question for older premeds...

[KiwiTeawi]

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I am 24 right now and when I apply to med school, it'll be for Fall 2005... which means I'll be 26 years old. By the time I finish residency I'll be 33, assuming I do a 3 year residency.

I'm just wondering... for you older applicants, how do you resolve the fact that you'll be so old when you finish school and training and pay back your loans... okay, maybe not "old" but you get the idea. I'll be 33 when I finish, assuming I do a 3 year residency. I'll probably be in a mountain of debt so I won't be making any real salary until who knows when...

I want to get married, have kids, have TIME for my kids, have time for a balanced life, be able to buy a house sometime while I'm still young, etc etc... should I look for another career, or is it possible?

Any thoughts?

 

[efex101]

Well I am not doing it to make a lot of $$$, I am past the point of having kids (been there done that) and that is why I waited. I will be 38 when and if I start medical school. My kids are older and I have spent time with them, so no regrets there, that is why I am applying now and I am glad that this calling did not come to me earlier in life. As long as i can pay back my loans and make a living I am fine. Also, some young people become doctors and then realize it is not for them so they are in the same type of situation that us old foggies are in...so think about that. Not everyone that gets an M.D. actually ends up practicing for a long time.

 

[OrthoFixation]

Minimize the debt and maximize the paycheck = quick payback

Of course, it helps if you happen to like a higher compensation specialty.

Oh yeah, those interim 9 years or so. . . . live frugally. Buy a house if any way possible.

 

[Tezzie]

Kiwi i was reading a few schools statistics and they were plenty with 25% of their class being over the age of 25 (yes yes - i don't remember exactly which schools). Having said that. Finishing med school at 30-31 is not bad at all. I met a freshman this year : he was 25 years old and he was doing pre-med. So you know there are tons of older med school applicants.

If it comes to any consultation to you : One of my very close friends just finished undergrad school at age 22. He wants to go in IB. Right now he works as an analyst in NYC for a big firm making around 60k a year (he has quite a bit of loans on his back). He was to work at least 3 years and score at least 700 on his GMAT (out of 800) to be accepted in a top MBA that will help him break into Investment Banking where he will start at about age 29-30 with 90k to 110k $ a year and his job will be around 85% travel (destroying his potential for family right away). Sadly he was telling me that is the reality for most business students.

Nothing comes easy in this life. Professional degrees (Med, Business, Law etc) require lots of years spent in universities, studying, debt and a very hectic work schedule after graduation.

If it is your life long dream though - then definately go after it.

 

[skypilot]

Originally posted by KiwiTeawi
I am 24 right now and when I apply to med school, it'll be for Fall 2005... which means I'll be 26 years old. By the time I finish residency I'll be 33, assuming I do a 3 year residency.

I want to get married, have kids, have TIME for my kids, have time for a balanced life, be able to buy a house sometime while I'm still young, etc etc... should I look for another career, or is it possible?

These are great questions you are asking. I am 40 years old so I understand where you are coming from. You have to ask yourself whether medicine is what you really want to do or whether you might be satisfied by another healthcare field with less time demands. If medicine is your heart's desire I wouldn't worry too much about the money. Physicians are among the highest compensated in the country. When you graduate from medical school just worry about continuing to live a relatively frugal lifestyle until you have made a good dent in your loans.

As far as your age goes, at 33 you will be the same age as many residents and fellows who entered medical school at age 23 so you really are not much different from any other applicant.

As far as leading a balanced life goes, this is a problem you will face no matter what career you choose. There are workaholics in many other fields besides medicine and many of them are not nearly as well compensated as physicians. If you want to lead a balanced lifestyle consider your choice of specialty carefully. You might choose family practice, internal medicine, anesthesia, radiology, pathology, or psych. Then choose a practice location that allows you to lead a balanced lifestyle. These might include an outpatient clinic with no call, an office practice with a group of likeminded physicians, or even a part time job where you fill in for other physicians.

My sister works doing locum tenens only (temporary work). She fills in for doctors who are on leave. She manages a decent though not spectacular income and takes three months of vacation every year. She rarely works more than 45 hours a week. There were sacrifices that went along with these choices but they were choices made as part of balancing her life.

 

[Nutmeg]

All this crap only really matters if you don't plan on living a long time, or if you can't manage to be constantly overburdened (in which case you shouldn't be a physician anyways). With a goal so worthwhile, does it really matter how long it takes before you arrive at your destination? I'm 26, still have another year before I even apply, want to have a family of my own, etc...but I think it's all worth it. If you choose a different path, you run the risk of finding yourself somewhere way down the road with the deep seated regret that you gave up on your dream without trying, and wondering how your life might have been different.

 

[Ryo-Ohki]

As far as the money issue. I assume you have a BA/BS. Are you not making a lot of $$$$$ now? Or at least enough to put a healthy dent into your future medical school debt?

 

[emtp2MD]

Glad to see this is also on someone else's mind. I am 24 with a couple of years to go before hopefully getting into med school. So I will probably be starting when I am 26-27, starting Res at 30-31 and out by 34-35 (really REALLY want to do anesthesia-4years.) I have alot of the fears that you do with the wanting to start a family, kids, etc... I have been a Paramedic for 5 years and it was not until I shadowed a anesthesiolgist (sp?) and started working in the ER that I have given it serious consideration. If it is really in your heart to see it through and want to succeed, then go for it. I agree with the living humbly for a few years after school. You will more than make up for it after that.

RW

 

[Amy B]

You "kids" aren't old at all. 😀 Some of us aren't starting med school until our late 30's. I have a family already so I wouldn't be any help to you about starting a family.

But I will say....I could not imagine having babies or small kids going through school or residency. My kids are older and don't need me as much as they did when they were little.


It is hard to choose between family and work/school. It is a choice I made years ago, which is why I have gotten such a late start.

I wish you luck in your choices.

 

[emtp2MD]

"You "kids" aren't old at all. " Lol.
Somedays it just does not feel like that though!!

 

[lexy]

I am 33 - and applying to medical school for the first time. I gave up my dream of going into medicine, and went into nursing 12 years ago - and have regretted it ever since. I guess I am fortunate in that I have no responsibilites... I am single, without children, and free to do what I want with my life. It was not a difficult decision to apply to med school. It is what will make me happy. I am so unhappy, and unchallenged, and restless in my job right now, I can't believe I waited this long to get my act together.
Although I did have to make the choice between children and medical school. I will be 43 by the time I am done (6 years in Aus med school / internship, and 5 year residency). My job, that I go to everyday, what keeps me intelectually challenged ... that is more important to me right now, than anything else. I am a single 33 year old, so waiting for prince charming to come along on a white horse is not a very realistic (lol). If I meet Mr.Right, it will be a bonus. But I need to make myself happy, and I know a career in medicine will do that. Personal sacrifices will always need to be made in this profession.... for me, I see having children as one of them. Being pregnant during residency isn't impossible, just damn , damn hard. You can do it all, if that is what you want. Like tezzie said. nothing comes easy in life.
As for the financial aspect, it will be difficult. But once again, a personal sacrafice. It will cost me approx. $250,000 for 5 years - $75,000 of that is being paid for by my parents, $170,000 are my personal loans. I have been through this a hundred times with concerned family and friends. Yes I am aware I will be just starting a practice at the age of 43. Yes I realize I will be broke, in major debt, without a house (of my own), and probably stressed. Yes I realize I will be paying this off until I am 60. But I am not going into it for the money (my father and brother are physicians - so I know the realities - in Canada anyways). I am going into medicine for myself and my own interest. Not to please anybody else. Not to make alot of money. Just to be happy and satisfied I am doing the best that I can do with my life... making a contribution .... (I'm doing it for probably all the same reasons every one of you are.)
Lexy

 

[91Bravo]

I'm an old man too (27yrs). The way I look at it, in ten years you will wake up and go to work. You might as well be a doctor because the time will pass whether or not you follow your dream.

Remember, when you die you want as few "would've", "could've," and "should'ves" as possible. Good luck and make medical school your bi@&h!

 

[lexy]

nicely put 91 Bravo - couldn't agree with you more. Life's too short for regrets.
lexy

 

[missbonnie]

Wow, people's definition of an "older" applicant are, well old. I'll be 27 when I start, I don't consider myself old at all.

I guess I'll be 31-32 when I graduate, then another few years after that.

I think the real point to consider is this - you'll be age X no matter what (unless u die of course), do you want to be age X with the MD degree or not? You'll be age X regardless.

Age is just a number, youth is a state of mind.

As for for the issues of having a balanced life, kids, money, etc. I would highly suggest you consider medicine something you want to do not just a job. There are lots of other ways to have alot of money, i.e. investments, owning a business, etc. Plenty of ppl have career Y and other "stuff" on the side.

bonnie

 

[mcandy]

most of you aren't old!! I don't know why most would want to start med school at age 22 anyway. There are so many things to experience in life, lessons to learn, places to go...When I was 22 I was hell bent on being an engineer...got a masters and realized a short while after (having lived the job, and a good one at that) that it wasn't for me. Engineering was my desire from middle school! I have come to the realization that medicine is for me after 9 years of being a paramedic and because I hate the fact that I can only stabilize and transport. debt, prestige, or $$ are not a factor...I would have laughed in your face if you told me this would be my path at age 22...I can hear all the "certain" people grumbling right now...What I am getting at is you only live once and why waste all of that time being professional and serious....go teach wilderness skills to kids, ski everyday, backpack through sout america for a year and then come back certain with life expereince and the skills to deal with all types of people and situations. Just my (old) humble opinion...best of luck to you all in the admissions process!

 

[rgporter]

I agree with mcandy. There are so many important experiences in life that are overlooked by a lot of premeds. Don't be afraid to take some time to get to know yourself, it can only make you a better doctor.
I spent a couple of years in South America before I finished my undergratduate degree so I was 24 when I graduated. Then instead of applying to med school I decided to get a little experience in the real world. I have worked in a clinical laboratory for over three years now. I am finally applying to medical school at the ripe old age of 28.
I am going to be much older than average when I graduate from medical school but waiting was worth it. I used the time to hang out with friends. I met a beautiful girl, we dated, and eventually got married. In the lab where I work, testing for a particular cancer, I have learned what it feels like to be part of a team. It's crazy, we put in 10-12 hour days, half the time everyone is mad at everyone else because we are so overworked. But you go home at the end of the day satisfied because you helped somone who is fighting for their life, even if no one really thinks about what you're doing.
I digress, my point is that being a doctor is more than being a good student, don't be afraid to take a different path. Enjoy a little bit of the beauty in life, then you can share it with your patients when they need it. Besides what's the hurry, you don't get a special prize for being an M.D. at age 22.

 

[PMED99]

Come to think of it. I am not sure what I am in a rush to finish for. I know it would be nice to finish residency by the age of 31/32, but I dont know what I will do when I have reached my goal in the first half of my life!

Strange when I think of it like that. Maybe that might put it into place a bit easier for you.

As far as debt and things like that, Not really sure. But, there are so many good loans for medical students.

Best of luck.

 

[lexy]

I know at 21 there was absolutely NO way I was mature or responsible enough to go into medical school. I knew I wanted to go into medicine,... eventually, but not everyone is ready at such a young age. I am glad I waited (maybe not quite this long), but being a nurse for 12 years has certainly opened my eyes to the reality of it all.
Over the past few years, I have travelled alot and experienced some things that only come once in a lifetime. I have got to know myself well, especially over the past few years, and THAT is exactly what they are looking for....
Do you know yourself, ...truly KNOW yourself.....your assets, your limitations, your weaknesses, ..... what motivates you, ...what, inside of you, has made you decide to go into medicine. I'm not sure many 18 year olds can answer those questions.
As an older person/applicant, you have solid, sincere reasons for wanting it. You have life experiences, achievements, and failures that have influenced you in some way to make the decision to go into medicine,...and helped to define you, as a person. I truly believe life experience makes you a more well rounded applicant, something that hopefully all medical schools look favourably upon.
Lexy

 

[swankydude]

I will be 27 by the time I enter medical school. I think older applicants will have an advantage b/c they are more focused in school (granted if you do have young kids). I interviewed at Duke Med and man most of the people interviewing were 21 years old. I felt like a dinosaur. In any case, I think medical school is especially tougher on women b/c of family issues, but I wouldn't worry about not being able to pay off student loans. If it is not a 100K student loan, then it will be home loan. American society is structured in a way that we will always be in debt regardless of profession unless you are one of those people who save every penny and enjoy life after 65.

Don't sweat the student loan... as far as the family issue... I hear yall... my fianc?e is 27 and she wants to get pregnant... I told her that she has wait until ATLEAST I finish my first year b/c gross anatomy...

 

[souljah1]

I started med school at 28 and will finish when I'm 32. 35 when I complete residency or perhaps even 38 if I specialize. I don't think that is all that bad. Firstly, I don't feel old at all (maybe that is b/c my fiance is only 24). I had a lot of fun in my early 20's and only then was it that I found out what I wanted to do with my life. It is a long haul for anyone. For me, personally, I'm glad I didn't go straight through school, college, med school, and then residency. Financially, it would have been better b/c I would have started making pretty good money about now...but, I have done things in my life that I wouldn't have been able to do if I went straight through - so for me I am very happy with the way my life has turned out. I've been broke for so long that I'll be salivating when I get my first intern paycheck. And as far as paying back loans goes, I just remind myself that I wouldn't every have been able to go to undergrad (let alone medical school) if I wasn't able to get some assistance. Yeah, paying them back will delay my ability to save and put away money, but it is b/c of them that I will be able to a very decent living.

 

[skypilot]

Originally posted by souljah1
I complete residency or perhaps even 38 if I specialize. I don't think that is all that bad. Firstly, I don't feel old at all (maybe that is b/c my fiance is only 24).

Thats what I need, a 24 year old girlfriend.

 

[kiernin]

I'll be 27 when I start med school, and I also feel like I'm in a position to become a much better physician now than I was at 22. I've been working in tech in Silicon Valley since graduation, saved some money for school, and gained a lot of perspective. I didn't have a clue what the real world was like coming out of college and these years of work experience have been invaluable. My whole approach to this process is better thought-out than it would have been 5 years ago, and I think I'm applying for the right reasons now. I have no aspirations beyond trying to improve the lives of others and making a difference in my community, and I'm applying to med school because I think this is the path which will allow me to realize those goals. I'm also really glad to have first-hand knowledge of the realities of the work world, including how large corporations operate and make decisions. I think that'll save me a lot of frustration and head banging later on as a physician, especially in this age of managed care.

Have one interview scheduled so far. Now, if I could only get a few more....

 

[JonnieQuest]

I've been feeling like I'm on some schedule...I took awhile to finish undergrad and I am taking a year off and I feel like I'm behind in some colossal race...

It's nice to know that there is nothing wrong with me for applying after the age of 21.

thanks

 

[mcandy]

hell yeah johnnie quest.. go live life. there are way to many cool things to do to want to lock yourself in school/professional life right out of college and the clutches of your parents. Do something for yourself and others for a while. It will make you a better dr because you will be able to relate to people. Those who go from mom and dads to undergrad to med school don't have any exerpeince or life skills to offer their patients. just my HO..good luck regardless. Mc