How old is too old?

Pre-Med & Medical School Pre-Med Topics
1

<p>I'd like to hear from anyone who started medical school later in life, as I'm considering doing. My biggest self-concern isn't my age (I'm 31 now, would be ready to apply ~ 33), because I still feel young, but rather how hectic the lifestyle of a med student is, and what sort of schedule I might face in a residency. I'm married, no kids, and my wife is scared that I wouldn't have any family time. I've been through a graduate program in history, and while I'm aware that the time commitment for masters in history and that of the M.D. likely differ by some degree, I imagine they must be comparable. </p>

<p>So, anyone care to share their experiences? Or perhaps the experiences of older medical students whom you know?</p>

2

<p>Well, residency hours are now capped at 80 hours per week, and third year of medical school is often comparable. So you'd be working those hours from approximately your age 35 through at least 40, but more likely a couple years beyond that as well.</p>

3

<p>I'll be a college freshman at the age of 24, so assuming I do well enough and decide to continue with a career in medicine, I'd start med school at the age of 28. I'm also married with no kids. Part of my fear is time with my wife, too. I suppose I'm not the oldest person to consider choosing a career in medicine, so that's somewhat of a comfort.</p>

<p>Out of curiosity, have you completed your Bacc. degree and the pre-reqs recently?</p>

4

<p>Plenty of people enter medical school in their thirties, forties, even fifties. The overall time commitment for a Masters in history is perhaps similar, but the pacing and lack of control in medical education will be different.</p>

<p>Resident duties and hours vary dramatically across specialties. Call recovery, the ability to bounce back from sleep deprivation and periods of intense stress, does diminish with age, so you may suffer during residency.</p>

<p>On the plus side, you probably know how to grind away at study and are in a stable relationship.</p>

5

<p>I know a guy who went on to get his masters after college and then was a 1st year med student at age 28. It's all possible. :)</p>

6

<p>One of the guys in my med school class of 2011 has three daughters, two of which are in high school. He seems to be doing okay. I guess it depends on how bad you want to do it. If it's important enough for you, you'll be able to make time.</p>