Older, non-traditional medical school applicants

For some of us, the dream of a career in medicine only becomes a dream after we have lived life, finished school, and begun a career. In my case, I have had multiple careers and the beauty of the things that I have done is that I’ve had time to cultivate my interests, demonstrate my competence, and I’ve developed a strong sense of self and resilience. I would advise that if medicine is your calling at an older age, you should absolutely pursue medicine.

Understand however that the older you are, the more of an outlier you will be. In 2017-’18, the average age of U.S. allopathic students was 24; for osteopathic students, it was around 25. You may feel self-conscious about being the older student sitting in classes with students who could be your children’s or niece’s/nephew’s age. You may also worry about being unable to keep up or compete with the younger students. Remember, these younger students have frequently been on this one track since they graduated from high school. You have been through a lifetime of experiences that have prepared you for the challenges of pre-med and eventually, medical school life. You are resilient.

The path to medical school may not be a straight one for you but it is absolutely 100% possible for you to gain admissions to medical school. This cycle, I’ve earned three acceptances and have had multiple interviews. I’m still being offered interviews as well. You may have to do some research to find the school that is a good fit for you but trust me when I say, there is a school out there for you. There is a school out there that will appreciate the very unique, efficient, creative, and motivated perspectives that you have to share.

Random facts: In 2013, the AOA stated that osteopathic medical students ranged from the age of 18 all the way to 61. That same year, several dozen D.O. students graduated in their 50s and several were in their 60s!!! More than 200 current osteopathic physicians graduated when they were in their 50s! Dr. Clarence Nicodemus, PhD, DO graduated from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at the age of 61. He’d had a 30+ year career in biomedical engineering at UTMB in Galveston, TX when he decided to go to medical school.