanted to pursue medicine, but life had other plans for me (in my case I was not a US resident, but it was in process and I didn't have any money and couldn't qualify for loans when I graduated college).

Also, I think if you are worried about when you will really start making money, you are in the wrong profession. Try sales or dentistry (you'll be younger and making more money sooner).

I am not trying to be mean, but realize this:
- Some of us, are giving up money to go into medicine (per your logic, since I make about 100k, and am over 25, I should not go into medicine since I won't be make real money till I'm 35?). The opportunity cost of pursuing medicine is very high for me, but what if I really want to be a pediatrician and money is irrelevant to me. I'll be depleting my savings, plus take on loans to do medicine.
- Age is irrelevant. The average entering medical student is 25. If you were 50 and starting to pursue medicine, I would tell you, only do it for the fun of it (you have enough money and it's something you really wanted to learn, but didn't have the chance to). In your 20s, most of us on this forum are going to laugh at this (I know I am).
- Also, what is it with the race. My girlfriend will be entering her first year of residency when I start my first year of medical school... am I five years behind her? If this were a race to see who could become a doctor first, she has won. But it's not. We support each other and understand that medicine is a calling and it happens to different people at different times of their lives.

So I'm a non-trad, obviously. I graduated from undergrad a few years ago, and did not know at the time that I wanted to be a doctor, although I felt it deep down, but didn't think I could or that it was worth the time commitment. I had originally wanted to do PT, but realized it wasn't for me, and that I really def wanted to do medicine. So I'm back at my undergrad school, doing the post bacc program, and will finish my post bacc in spring 2011, and will apply that summer to matriculate in 2012.

I'm currently 24 (about to turn 25) and will matriculate when I'm 27. Though I am happy that I'm pursuing my dreams, I can't help but feel slightly discouraged/upset when I realize that I could have avoided all of this if I had just done this during undergrad and knew that it was def what I wanted to do. I see all the 18-22 yr olds in my classes, and I wish it could be me back in that position, if only I had known then what I know now.

I know it's pointless to think about the past, and that I might as well be doing what I love, and that I will get older no matter what I do, but I wish I was going to be 26 or 27 when I GRADUATED med school, not STARTED. I hate the idea that I will be technically "5 years behind" everyone and won't even be done school until I'm 31, and won't start making real money until I'm 35. I know that I'll still have a 30-35 yr career after that, but I just find myself being really nostalgic for my undergraduate years (especially freshman/sophomore), since if I was back in that position, I could make better choices and do what I had to do, instead of kind of just coasting through (I got good grades, but never dedicated myself to anything with a lot of focus).

For some of you, I feel like it might be easier, because you had careers before you decided to do medicine. I never did. I graduated from college and then worked in a surgeon's office for over a year in an administrative position (which did help me realize for good that it's what I wanted to do), but I feel like becoming a doctor is going to be my first accomplishment in life, and that won't happen until I'm 31. I know that I can do tons of things in between and during med school and can have satisfying relationships and it's not all about the job, but it's frustrating to think that my peers will probably have been working in the professional world for almost 10 years by the time I am getting started.

How do you all get past the whole age thing and stay motivated and finally not let it bother you? Overall, I DO feel good about what I'm doing and am happy, but I just wish I could shake the nostalgia once and for all.

Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[rugbyclassical]

27 is not that old. there seems to be about 10% of each class btwn 25 - 30, and prolly 2-3% over 30.

however, i've heard flat-out from interviews that non-trad students NEED to have clinical experience & a reason to leave their current position to go to med school. make sure you have both of these...

 

[ucsfstudents]

You'll be fine.

 

[morning]

I could have written your post! Currently 23 and at the start of my journey towards med school 🙂

Here's how I look at it to make myself feel a bit better:

1) When I'm 24 I get better financial aid, so I get to take out less loans.

2) I have the benefit of life experience - I didn't go from high school to college to med school to residency like some physicians have done.

3) I'm not bitter about all the work I have to do because I haven't been in school for years on end. I feel sympathy for people who have gotten burnt out before they even hit med school, because they have been in school for so damn long. I took 5 years "off" (working, but not in school) after high school, so I am coming at college refreshed, not weary.

Sometimes I do still wish I had gone to college immediately, but you can't change the past. When life gives you lemons, make cold hard cash 😀

 

[johncronejr]

Yeah, ya'll are old. HAHA! I am a junior at the whippersnapper age of 44.

 

[lawyerdoc2b]

I am 52-years-old. I begin medical school one month shy of my 53rd birthday. It took me two decades to decide what I wanted to be when I grew up. 🙄

At one of my interviews at a D.O. school, the interviewer asked me: "Don't you think you are too old for this? I replied that Dr. Andrew Taylor Still was 68 when he founded his osteopathy school. Had he sat in his rocking chair next to the fire place and did nothing, you sir would not have a job! (He was a D.O.)

The interviewer broke into laughter. I received an e-mail the next day that I had been accepted.

So, Please stop this pity party about being too old at 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, etc. Age can be a plus - its called experience and hopefully wisdom if you have learned from your experience.

 

[riverjib]

You're definitely "barking up the wrong tree" if you're looking for sympathy for getting started late. You'll be younger than most non-trads when you start, and I don't think that 30 or 40 is necessarily "old" for medicine.

It doesn't really matter when you choose medicine. Well, that may be less true for those in their 60's...medical schools may be less willing to admit those who are not likely to practice for too long post-residency. But I still maintain that the best doctors are those who know what they're getting into, and are still excited to do it and keep LEARNING regardless of the numerous obstacles standing in front of them. Let's face it...the prestige isn't there for most of us any more, and the money isn't, either, unless you land in a lucrative field. You have to really love medicine. You have to be okay with the fact that doctors might face a huge cut in pay...you can help fight it, but it may become a reality, so you have to embrace the field despite the obstacles that may stand in your way. When I chose med school, some of my colleagues who are physicians warned me that "medicine is falling apart, and you're too smart to get wrapped up in it." The physicians I truly respect merely admonished me that "medicine is less glamorous than it was when I started, and you need to be okay with it, and set the tone for future physicians." A much better attitude, IMHO.

 

[futureboy]

OP, like the other posters said, don't worry, you're not behind, and you're not old. Heck, I'm thinking of med school, and I'm 42!

I have a suggestion. Print your post, put it someplace where you won't lose it (safe deposit box). Reread it on your 40th birthday. You will laugh at what you wrote. Guaranteed.

 

[njbmd]

I was much older than 40 when I started medical school and now I am done with surgery residency, fellowship and practicing. Does my age make any difference? Not in the least to my partners (who are my age or a couple of years younger) or to my patients. They seek my care because I know my craft.

Even in training, age was a factor but being able to get the job done was. Good medicine is ageless along with good practice. Either you get the job done or you don't but don't blame your age.

 

[jl lin]

I was much older than 40 when I started medical school and now I am done with surgery residency, fellowship and practicing. Does my age make any difference? Not in the least to my partners (who are my age or a couple of years younger) or to my patients. They seek my care because I know my craft.

Even in training, age was a factor but being able to get the job done was. Good medicine is ageless along with good practice. Either you get the job done or you don't but don't blame your age.

👍 Nice.

You know I'm not getting something. Lately it seems like I am hearing "ageistic" stuff more from those that are my age or older than those younger than me. I don't get that. I expect someone younger to be a bit surprised or have all these preconceived ideas. But I'm not understanding this from those that are my age or older? I'll be darned if I am gonna hit 50 and be counting the years until I can sit back most of the day watching soap operas. (Are they not just as much if not more of a waste of time than cartoons?) What ticks me off is that if some of these people didn't know my birthday, they would have no idea how old I am. And they weren't about to be running at the track in their 20's or 30's or 40's. It's like some people just want to shrivel up and whine about it and they expect that of everyone. No thanks. I say, 'You go Demi Moore!'

So what is this nonsense that life is supposed to somehow start closing down or ending at 35? 🙄