Looking young

[4Eyes]

Everyone says it's a blessing, and I'm not really upset by it or anything, but I really don't look my age. I got married when I was almost 23 (I'm almost 25 now and I look exactly the same) and people everywhere I went from hair to reception thought I was 16! All the employees at all these various places were asking my parents and our guests how old I am...they were all shocked. A few times, my husband (who is less than 2 years older than me but looks slightly older than he is) has been mistaken as my dad!!

What do you think the implications (if any) will be when I'm out of school and practicing? Does anyone here have a similar experience? Hopefully I will impress my patients by being knowledgeable, professional, and confident during exams, but sometimes I just wonder if they will take me as seriously. Also, will it be harder to find patients if they know what I look like? Maybe people don't even care about this. I have no idea.

Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Tired Pigeon]

Well, you could always start chain-smoking while lying in the sun all day ...

 

[sco1styear]

Like you, I know that one day I'm going to be really thankful that people mistake me for a younger age but until then I have a new strategy...anytime someone says something about my age (I'm not talking about patients here) I'm acting like it's the first time anyone has ever said that and that I am extremely flattered

 

[cpw]

You can call me naive but I feel that my patients in clinic end up being confident in my skills and that in the "real" world they too will not hold it against me once I have finished my exam.
Like you, I know that one day I'm going to be really thankful that people mistake me for a younger age but until then I have a new strategy...anytime someone says something about my age (I'm not talking about patients here) I'm acting like it's the first time anyone has ever said that and that I am extremely flattered

I get this a LOT !! (and for the record, I'm 31) I got it more when I first started practicing.. people telling me I didn't look old enough to be the doctor. I'd just smile and point to my diplomas and say "that's me!". By the end, they usually enjoy having the young, spunky doctor who also knows her stuff!

Try not to be offended.. most of them are just hurt that someone the same age as their children is now old enough to be their doctor !!

 

[4Eyes]

but until then I have a new strategy...anytime someone says something about my age (I'm not talking about patients here) I'm acting like it's the first time anyone has ever said that and that I am extremely flattered

I *love* this idea.

I'm not so sure about the gray streak (redheads usually go gray early enough as it is!), but I have tried cutting off several inches. It didn't so much help.

Try not to be offended.. most of them are just hurt that someone the same age as their children is now old enough to be their doctor !!

Yeah, I'm not so much offended...and I really don't hear things THAT often in clinic, but the patients I see now are expecting to see a student. I just started wondering if it would ever affect business. But as long as they make it in the door I'm pretty sure I'll be able to win 'em over.

 

[sethuel1]

I suggest growing a beard. Then people will stop asking about your age and start asking other questions instead.

 

[xmattODx]

I suggest growing a beard. Then people will stop asking about your age and start asking other questions instead.

In my case: "When do I get to see the optometrist?" or "Are you homeless?"

 

[rpames]

I grew facial hair for that reason, but now people guess my age to be 29-32 and I just turned 26. I guess the facial hair thing won't work for the girls, but for guys it works great.

As far as women looking young...that is not a bad thing. You may be asked if you can drive yet now, but you will also get to look young longer. And lets face it, society is very bias towards older women. Just look at the TV news. There is always a young hot girl and a older man. Looking young will serve you well.

 

[HannahDH]

Everyone says it's a blessing, and I'm not really upset by it or anything, but I really don't look my age. I got married when I was almost 23 (I'm almost 25 now and I look exactly the same) and people everywhere I went from hair to reception thought I was 16! All the employees at all these various places were asking my parents and our guests how old I am...they were all shocked. A few times, my husband (who is less than 2 years older than me but looks slightly older than he is) has been mistaken as my dad!!

What do you think the implications (if any) will be when I'm out of school and practicing? Does anyone here have a similar experience? Hopefully I will impress my patients by being knowledgeable, professional, and confident during exams, but sometimes I just wonder if they will take me as seriously. Also, will it be harder to find patients if they know what I look like? Maybe people don't even care about this. I have no idea.

Just wondering if anyone had any thoughts. Thanks!

Well, I am 29 and people always think I am 21 or even 19....
trust me, it's good to look young