Septuagenarian begins family-medicine residency at 72 after 45-year nursing career

Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, a former neonatal nurse practitioner, finally entered medical school at age 69 after decades of clinical work and personal life events. She graduated in 2025 and, despite not initially planning to practice, secured a family‑medicine residency that will start just before she turns 73.

Her decision was spurred by a health scare involving her husband, prompting her to ask what she still wanted to achieve. The conversation led her to pursue the long‑standing goal of attending medical school, a path she described as "crazy" but necessary given life's brevity.

Starting a residency at her age presents unique logistical questions, such as how her employer will handle a resident who is also a Medicare beneficiary. Zuidgeest-Craft acknowledges the challenges but feels prepared, noting that her extensive experience gives her insights younger trainees may lack.