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Can you be a doctor if you take 2-5 gap years?

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Richard’s Answer

Yes.

It is even possible to have another career before medical school. The oldest student in my class was 38 when we started.

If your goal is to impress the admission committee with your gap year consider research or medical related volunteering rather than just travelling or odd-jobs.
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Blake’s Answer

Hey Jeff,

Yes you can.

Thanks,
Blake
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Natalie’s Answer

Anyone at any age can become a doctor. Getting into college, and medical school is highly competitive. A gap year (period)taken prior to entering college, or after completing your degree in and of itself's will not impact becoming a doctor. Rather it is your grades, experience, and all around profile that will either improve or impede your acceptance into a program. College and medical school admissions will be more difficult the longer you are away from academia, and what your experiences are during a gap year period. Taking a GAP period DURING your undergraduate studies, or medical school can negatively impact obtaining your degrees. This is due to the way Universities schedule degree plans and course work. Specialized degree programs and schools only have so many highly competitive slots available. If you are given a slot that you do not decide to fulfill, universities look poorly on this, because there are so many eager for a slot. This is a theme that will follow you through residency, fellowship, and your career in medicine. Your GAP year, can have a positive impact if the time is spent working or volunteering for organizations involved in healthcare or other society impactful work nationally or abroad. I encourage you to research medical school admissions, and look on message boards where potential medical students discuss the process and challenges.
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Valerie’s Answer

Yes you absolutely can! The average age of most classes is 25-26. This means that most students take at least one year off of school before going into medical school. Some people feel like they need more experience before entering medical school and other people want to earn money before going back to school since medical school is VERY expensive. Best of luck
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Dhaval’s Answer

Hi Jeff,

Are you referring to studying for being doctor or practicing as a doctor with 2-5 year gap?
Answer may differ based on that.

Let me know if you need any other information or guidance.

-DD
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