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Another inspiring mature student story is featured on the blog today. In this post, we’ll explore Dan’s journey to becoming a doctor by the age of 30 in the UK.
We share these stories with the hope of encouraging those who may feel uncertain about their future—particularly those who believe it’s too late to pursue their true passions and transform their lives.
If you’re a mature student and want to share your journey—no matter at what stage you are—get in touch with our Reddit Mature Student Community.
Whether you prefer to remain anonymous or share your social media profiles, we’ll publish your story.
Please also feel free to share these stories on social media. The more people we reach, the more lives we can impact, and the more individuals we can encourage to chase their dreams, no matter where they are in their journey, THANK YOU!
Becoming a doctor at 30, Dan’s story
My name’s Dan, I’m 29 years old and I’m a final year medical student at a Russell Group university in the UK.
I write this article as I sit nestled in a familiar spot in the local library wondering if I’m going to miss all its familiar creaks and crannies or whether I’ll return to the library sullenly to resit exams after results soon.
Whatever the result, I wanted to tell you a bit about my journey through medical school, why it’s never too late to enter Higher Education (HE) and why you’re smarter than you think.
What were you doing before starting university?
Like most life changing moments, my journey started with seemingly insignificant choices. I once heard history turns on small hinges, and I think so do peoples’ lives; my certainly does.
It started when I chose not to go to university at 18 years old. I determined I wanted to travel, volunteer and work before dedicating myself to a career and with my unimpressive A-level grades.
It didn’t seem like such a bad plan while I thought about the future.
I finished A-levels in 2012, worked a series of jobs in London, UK, for a year and realised I was successful in attaining a volunteer position in the US.
I lived in the States for 2 years and returned to the UK in June 2015 re-inspired to become a doctor; I just needed to figure out how.
What made you want to start university as a mature student?
As one of the first in my family to attend university and the only to aspire to become a doctor. It was a challenge to get work experience, save money and prepare for interviews and aptitude tests.
Everything required money, which is one of the biggest barriers to Medicine, I would later find. It was an arduous year of skrimping and saving to prepare for the tasks ahead.
I was fortunate to find a job quickly and begin applications to university that offered Medicine with a Foundation Year in October 2015, essentially an access course, that led directly to the 1st year of undergraduate Medicine.
I had never heard of the course before I started researching alternative avenues into Medicine but I’m grateful I did. Everyone should know there isn’t one way into Medicine.
Was there anything holding you back from becoming a doctor?
As life goes, it wasn’t as straightforward as simply applying and getting in. I was afraid, doubtful and directionless for a long time. I know these feelings now as Imposter Syndrome.
Without mentorship and guidance, I wasted a lot of money and time on pseudo-opportunities that were liabilities.
Through research (read: trial and error), I made a comprehensive list of the things I needed to apply to study Medicine as an undergraduate in the UK.
In retrospect, I’m grateful for the resilience it developed and how I can empathise with many seeking to reach Higher Education (HE).
How did you enrol as a mature student in medical school?
After a clinical aptitude test, copious rewrites of my personal statement and an interview, I received the good news in January 2016 I got into Medicine with a Foundation Year.
It was one of the most special days of my life and one I remember fondly. This simple email validated my dreams, which was often mocked. I began to believe I was smart enough.
I began my foundation year in September 2016 as a mature student.
The intermediate months allowed me to continue work as a Healthcare Assistant and apply for various loans through Student Finance England (SFE) before officially starting.
Since studying, I’ve endeavoured to support and increase awareness regarding mature learners and their unique challenges in numerous ways, including as a Mature Students’ Officer.
Why did you want to study medicine and become a doctor?
I decided to become a medical doctor at around 4 years old simply because I liked science and helping people, and doctors looked cool while doing both.
Thankfully, my reasons for actively choosing Medicine have evolved since then, but not by much. I still enjoy science but prefer to apply it through physical examinations and accurate diagnoses, and I also still enjoy helping people: caring for people at their lowest moments and supporting them at their peaks.
As for looking cool? I’m still working on it.
Studying Medicine is arduous, demanding and stressful. But it’s incredibly rewarding, challenging and fulfilling.
I don’t know of any course that could have stretched me in so many directions simultaneously. I’d be learning cell biology in the morning, followed by prescribing medication in the afternoon then presenting case studies thereafter.
Evening would be reserved for studying lectures or practicing examinations with friends before leaving the library at 8pm to spend time with family.
Being a doctor isn’t for everyone, but I know it’s for me.
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What were the main challenges encountered in your mature student journey?
Reflecting on my 6 and half years at university reminds me of some epic highs and many humbling lows.
In terms of lows, nothing stands out more than repeating my third year due to an accumulation of uncontrollable events.
It was a devastating time where I honestly thought all was lost: my wife was pregnant, COVID was rife, and my health took a battering.
From these experiences I learned it’s never too early to seek help; there isn’t a threshold of sick or unhappy you need to reach in order to feel validated.
Seeking help earlier always leads to better, and quick health outcomes. I also learned who my close friends are and how to rely on them.
With everything that occurred, it took literal years before things were ‘normal’ again. I needed people then more than ever and to realise there were people in my corner, was tremendously motivating.
Like most issues facing students, perseverance is vital. This is your journey to your dream and it’s worth fighting for; no one is going to fight as vehemently as you for your goals and I promise it’s worth it in the end.
You are smart enough because you are enough.
Are you happy about your decision to become a doctor later in life?
Overall, I’m incredibly happy with my decision to study Medicine when I did and to be at the end of it.
It was only when I joined that I realised age really doesn’t play much of a factor, and if it did, it’s actually an advantage.
There are no skills lost in joining university a bit later because you’re on your own timescale. Many of the mature students enter Medicine from employment or postgraduate backgrounds that lend their knowledge to Medicine enormously.
I wouldn’t have been prepared nor as dedicated to my studies if I had entered straight from education. I’m grateful for my decision and recommend it as an option to others.
Afterall, Medicine is 4 to 6 years, and once you become a doctor, you’ll be working almost non-stop to maintain your skills and GMC license.
Commencing studies on at your own pace is advantageous.
What are your plans for the future? Your Ambitions?
Aside from becoming a doctor, I’m interested in business, law and finance.
I don’t know an exact career path that would encompass all four aspects nor do I have a strict plan, but I’ve thought about my core values and hope to join a company or team that resonates with these one day.
What is your advice to those who are afraid to start university “a bit later”
Nike said it best, “Just do it”. There’s seldom a perfect moment or time when everything perfectly aligns and, in my experience, life has only become busier as I’ve got older.
University is a lot like building a boat while you’re out at sea. You can’t prepare for everything, and you will inevitably face challenges but the transferable skills you learn from solving such problems are the very skills that create desirable graduates.
In my opinion, you can always choose against university once you’ve tried it, but living with the regret of not trying is the worst, so give it a shot.
You never know where it might take you.
Thank you Dan!
Please help this story reach more people by sharing it on your social media, thank you! If you are looking for more successful mature student stories, below you can find all stories published on our blog:
- Stephanie’s mature student story, starting university at 25 and graduating at 28, Marketing Degree
- Mark’s mature student story, starting university at 30 & graduating at 33, Supply Management Degree.
- Hayley’s mature student story, starting university at 29 and graduating at 32, History Degree.
- Abbey’s mature student story , starting university at 24, Psychology with Counselling Degree.
- Bethany’s mature student story, stating university at 27, Fashion Management Degree.
- Donna’s mature student story, graduating at 38, Forensic Science Degree.
- Therese’s mature student story, starting university at 32, Business Management Degree
- Debbie’s mature student story, starting university at 41, pursuing a Psychology Degree.
- Alexandra’s mature student story, starting university at 23, Computing and IT Degree.
- Oliver’s mature student story, starting university at 26 and graduating at 30, Business & Finance Degree.
- Dan’s mature student story, becoming a doctor at 30, Medicine Degree.
Student essentials, everything you need for university!
We have ad-hoc essential lists for various facets of university life:
Student essentials, a day on campus;
Study from home essentials, the simple the better;
Student accommodation essentials, most useful & forgotten;
Kitchen essentials for university, self-catered halls and student flats;
Coolest gadgets for university students, innovative and useful; (perfect for gifts!)