73-year-old woman begins medical residency, says she's all in

In a recent First Opinion podcast, Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, who is nearly 73, shared her decision to start a medical residency after completing medical school in her early seventies. The interview was conducted by STAT editor Torie Bosch and provides a glimpse into her unconventional career path.

Zuidgeest-Craft explained that she wants to practice medicine for as long as she is able, emphasizing a lifelong commitment to patient care. She noted that some physicians continue working well into their hundredth year, and she hopes to follow a similar trajectory.

The conversation highlights the growing diversity of age and experience among medical trainees, suggesting that age may become less of a barrier in the profession. It also raises questions about how residency programs might adapt to accommodate older learners.