Hello all,
I'm concerned about the step for achieving a neurology or psych residency match at age 55/56 assuming acceptance to, matriculation in and stellar performance in Med school (MS). My focus as an older, late-in-life career changing dude (I.e young at heart, financially stable and single no kids) have recently been accepted to a two year post bacc as an older professional - 50 (excellent grades, and 21 years of varied pharma experience). My plan is to complete post bacc, take MCAT and apply to MS's in 2018 to start in 2019. If all goes well, I'd start residency at 55 or 56.
Sincerely, I'm intrigued by the physiological, emotional and behavioral effects due to degenerative neurological disease and effects (including economic) of PTSD resulting from unforeseen situations that instantaneously change a productive, previously hard-working adult (I.e. Our Young veterans). I refer not to psychology but to models that combine neurological systems-based assessments combined with psych therapy (and psychological counseling, if warranted).
So - I know precisely how I want to contribute to medicine and healthcare knowledge-base.
Here's the issue: my buddy is an Ob-Gyn (Columbia/Nyc grad) and his view of my quest, my fate, my journey is one he sees as dark, gloomy and dreadful. His concern, as he puts it is "practical" and he is only saying what others won't: that is, "no one will want you, not in residency and no one will hire you. You'll never work except in the Dakotas or rural places." He's s great guy and I think he means well !
My Q: are these maudlin pain-points "the reality"? I have a light hearted personality and humor and I take direction well and I love learning from experts (on any topic) regardless of their age. I mix well with a variety of people.
But ---- my age will not decrease... will I be shunned from all residency considerations? And don't people in rural areas also require treatment, care and healing?
PA school is a wonderful option but I have a guiding leader-type personality (pardon this personal plug-diversion) - my point is to eventually guide and help colleagues and upcoming physicians in treating and improving the mental and neurological "quality of life" of patients.
My buddy says my "ship has sailed". He purports that I will excel in med school, but so what - no residency program wants an old dude -no matter how cool or dedicated... no one!
I appreciate his candor - but is this true.
Am I doomed to wear a Scarlet Letter (O = too OLD , avoid at all costs) and to be jobless as a med school graduate (assuming I matriculate
)?
I am aware that according to economic analysis younger US residents are most likely to treat many more patients than me over their "journey", even if they retire early AND I work from 60 (post residency) until I fall over in my white coat carrying my text books (iPad/ tablet) at 90 +(
) .
I'm confident I would contribute solutions to patients, regardless of my final healthcare destiny - it's a strong feeling I can't place into words well. I'm this "in love" with the human body, mind (and related spirit) regardless of it's stage of frailty or vigor!! I'm sincere.
Please - share your thoughts.
I want to start my new journey and I realize that I will generate controversy in some persons in the future as an older physician. But, I would not want to interfere in the progress of medicine if ageism is simply just too great, as my doctor buddy insists (and he insists - he comes across as upset that I am not simply adopting his words of advise).
Thank you all ! To me, you (Our Doctors and Healthcare Professionals) along with our veterans) are The Greatest American Heroes . If I could be so lucky to join the ranks as a cool old doc!!
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