Pursuing medicine as a mid-life career change and professional calling

Doctor

Why do I want to be a physician? What I can bring to the world of medical health in today's multicultural society?

Working in the field of medicine is like running a marathon. Finally, at age thirty-seven, I am confident that I have the necessary self-confidence and sense of purpose to enter medical school and become a doctor. Although I have always believed that the field of medicine would be my final occupational destination, it has taken my own kind of life marathon to arrive at this point, simply to embark upon the application process to medical school. I left my premedical studies in college to enter the family business during the 1980s. Now, I would like to think that my age, experience, and accumulated wisdom will all prove an asset rather than a detriment to my success in my future, chosen profession.

At present, I am running my own construction company, an occupation that has given me considerable exposure to persons of different backgrounds. To build my name professionally, I have had to take risks, exercise my critical thinking and observational skills, show patience and tolerance towards others, and exercise effective time management. All of these qualities will stand me in good stead as a doctor. Also, in today's world of managed care, my business skills could be an asset to any hospital, in addition to my future professional skills as a physician.