Is 36 too old to start med school?
Basically the thread title, I've got a BS in a biological field and was thinking about Pathology positions the other day. I do have 10+ years in the Pharma space but I know that I would need that paper to explore those options.
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even a 10 year earning potential as an MD will make up for the late start for most people
36 is quite normal
In addition to what Katar mentioned, you will also need to take (and do well on) the MCAT. This is the single most important part of your application, so put in the requisite time to do well. With this in mind, I highly recommend a review course.
Consider if you are willing to move to another state for med school and/or if you are willing to pay private school tuition. This may limit your options.
MD vs DO: both are fine. There is still a slight bias against DO's in some parts of the country, but not enough to make a huge difference.
US/Canadian vs Caribbean/other: strongly advise against even considering a non-US or Canadian school (unless you live in another country and want to practice there) I can go into the specifics if you would like, but being an "FMG" in the US will be a 1ton weight you will be dragging around your entire career. Even if you are well trained and competent, which is questionable from unaccredited medical degree factories.
My sister went to medical school in her 40s. I've heard of people who went to medical school even later in life. 36 is by no means too old.
Doc: That's right, twenty five years into the future. I've always dreamed on seeing the future, looking beyond my years, seeing the progress of mankind. I'll also be able to see who wins the next twenty-five world series.
I say if you want to go to med school, then go for it!
It's the hardest thing I've ever done. My colleague, who finished the year before me, undertook it at 43 after switching careers and starting over.
I don't see age as a barrier and echo what other people have already said. Your lived experience might also make you a better physician.
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Go for it and good luck!
I was about to write the exact same thing as Gnizmo. I couldn't agree more. 1 more thing to think about is that even at 35 you're expected to work for 30 more years of your life. So taking a few of those to go back to school is still a pretty short trade off.
He says the only time he's ever felt out of place is when he's woken up the next day after going out with a bunch of twentysomething residents with a Texa$-sized hangover.
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