The Career Doctor™
by Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez
Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers?
Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist
specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of
your own, use our anonymous form, and she
might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here.
Contact information is here.
AM I TOO OLD TO BECOME A DOCTOR?
Dear Career Doctor:
I am 30 and just now starting college. Will a medical school take me when I finish my undergrad
work or will they think I am too old?
Bryan
Dear Doctor:
I am forty-five years old and always dreamed of being an M.D. Am I too old?
Mark H.
Dear Bryan and Mark:
Medical schools care much more about excellent AMCAT scores, top grades in biological sciences, and
clincial or volunteer hospital experience than age. However, Mamaroneck resident Glenda Palmer, the
Director of Finacial Aid at Mt. Sinai Medical School, cautions that the financial demands of medical
school may be more burdensome for older students than younger ones. Many students borrow the whole
$200,000 tuition, and can only begin to pay off the debt after another four years of internship and
residency (because interns and residents only earn about $40,000 per year.) Plus the physical
demands of some specialties (like the hours of standing required for surgeons) also make medical
school more difficult for older students.
So, I advise that you try to find a medical career other than physician where the training is shorter,
the costs are lower but the satifaction is almost as high. You will find a number of books in your
local library about the wide range of medical/hospital careers to help you survey the field.
The Career Doctor
The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont
psychologist and career counselor, Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.
Her office is at 90 Beechtree Drive in Larchmont, 914-834-1982.
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