How old were you when you started practicing?

[Buddhasmash]

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I'm 24 years old and just started my first year of undergrad. I'm pre-med, and the specialty I'm most interested in is neurosurgery. I know, I know, it's very early for me to be thinking about specialties. I get it. But I'm obsessive.

Anyways, one of the things I'm concerned about is my age. Even if everything goes perfectly according to plan, considering the length of schooling, I would be 39 years old before I could start practicing. I was wondering how abnormal this is.

So to the attendings out there: how old were you when you finally started practicing?

 

[kitsunepixie]

I've met my fair share of neurosurgeons from non-traditional backgrounds, like those who served in the army, one who practiced as a lawyer, another who spent nearly a decade as nurse...and they're all fantastic. I wouldn't let "experience" hold you back if neurosurgery is something that you really want to do.