Some advice needed please...

[rav8tor]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Folks,

After getting a Ph.D. in Aerospace and after some years of work, I grew pretty disgusted with what the job-related future offers. I even received offers for faculty positions at universities, but right now I am about ready to switch careers. I fully understand (or so I think) the implications.

Do you know if universities generally have a problem with older candidates: is age (35 yrs.) an issue? Do schools look favorably on a good record of research, even if it was in another field? My physics background is very strong, chemistry is decent. I will have to take classes to get my Biology credentials, but I think that I will do pretty good on the MCAT.

Your advice is appreciated....

 

[coldchemist]

You're age will certainly not be a problem for a regular MD program, assuming you can get the premed requirements out of the way fairly quickly. I don't know how an an MD/PhD committee will look at it, though. Medical schools frequently accept older applicants all the way up to their mid-40's.

Ignoring the age issue, I think you're previous research experience will be a benefit regardless of discipline...especially if you have good reasons for wanting to get out of the field. You definitely need to demonstrate an aptitude and an appreciation for biomedically oriented thinking--that's where the MCAT comes in, and some additional research experience in a related field wouldn't hurt.

 

[Trashino]

From my experiences interviewing this year, I would say that schools do not generally have a problem with older applicants. At each of my interviews there was usually someone either in the first year class or in the applicant pool who was over 30. Some of them had changed careers, one had gone on a mission, and a couple had immigrated in the middle of their lives.

Do well on the MCAT to match your excellent scientific background. Your PhD and undergrad GPA (for some reason they still look at this many years later) should also be fairly strong for a good chance at admission. At interviews your motivations will probably be examined more so than anything concerning age.

Since I interviewed mainly with MSTPs, research was a very strong component. At the MD program I interviewed with they were also interested in developing research among their students, so I would say a strong research background (even in another field) would be helpful during admissions.

 

[Neuronix]

Do you really want another PhD? Do you want to invest another 7+ years, residency, post-doc, etc to become faculty at the age of 50+? If you can honestly say yes to these questions, you may have a shot at MD/PhD.

Still, I wonder why you don't just go for med school and get involved in research with the PhD you have? I think you already have the research training, and I don't think it would be a good use of your time to get a second PhD. About applying to MD programs, remember that they're going to look at your whole record and consider your undergrad performance. This may or may not be much of an issue for you. You'll need to take the pre-reqs and be sure to rock the MCAT. Don't fall into that trap that you really don't need to study for it for whatever reason. Beyond that I'd say you have a good shot with the right numbers.

Good luck!

 

[rav8tor]

Thanks for your thoughtful answers... It is a big step, and "past performance is no indication of future results ". That is why I'll study all areas of the MCAT with equal attention.
Due to my engineering background and other personal motivating factors, I am leaning towards orthopedic research. It probably would be best to go only to medical school...