"Non-Traditionals" at UNIBE?

[saiougauma]

Can anyone tell me whether UNIBE has an upper limit on the age of the students it will admit? I am a 37-year old who went back to school for his science prerequisites. The notion of studying at UNIBE interests me a great deal, but I couldn't find anything explicit on the school website or on this site regarding the "oldness" question. Any input would be much appreciated...

[Dr.0617]

I don't think the school soo. You're never to old to acomplished your dream, the best thing to do is to call the school. Good luck

[Cubanito76]

I have classmates that are your age and even older. I'm in my 30's as well so don't sweat it.

[ERNEST714]

THE PROBLEM LIES NOT IN THE AGE OF THE GRADUATE FROM MEDICAL WHEN THEY HAVE PERSEVERED TO OBTAIN THEIR DREAM.....THE PROBLEM LIES WITH PROGRAM DIRECTORS WHO CONSIDER AFTER A CERTAIN AGE ONE IT TOO OLD TO PREFORM WITH THE SAME MENTAL ACUITY AND VIGOR AS A YOUNGER RESIDENT.
i ACTUALLY HAD A GENTLEMAN THAT WANTED TO BEGIN MEDICAL SCHOOL AT AGE 72. IF HE MATRICULATED WITHOUT ANY PROBLEMS HE WOULD BE CLOSE TO 76 WHEN HE GRADUATED. THAT WOULD ME ABOUT 79 OR 80 STARTING A MINIMUM 3 YEAR RESIDENCY AND 83 TO BEGIN PRACTICE.....HUMMMMMMMMMMMM. NOT VERY RELASTIC IS IT. I CAN REMEMBER AN OLD SURGERON PROFESSOR THAT MADE THE REMARK......AFTER LEARNING SURGERY FOR 45 YEARS I FINALLY UNDERSTAND IT......BUT MY MANUAL DEXTERITY IS SHOT AND I CAN NOT LONGER BE THE GREAT SURGEON I ASPIRED TO BE.

[ecmd2b]

.....THE PROBLEM LIES WITH PROGRAM DIRECTORS WHO CONSIDER AFTER A CERTAIN AGE ONE IT TOO OLD TO PREFORM WITH THE SAME MENTAL ACUITY AND VIGOR AS A YOUNGER RESIDENT.

I'm a non-traditional student myself (a little more "non-traditional" than the O/P) and do not regret my decision to come to DR to study medicine. The daily challenges of this decision are sometimes daunting, and Dr. Ernest reminded me of the challenges to come once I graduate (ageism)-- but, that just means I'll have to work twice as hard:mad:

I believe that the life experiences, general knowledge-base, compassion and sincere desire to practice medicine that a mature individual brings to this profession make up for the shortcomings of age. Just as vigor and mental acuity make up for the shortcomings of youth...

[UHSADOC]

Just Do it !!
If you want to become an MD just follow your passion........no matter what...;)
However, please note, it will take years off your social life, and lots of $$$ invested, so make a wise decision as to where you want to get your MD Degree ;)

Cheers,

[ERNEST714]

The real catch to all of this is quite simple....An M.D. degree without a license is useless to practice medicine....and to get a license, if you are a FMG, requires three years of post graduate education. If program directors consider you too old to "hack" their program.....where does that leave you?
Like many other types of discrimination........discrimination because of age is also a fact of life....unfortunately.

A burning desire is desirable/necessary to be a physician but it also requires many other things to "fall into place", besides the blood, sweat and tears you will go thru.

[ecmd2b]

Well...

Dr. Ernest has given all "non-traditional" students food for thought. I appreciate the Doctor's candor and sincerity.

No one should venture to the Dominican Republic to study medicine without knowing the myriad of hurdles they will face on their journey to become a certified MD in the states. Those of us who are of a "certain age" will have to face additional challenges because of this fact and, I believe everyone of us knew this before we decided to come. Not being naive, we realized that our road to practicing medicine in the states would be a lot rockier than that of our 20something counterparts.

Discrimination comes in many shapes and sizes-- racism, sexism, ageism (all the "ism's" you can think of...). One by one, all those "ism's" come tumbling down - tumbled by the strength of character and determination of those who did not allow narrow minded individuals hold them back.
Talk about blood, sweat and tears...

[billydoc]

Nevertheless, the average age of the medical student, even in U.S is going up. D.O schools favor somewhat nontrads as well. Many PDs will probably prefer someone who's been around the block....may be even a few times ;) :p. Especially for some of us who have quite a few years of relevant clinical experiennce in allied health under the belt. It's not a secret that many programs in FP, IM, Peds, OB/GYN and Psych go unfilled year after year. Of course, if one has somewhat unrealistic expectations of matching in some super cometative field, being IMG, and (let's be polite here) at advanced age :rolleyes: Well, I'm afraid someone is up for a very rude awakening. But all this talk about super specialties is grossly overrated. The fact is that at least half of U.S medical graduates stgill go into primary care. Many by choice believe it or not. I think as long as candidate is viable with reasonable USMLE scores, and may be some other nice selling points they will land a residency of their choice....may be not #1 choice. But Who cares! Some U.S grads don't always get what they expect after being in the elite position to chose.

Just my $0.02

[ecmd2b]

...(let's be polite here) at advanced age... :rolleyes:

Sounds like some of us will pushing our walkers around the hospital as we do rounds...(:

And here I was preparing to march against the establishment.

[mo0nangel]

not at all my friend, i have 40 something year old friends, most american students or at least PR students are over 30 so don't worry :)

[saiougauma]

I know it is a bit belated, but I wanted to say thanks to all of you for your insights and info, encouragement and caveats alike. (well, I probably liked the encouragement more but...) I remain committed to pursuing this course, though I am aware of the difficulties that lie ahead. I can only hope that with hard work and some luck I will be able to accomplish this dream (the music swells...) Hope to meet some of you in the DR someday.

[gringostudent]

if you are from asheville I definetly want to meet you. One of the best all round vibes on earth up there.