Non-Traditional Med School Applicants

Hey everyone, and thanks for reading.

If there's been some time elapsed after you graduated from college and you've developed an interest in medicine (or have been working to pay off loans and wanted to apply to medical school in the past) you're not at a disadvantage to other applicants.

At 10 medical school interviews, I mostly saw applicants who were in their early 20s and still in college, but there were probably 1-2 non-traditional applicants on the days I interviewed in 2009.  But just because I didn't encounter many non-traditional applicants doesn't mean you guys have some kind of disadvantage.  In fact, at UTMB, a third-year medical student spoke to the interviewees (I was there!) and he was married and had children.  Another med student in her 4th year was interviewing for residency and she had a child as well.

There are some important things to consider though, for older applicants:

1.  Most obviously, be prepared for changes in income.  As a student, you won't be earning anything (unless you do a paid research year, but I don't really think those are worth it in terms of money).  However, if you're an MD/PhD student, you'll have everything paid for and receive a stipend (but that path is 7-8 years, not including residency).  As a resident you'll be earning (on average, from what I've seen) $42,000 a year, with an increase in pay with each year (which is great if you're single, but perhaps not enough with medical school debt and having to raise a family).

2.  You'll have to become really good at balancing life with your spouse, your own personal life, children, if any, and friends.  Be sure your family understands the commitment medicine requires, in terms that it's not 9-5 and that the medical field can be stressful on a daily basis.

3.  Medical education and residency does take time, at least 7 years (4 years of medical school, 3 of residency).

Entering medicine is a big decision and commitment, but you can make it happen, whether you're a traditional or non-traditional applicant.  Expect big changes however, once you enter, but if you're committed and have a strong family/relationship, you can make it happen.  Do a lot of soul searching and see if it's the right thing for you and your family, and get in touch with others like you on forums and such. 

All the best, guys.