Does age matter ?

Does anyone here knows someone who started medical school at age 40 or more?

 

Not personally, but Bakke was 36 when he sued the UC system for not letting him in based on quota

http://www.commentarymagazine.com/Summaries/V63I3P61-1.htm

(Footnote: He graduated and is current an MD)

 

One of my co-works wife is currently finishing her residency. They have 24 year old son and have been married 26 years, I do not know her age, but they went to high school together (he is 53).

 

Nope, but I know a guy who got a PhD in economics from an RA university at age 65.

 

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I hope to get the DTh in May, 05 -I'll be 65 in June.

 

Congratulations, Bill......

 

Three a.k.s, Fred, Julius, and Mort, ate lunch together week in week out always table 7 at the Home for the Aged. Always glum, morose, uncommunicative, one day Mort comes and sits down. Tie without food stains, sparkling dentures, ripple-sole shoes shined, combover straight--a new man. So Fred says, "What is it?" Mort replies, "I'm getting married. Her name's Shirley. And she's twen-ty-five years old!" "My God, Mort," cries Julius, "you're eighty-seven! At your age sex could be fatal!" Mort says, "Nu? If she dies, she dies."

 

I have worked with a number of medical students in their late 30's. Basically, if you can manage the first two years (primarily didactic) within your current situation - you are basically home free. (Assuming you have the financial wherewithal to stomach internship and residency...) Some of the better doctors are the ones who are seasoned in other fields. Much less of a superior attitude...

For what it's worth,

 

I think "Patch" Adams started his medical education in his thirties. Not sure on whether or not he constitutes an example for others, but if he did it others can as well. Greetings.

 

It really never is too late... to find what your mission in life is. Albert Schweitzer started med school from scratch with 30 yrs. of age and finish up with 38, after 2 prior careers.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albert_Schweizer

 

yes 63

Know three people that were in medical school.

Male age 62
Male age 54
Female age 45 (she was already a RN)

 

It has been mentioned before in other threads, but there was the famous response from Dear Abby (Or Ann Landers, I forget) when someone wrote in who was considering medical school in her late thirties. The writer said something like, "After I finish in 9 years, I'll be 47!"

Dear Abby replied, "And how old will you be in 9 years if you don't go to medical school?"

 

My sister in law started at 37.

 

Exactly! The time is going to go by anyway.

To the OP: If age is the only thing holding you back (you or whomever you're writing about), then that's not a reason. That's an excuse, and a poor one. Isn't it better to go for what you want, regardless of age, rather than get to that age anyway and have to say to yourself "I should have done it. If I had I would be where I wanted to be by now."

Go for it, and good luck in your endeavors.

Kit

 

Not certain of original posters intended question, ie is there a reason why a 40+ year old student should not attend med school vs will med schools admit a student who is 40+ years old.

I see nothing wrong with a 40+ year old person attending medical school.

But note that in his books, Dr. Bear comments that "Although (medical) schools are not allowed by law, to have quotas by race or sex, as they once did, they definitely have quotas based on age. Applicants over 30 have a much harder time getting in, and those over 40 have almost no chance at all. The schools argue that their precious facilities should not be taken up by persons who will have fewer years to practice and serve humanity."

For those posters who know of med students in their late 30's and upward, I would be very curious to learn exactly which med schools admitted them.

Thanx!

 

Speaking of which: this is May 2005. Have you been officially doctored yet, Doktorand Grover? - Theo

 

And how old was that chap who got his PhD in History thanks to Bear's Degree Consulting Service? I believe that his first dissertation didn't quite pan out back in 1910.

 

So John Bear, came up with his idea in 1911? WOW!!!

As to a "late" entry to medical school, for me it would be more personally satisfying to be in medical school in my 40's or 50's than in many other professions in my late 20's or 30's....by all means dont let something as silly as age stop you!
best, Gavin

 

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May 13...in absentia.

 

Well, when ya thinks about it, 40 is like way mass old and when ya hit that age ya git like really broken down and so grand rounds will probably kill ya at that age.