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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]Reviving this year old thread as I embark on my own path to becoming a doctor...I'm 45! I'm divorced with kids, although they aren't super young. I'm starting a DIY post bacc this fall and hoping to app by 47. If I complete med school and residency by 55 even I'll be happy (overjoyed really) spending 10-20 years practicing.

As for cost, I enrolled as a second degree seeking student, which opened federal student loans (there is a cap for undergrad students that I didn't reach with my first degree). Then I will likely apply for NHSC loan forgiveness as a primary care doc in a rural area. I've also considered the military option where they pay for school AND give you a stipend in exchange for a commitment of X years.

I've been fortunate to spend lots of time with my kids not working too much outside the home. I've volunteered, went on more field trips than I can count, helped with homework, cooked fresh, healthy meals, listened to and counseled on friend dramas and had many cool experiences with them....all things that are important to me as a parent. Now they are older and more academically independent I feel as though I can get back to me a little.

I'm not adding to this old thread for any sort of encouragement, but instead to offer some to anyone who asks themselves this very question. There is lots of support  and advice at oldpremed.org. Good luck! [/quote]

Unless you want to go into a high paying specialty and think you're good enough to get into the competitive residency it requires, you should consider becoming an NP or PA.  Not much less pay than a primary care physicians, less liability, possibility of shift work so you can spend time with your kids.[/quote]

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