Switching careers and starting medical school as an older student has been one of the biggest transformations of my life. After years in the United States Army and working as a cardiovascular technologist, I find myself back in the classroom at 40, surrounded by classmates who are mostly in their 20s. It’s a strange feeling; one day, I am the non-commissioned officer training others in the cath lab, and the next, I’m struggling through biochemical pathways. Going from being an expert in one field to feeling like a beginner again was tough.
Now, halfway through medical school, I’ve realized that my past experiences didn’t just help me survive this journey—they’ve shaped the kind of physician I’m becoming. The discipline I learned in the military, the patient interactions I had in health care and the challenges I faced in life all gave me a different perspective on medicine. And while the road hasn’t been easy, I’ve learned to embrace the transition rather than fight it.
Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known before starting. First, imposter syndrome is real, but so is the value of experience. It’s like joining a relay race midway—your classmates may have been running on this academic track for years, but you bring endurance, strategy and real-world problem-solving skills. You belong in this race, even if your path to it looked different.
Second, it’s not about how many hours you study. It’s about how effectively you study, so finding a system that works for you early on is key. Third, mentorship is everything. Connecting with people who have been through this journey can make all the difference. And finally, medical school is a marathon, not a sprint. Taking care of yourself, rolling with the punches and remembering why you started will keep you going.
Now that I’m halfway through, I can say with confidence that your unique background isn’t a setback; it’s one of your biggest strengths.