how old is too old?

[negrita6996]

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I was just wondering what is the oldest student that you all know of or have heard of getting accepted to a MD/PHD program?

 

[QofQuimica]

I was just wondering what is the oldest student that you all know of or have heard of getting accepted to a MD/PHD program?

There is a current student at my school who was mid-thirties when accepted to a non-MSTP MD/PhD program. However, this person is the only one I have ever heard of who got accepted at that age, and I don't think it's very common. This might be in significant part because so few applicants to MD/PhD programs are above age 30. Even so, if you are older than 30, you should seriously consider having a backup plan, especially if your stats and research credentials aren't stellar (which this person's were). I'm not saying you shouldn't try at all, and I actually think that everyone should have a plan B when they apply to medical school anyway. However, when you're trying to blaze a relatively untrodden path, it's especially important to have that safety net there just in case you need it.

Ultimately, it's helpful but not essential to have a PhD to do research; there are many other ways to get the necessary research training for a physician scientist career besides going through a formal MD/PhD program. Besides MD-only, another route you might consider is the five year research-MD programs like Case Western's CCLCM and Pitt's CTSP/BSTP. These programs provide tuition support for the students, although not a stipend. If you end up doing MD-only, you can also look into doing a research year or PhD while in medical school, or even doing a research fellowship after you get out of medical school.

Best of luck. 🙂

 

[negrita6996]

UThank you Q, I am considering 5 year programs as well. So far my Gpa is at 3.8 and I have research experience. I will be taking the MCAT in May.

There is a current student at my school who was mid-thirties when accepted to a non-MSTP MD/PhD program. However, this person is the only one I have ever heard of who got accepted at that age, and I don't think it's very common. This might be in significant part because so few applicants to MD/PhD programs are above age 30. Even so, if you are older than 30, you should seriously consider having a backup plan, especially if your stats and research credentials aren't stellar (which this person's were). I'm not saying you shouldn't try at all, and I actually think that everyone should have a plan B when they apply to medical school anyway. However, when you're trying to blaze a relatively untrodden path, it's especially important to have that safety net there just in case you need it.

Ultimately, it's helpful but not essential to have a PhD to do research; there are many other ways to get the necessary research training for a physician scientist career besides going through a formal MD/PhD program. Besides MD-only, another route you might consider is the five year research-MD programs like Case Western's CCLCM and Pitt's CTSP/BSTP. These programs provide tuition support for the students, although not a stipend. If you end up doing MD-only, you can also look into doing a research year or PhD while in medical school, or even doing a research fellowship after you get out of medical school.

Best of luck. 🙂

 

[peanut11]

We have someone in his 30's as well. He says his biggest struggle is that he's limited on residency choices after he finishes, so that may be worth considering.

 

[negrita6996]

Thank you peanut11

We have someone in his 30's as well. He says his biggest struggle is that he's limited on residency choices after he finishes, so that may be worth considering.

 

[gbwillner]

I personally don't know anyone who entered at older than early-mid 20's, but obviously it can be done. You really have to think it all the way throught though- see the many posts dedicated to it. For example, if you start at 30, you will be 37-40 when you finish MD/PhD, then 40-47 when you finish residency, then 41-49 when you finish fellowship, then 42-53 when you finish post-doc and become instructor/asst. Professor. Those are pretty much best-case worst case, and likely you will fall somewhere in the middle. That means living like a pauper until you're near retirement in any other field.

Good luck!