Is it possible to re-train as a doctor?

squarejack

I’m probably mad but the master plan is thus.....

My situation is that I’m 30, married with one small child and plan to have more. I’m currently a partner in a successful IT/Media firm. The truth is this isn’t what I want to be doing; my passion/dream is to become a doctor and has been perversely ever since I left university (great timing).

With the benefit of money and the intellectual/personal development of 9 years working and living, I would like to realise my potential, do something useful and re-train as a doctor.

The simplistic thinking is that even if I spend the next 10 years in education/gaining experience, I would still have 25 years left to practice – if not more.

I’m really after some unbiased advice/thoughts from people that have taken the GAMSAT and are currently studying medicine and/or any advice from any qualified doctors.

I’m a British citizen by birth, but now a (smug!) permanent resident of Australia, my original degree (Environmental Science - pointless!) is from the UK. I have not participated in any formal education since then.

The plan is to take the GAMSAT is March 2010 and then (dependant on the mark) make my decision to pursue a career in medicine. I haven’t directly spoken to any university; my reason being that if I don’t get a respectable mark in the GAMSAT, then probably best to stick with what I’m doing. I’ve researched in as far as that universities will take mature students. I wouldn’t be in a position to go to uni until 2011 (age 32).

What I would like to know is:

1. Has anyone else decided this career path at this age or older and hows it going?

2. I have an understanding of the time involved in studying to become a doctor, but am I mad to think that I can do this with a family in tow?

3. In a perfect world there would be no need to ask this question, but will being newly qualified and nearly forty massively hinder my chances of employment?

4. How long is it before you can expect to receive a form of income from medicine?

5. Would I need to retake the GAMSAT if there is a year gap before application to a university?

6. Obviously I’m aware of the personal/financial pressure of an extended period of un-employment/study, but is there anything else that I’m just not thinking about?

7. Approximate cost of study - excluding loss of earnings.

Any advice in any direction would be greatly appreciated.

Lovebite

tealou · Rookie Joined: 20 Dec 2009 Posts: 3

I am thinking I am a bit crazy too, but we are similar.

I own a web business, have 3 children and am planning to sit GAMSAT in 2011 for 2012 entry. I was going to this year but I have Cushing's so need to get well first.

But yes, I have 3 children, a successful business, a Master of Arts, and hit 30 and realised that I needed to bite the bullet and start achieving my actual goals.

So, it's possible. And I think it's worth it. I plan on specialising in endocrinology as well so thats a whole lotta learnin'! But I figure that if I DON'T do it, I will regret it. And we only get one shot.

And really, when you think about it, we aren't *that* far behind really... because 18 year olds need to do 6 years, they are 24 when they finish... many don't go straight in and I think that at 30, when you have kids and business experience, and in my case suffering a disease that Drs dont know about, it gives you some different perspective. I don't thnk Medical School will be nearly as difficult when you are older.... except for the whole family thing.... but I already work ridiculous hours so its not difference really Smile

Just get your business earning money without you in it. That's my plan and so far it's working.... so that I can still get away with 5-10 hours of consulting a week to support us whilst I study.

SoMdoesn'tcare · Rookie Joined: 28 Mar 2010 Posts: 5

Yes there are mature-age students but they generally struggle (moreso from finances and family, affecting their study).

At least you are not too old. I know of a >50yo Med student.