Hello everyone,
I’d like to share a bit about myself and my journey towards becoming a non-traditional medical student. At 40, I’m focused on MCAT preparation for older students while balancing family life and my medical school aspirations. This midlife career change to medicine is both daunting and exciting. Join me as I pursue my dream of becoming a doctor and navigate the challenges of preparing for medical school in my 40s 😀.
Introduction
I am a 40-year-old woman, married, with two kids 👩👧👧 who are 6 years old as of this year 2024, living a busy life in sunny California. My journey towards becoming a doctor has been anything but non-traditional. Juggling family responsibilities while pursuing a dream isn’t easy, but I’m determined to make it work.
My Background
I majored in Chemistry🧪 during my undergrad, finishing with a GPA of around >3.5. While it wasn’t stellar, I did manage to complete all my medical school prerequisites back then—though that was about 20 years ago! I always had a passion for science, and those early days of learning organic and physical chemistry laid a solid foundation for my current pursuits.
Professional Experience
These days, I work in the pharmaceutical industry, which keeps me close to the field of medicine. During my undergrad years, I took pharmacology courses and learned about treatment protocols—knowledge that still serves me well today. In my current job, I apply my background in organic and physical chemistry daily, solving problems and contributing to advancements in the field, as well as reading drug product monographs on a daily basis. This experience keeps me connected to the medical world, even if indirectly.
Language Challenges
Although I’ve lived in North America for over 20 years, English isn’t my first language. I was born and raised in China, and honestly, reading in English can still be a struggle for me. I often need extra time to memorize English vocabulary from standard tests such as the SAT, GRE, and GMAT. Preparing for the MCAT, especially for challenging sections like the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) part, requires additional effort. You can learn more about this section here. This adds an extra layer of difficulty to my studies, but it’s a challenge I’m willing to face head-on.
Reflections and Dreams
Looking back, I sometimes wish I had taken the MCAT earlier, but I was quite content with my career and the balance it offered. However, the question of what I truly want to be has always lingered. As a child, I dreamt of becoming a doctor to help those in need. Now, at 40, some might say it’s too late, but I believe it’s never too late to chase your dreams. This dream has stayed with me through the years, and now I’m ready to pursue it with everything I’ve got.
Balancing Act
Balancing my studies with family life is definitely demanding, especially with kids in first grade. There are days when it feels impossible to manage it all, but I remind myself that if I can’t handle studying for the MCAT, medical school will be even tougher. This is my chance to give it my best shot. Each day is a new adventure, filled with the ups and downs of preparing for a significant career change while ensuring my family thrives.
Purpose of This Website
This website is my journal, documenting my journey as I prepare for medical school in my 40s. Whether you’re a non-traditional medical school student, preparing for the MCAT, or just curious about this journey, thank you for taking the time to read my story. I hope you find some encouragement and useful tips here. I aim to provide insights into balancing family life and rigorous studies, sharing the resources and strategies that work for me. This is about overcoming the challenges and celebrating the victories, no matter how small.
Conclusion
Let’s support each other and strive for our goals together. Midlife career changes to medicine can be daunting, but with determination and the right resources, we can succeed. Join me in this inspiring medical school journey, and let’s make our dreams a reality. Thank you for joining me on this journey! Together, we can show that it’s never too late to follow our passions and make a difference in the world.