Turning 50 in july. Is it too late ????

**bjoshi** · 24-06-2012, 10:25 PM

I am turning 50 in July.

Am thinking of fulfilling my dream of becoming a doctor.

Do you think it is too late????

Please be honest.

**dotvicky** · 24-06-2012, 11:04 PM

Heya,

In theory, it's never too late but I think you'd need to justify yourself very well. Can you do graduate entry? Can you move around the country? What are your family/other commitments? What's your background?

Cheers
Vicky

**bjoshi** · 24-06-2012, 11:34 PM

Hi Vicky

Thank you very much for your quick response.

I am single. No other social commitments. Can go anywhere in the country really. M a Physics graduate.

Am currently working as a Teacher.

What shall I do???

**Doodle-bug** · 25-06-2012, 02:03 AM

Originally Posted by bjoshi

Hi Vicky

Thank you very much for your quick response.

I am single. No other social commitments. Can go anywhere in the country really. M a Physics graduate.

Am currently working as a Teacher.

What shall I do???

If this is what you want, go for it, why not? If concern about your age is the only reason holding you back then dont let it stop you. If I was in your position I would give it a go, rather than regret not trying. I think you know this is what you want, dont wait around for someone to tell you that you cant!

Any dream worth dreaming, is worth the effort to make it come true.
- Evan Gourley

**bjoshi** · 25-06-2012, 12:18 PM

Hi Evan

May God Bless you for your initial push.

**dotvicky** · 25-06-2012, 01:02 PM

What you need to do is start ringing around medical schools to get a feel for those that are more positive about you applying. In theory, no-one can reject you on age alone but some are probably more amenable to older students than others. What are your qualifications? You need to work out which courses you can apply to. From a money perspective, graduate entry would be a *much* better option. You say you have Physics - did you get a 2:1 or higher? If so, there are quite a few places that will consider you. If you didn't, then your options are much more limited and you will need to do the GAMSAT at the very least.

Assuming you're going to apply on this round for 2013 entry, you seriously need to get a move on with studying and writing your Personal Statement. Have a look around at this forum to see what universities people talk about.

Cheers
Vicky

**bjoshi** · 25-06-2012, 02:31 PM

Hi,

Can you please explain why can't I practice it????

**impatient** · 03-07-2012, 05:10 PM

50s not too old it just older than one might expect. you need to be realistic about what you expect to achieve; 5 years med school + 2 years foundation training before you start postgraduate training which can be up to 8 years (assuming you pass everything first time) so best case you finish all of your training at 65.

the oldest person on my course is 43......

**frazzo** · 04-07-2012, 11:18 PM

It is too old.

Everyone is just being nice.

You'll spend the rest of your working life as a junior. Night shifts at 60?

I think you already know this.

Just being honest mate.

**fibonacci** · 05-07-2012, 12:45 PM

There are no guarantees to get into med school on the first application, even with the "best" ucas form. Whatever the universities say about not discriminating against age, you are potentially taking a place away from someone who could well be in the field of medicine for the next 40 years, whereas realistically you will only be able to provide 10 years, 2 of which will be FY1/FY2 and the rest of which could be specialist training.

Have you thought about other options within healthcare which don't require so much training? Arguably some posts in care homes, specialist care etc are just as rewarding on a societal level.