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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][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]
Not to be a downer, but you do know that getting into a residency program is not guaranteed, right? It's basically the med school interview/admission process all over again (flights, hotels, application fees) but even more competitive because spots are much more limited than med school. The "we'll pay you back" rural programs only happen if you get into residency. Hours can be grueling as a med student and more so as an intern/resident. 
signed,
-someone who has worked in medical education for 10+ years[/quote]m
What happens to Med school graduates who don't get a residency?[/quote]
I'm the pp who works in medical education. 
Those who don't get into residency on their first try generally apply again the following year (more $ for interviews, flights, hotels, applications). They often use that year "off" to do research and/or gain clinical experience. However, the odds are against them statistically in terms of obtaining a spot that second time. Program directors can be hesitant to seriously consider someone who didn't match the previous year. There are legitimate reasons for taking a year off (serious illness in family, having a kid (although most plan for summers or times when they can take off)), but it's a big gamble for a program to take someone who went unmatched the previous year. [/quote]

What happens to them long term without residency?[/quote]

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