Should I still go to med school?

[The Last Reclaimer]

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My plan was to go straight to medical school after graduating from university in the U.S. in 2019. However, when I returned home, my parents were facing serious financial problems, so I began working in assisted living in Memory Care to gain clinical experience and help out financially.

Not long after, my father was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis — a devastating disease that causes relentless coughing until death. I cared for him for two years, helping as much as I could and covering some of his medication costs. During this time, I was fortunate to also start working in an ophthalmology clinic, which has been a blessing.

While coping with my father’s illness, I also faced family conflicts. My dad had requested cremation with no funeral, and his side of the family disagreed, ultimately cutting off communication with me and my mother. After his passing, I supported my grieving mom emotionally, helped her move, and continue to help her financially.

Now, my final step toward medical school is taking the MCAT. I’ve just turned 28, which means I’ll likely start medical school at 29 or 30. I often feel like I’m too old, that I’ve fallen behind, and that I’m a failure. I see people my age matching into residency now. It hurts.

 

[MrM45]

Hey, I'm sorry to hear about your father and your family situation. This is my opinion. You've got your whole life ahead of you. A few years now makes no difference in 20 years from now. If you can do it and it's your passion, give it everything you've got and live your life to its fullest potential and dont let a bump in the road ruin your potential just becuase you lost a few years (that's besides the fact that now you have awesome essay content). However, it is important to note (not unique to you) that it is a difficult and grueling journey, so if you would be equally happy doing something else, make sure to weigh all your options (PA, nursing, etc.)

That's my two cents...

 

[Goro]

No you're not too old. My oldest matriculant was 53. He's still in practice.

If you're still ready to go for medicine, go for it. Just remember that you're in a marathon now, not a sprint. And once again, you are not too old!

 

[JB1337]

My plan was to go straight to medical school after graduating from university in the U.S. in 2019. However, when I returned home, my parents were facing serious financial problems, so I began working in assisted living in Memory Care to gain clinical experience and help out financially.

Not long after, my father was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis — a devastating disease that causes relentless coughing until death. I cared for him for two years, helping as much as I could and covering some of his medication costs. During this time, I was fortunate to also start working in an ophthalmology clinic, which has been a blessing.

While coping with my father’s illness, I also faced family conflicts. My dad had requested cremation with no funeral, and his side of the family disagreed, ultimately cutting off communication with me and my mother. After his passing, I supported my grieving mom emotionally, helped her move, and continue to help her financially.

Now, my final step toward medical school is taking the MCAT. I’ve just turned 28, which means I’ll likely start medical school at 29 or 30. I often feel like I’m too old, that I’ve fallen behind, and that I’m a failure. I see people my age matching into residency now. It hurts.

I just turned 34, and shortly after if I matriculate for the next cycle, I'll be 35. Age is just a number.

 

[The Last Reclaimer]

Hey, I'm sorry to hear about your father and your family situation. This is my opinion. You've got your whole life ahead of you. A few years now makes no difference in 20 years from now. If you can do it and it's your passion, give it everything you've got and live your life to its fullest potential and dont let a bump in the road ruin your potential just becuase you lost a few years (that's besides the fact that now you have awesome essay content). However, it is important to note (not unique to you) that it is a difficult and grueling journey, so if you would be equally happy doing something else, make sure to weigh all your options (PA, nursing, etc.)

That's my two cents...

I looked at so many other careers and i always come right back where I started. Thanks for your input I appreciate it

 

[The Last Reclaimer]

No you're not too old. My oldest matriculant was 53. He's still in practice.

If you're still ready to go for medicine, go for it. Just remember that you're in a marathon now, not a sprint. And once again, you are not too old!

Thanks for the assurance!

 

[The Last Reclaimer]

I just turned 34, and shortly after if I matriculate for the next cycle, I'll be 35. Age is just a number.

Thanks for sharing, I appreciate it!

 

[Ho0v-man]

I started med school at 31. Oldest in my class was in her 40s I believe. So you absolutely can do it.

But if giving up your thirties, a decade where your friends are settling into routines, stability, etc bothers you then you shouldn’t go any farther and choose something else instead. No shame in it.

 

[try1241]

hey, i am so sorry to hear this. i hope you have taken the time to heal as well as this is not easy situatoin to deal with. with what you have been through in life, i am sure you will make a very compassionate physician who genuinely understands the painful moments of life. i am also in late 20s, and am pursuing this on the later end due to personal circumstances. if your gut says do this, then please do. don't let age limit you from becoming a phenomenal doctor.

 

[jrichardson21]

I'll jump in here to add something - First, my condolences on what you and your family had to experience. It's not easy on anyone.

Second, you'll have an actual inspiring story to write about for both your personal statement and any future residency applications. Authenticity shines in those statements and interviews, and you've got it in droves.

Third, I can remember when I was thinking about taking the prerequisites and MCAT, and whether or not it'd be worth it since I was likely to be turning 40 during medical school and I felt too old. A physician friend, and mentor especially now, looked at me and said "you're going to be 40 anyway, why not turn 40 in medical school?"

So yeah, do the thing. It's worth it, all of it, even on the worst days.