Shall I train as a doctor at 48?

[OldieMama]

What would you do with this opportunity? There is an opportunity for me to do a medical degree for 6 years to become a medical doctor (I already have the title of Dr via my PhD, but in a different discipline). Should I leave it and focus on what I have already achieved or go the medical route? Think I'm too old to go for a completely different career. I am 48 years old. Advice much appreciated. My husband trained as a doctor but took a different career path. He's not in favour.

Do you have children? I understand the hours are fairly brutal.

Honestly, I couldn't recommend it.

I'm a doctor, but went into med school at 19, so am now in my mid-30s and will finish training to be a consultant at 38. Slowed down by a few years due to having kids/working part time, but even so it's a long road.

Tbh you'd probably be fine in med school, of somewhat bored and isolated amongst your fellow students. But being an FY1 at 53? God no. Nightmare. Unless you went for GP, you'd probably barely finish a training programme before retirement.

It sounds like you've already achieved a lot in your life, I'm just not sure going for medicine so late on is a great idea for anyone.

No, I think it's a life long vocation.
It's also a often a lot longer than six years as you then have to choose your area of practice, (gp, specialist, surgeon) etc and pass all of those exams. You don't 'train' to be a doctor.

There's a few posts on here about this and I think at 48 the consensus will be that it's not a good idea. But I'll await others.

The fact that you feel the need to ask the question in MN, seems to indicate you have doubts yourself. If so, I'd stick with what you have.

Thank you so much for your posts. Yes I do have kids (youngest aged 2). My husband would agree with the posters who have first hand experience of being in medicine. I suppose I've always had this pull towards medicine, but logic tells me that I have missed the boat (deep sigh). Thanks again x

I am graduating from medical School in less than one month (I studied in Europe - 6 year MD degree turned to 7 years due to 60% failure rate in my first year) and I would never ever consider doing this again when I’m at that age. I have a few people in my year who started in their late 20s/early 30s and I already see how “behind” they will be in terms of work compared to me, because I started then I was 18.
The issue with finances is that you make basically “Monopoly money” for the first few years of your training because your “first job” comes when you are 25.You only start making “proper momey” when you’re nearing consultancy level; which is around 10 years post-grad.
I think medicine is something you devote your whole life to, making all your life decisions around the lifestyle - absolutely wish you all the luck in the world if you decide to go ahead, but I just definitely would not. Dentistry is a similar but lightly more chill option to consider!
Let me know if you have any questions!

No.

I’m 43 and am actively plotting my retirement.

Been a consultant in an acute specialty for 7 years. I’m done. Not sure how many years I have left in me. The thought of a third wave of Covid is sending my mood plummeting.

It’s bad enough putting up with all the shit as a consultant but being an FY1 at 53. Horrible thought.

No, it’s a mad idea.
6 year degree, incurring debt of around 60k, a minimum of 6/7 further years to become GP, other specialities around 12 years to become consultant.
That’s without the very hard and competitive study, work hours, and total dedication needed.
It’s tough when you’re young, with real drive and energy, and minimal family commitments. It’s a vocational career path, not something you kinda fancy doing in your late 40s

I hate to agree, but I think this opportunity has passed you by realistically. Just the hours alone, I'm mid thirties and no way could I do the 90 hour weeks plus shift work. There would also be a significant impact to your family life.

I would also comment that is it appropriate to take the training spot when you could only practice for such a short time, unlike younger people.

With your PHD, can you move into a medical field/research will might help meet that draw towards this work?

Thank you so much for your honest opinions. Your posts have really helped me to ponder on things. My husband thinks it's a no brainer...to concentrate on my existing academic career rather than a career in medicine. But as I said, I still have this pull towards medicine. Just want to say what enormous respect I have for all of you who have dedicated your lives to this vocation. Most people appreciate that it isn't easy. ❤️

Can I ask out of interest what six year degree option this is? Never heard of it before.

If you’re after a “career” in medicine then 48 is too late. You’d be 65+ before getting to consultant level, or not much younger being a Gp. Of course you could stay as a junior dr but could you pace around a hospital all day at that age? What if your health starts failing?

@Wavypurple im guessing its a typical medical degree with a foundation year.

Graduate medical degrees also an option for some people, which take 4 years

Why do you want to do medicine, other than the idea of it? If you had a specific pathway or reason in mind - ie, it opened up the possibly of human research when you already work in research, then do it. If it's just the idea of it, then it would be better to focus on the field that you are already established in. Training as a doctor really only starts once the medical degree is finished - you start by doing lots of very routine paperwork and drudge jobs the first few years.

What about a master of public health instead? People from a range of backgrounds can do them, it mightcadd to your existing career, and you skip the tedious parts of medicine.

Hi there. I tried to qualify as a nurse at 48. It wasn't the actual difficulty of content. I was streets ahead of the other students with extra experience and they were brilliant giving me new ideas and new life! Unfortunately, I was not supported well enough at home, the pandemic hit and although Uni say they helped, they really didn't. It's a lot more doable if you have no kids, dogs, ageing dad's and someone to help you. I didn't 😰. The twelve and a half hour shifts were a killer and I also found it difficult to be talked to like crap by seniors for no reason.

What’s your academic degree in?

No don’t do this

I was on track to be an FY1 in the next few weeks I'm fully done with medical science now doing environmental doing better than ever

As someone has already mentioned, have you looked into the Publuc Health Registrar/Consultant training programme? Five years (including a one year funded MPH), working in placements the rest of the time. Paid a salary of £40,000+ as you train and at a consultant level when qualified. Excellent pension etc and generally regular working hours. Had colleagues who started this in their 50's and their age and experience from other careers was considered an asset. There's an exam, interviews and application process to be considered. Many apply several times before getting onto the programme but say it's very much worth it. Here's some more info:

www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/public-health/roles-public-health/public-health-consultants-and-specialists/training-and-development-public-health-consultant-and

*Public!

Do you really want to have £60k of debt just for studying???