Med School at 30?
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Anonymous
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When my aunt was in her late twenties, she decided she wanted to become a doctor. She'd been an English major undergrad and had to take a bunch of STEM courses before she could even apply. Getting in was a hassle, and (as we know) it was a long process getting through med school and her residency. BUT she's 40 now and making a great living as an ER doctor.
Go for it! |
Anonymous
| Not to be un-pc, but if you're a woman and want to have kids probably not a great idea to start med school at 30. A lot of my female doctor friends who went straight through, (so younger), ended up having kids later in life, many having to do ivf, some unsuccessful. Being a nurse practicioner or physicians assistant are neat career choices in medicine where you can practice medicine (in almost all the sub specialties, not just general med) without the rigorous long training. |
Anonymous
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A friend of mine started veterinary school (about the same timeline and demand) at 33. While she was there she met her now husband and she is just graduating. Very happy.
Another friend started at 29 and feels old, but doesn't regret it. She's about to start her residency so she hasn't really hit the practical slam yet. She is single. I agree with the PPs that the biggest risks seem to be financial, and that if you prioritize a family it will be difficult to find a match and put time into it, particularly if you end up in an odd/backwards place to attend school. But if this is what you want, you are certainly not too old!!!! |
Anonymous
As a mid-30s mom of two, I love this. If I had a do-over, it certainly wouldn't involve my current career. |
Anonymous
| My mom went at 42. Had a very meaningful career that she LOVED. Go for it!!!!! 30 years old - even 32 - you're a baby! |
Anonymous
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Take the post about debt seriously because medical school debt is huge burden. Also, take the posts about being a woman and struggling to have children seriously.
The pollyannas giving you pocketbook "just do it" wisdom here won't be there when you are 40 years old, 250k+ in debt and wondering how to pay for in vitro. |
Anonymous
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There have been multiple posts about this, OP, I'm concerned that you are looking for answers here so desperately and anxiously.
Seems like a major decision that you keep throwing out to DCUM, repeatedly. A large portion of medicine is judgement and decision making. |
Anonymous
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Consider it seriously before making the jump. The two people I know that did it mid age, one had a supportive breadwinner spouse and the other was the daughter of a tycoon and had no money issues.
This blog post where a single mother in her 30s buried in $400K of debt going to med school and failing to match into residency has been making the rounds: http://notadoctorjustamd.blogspot.com/2015/03/not-doctor-just-m.html?showComment=1427172072515#c3535627127933567282 |
Anonymous
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My friend did this and it was a disaster. Still is.
Fell in love and married, got pregnant and now they have joint debt of 550k, no savings, no house, no retirement at 38 and 40 and a newborn baby while they are trying to do rotations Meaning neither of them see the child or each other, inlaws in their 70's are trying to handle a newborn. It's not pretty. And the kicker is they are veterinarians. (undergrad and vet school, for each) |
Anonymous
| OP, my dear friend is a resident in an OB/gyn program, having gone back to school after two kids and a divorce. She blows me away, and I'm so proud to know her. She did it. You can do it. |
Anonymous
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Op, until you're accepted, there is nothing to decide.
Muse all you want. |
Anonymous
| Life is too short. A beloved 21 yr old cousin of mine passed away a few months ago and he had big plans for his future and was getting there. DO IT NOW!!!!!! LIFE IS SHORT. TOO SHORT, |
Anonymous
| Go to a forum like Student Doctor Network if you are serious about med school. You will get a lot more informed responses there from people who have actually gone through the process. |