‘They all think I’m insane’: What it’s like to start medical residency at 72

Every time Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft intended to apply to medical school, life got in the way. But after 45 years as a neonatal nurse practitioner, she finally did it, beginning medical school at the age of 69 in 2022.

She hadn’t originally intended to practice after graduating, but soon, a week before she turns 73, Zuidgeest-Craft will begin her residency in family medicine. “I know what I’m getting into. I think a lot of young wannabes don’t have a clue, but I have a big clue,” she said.

Starting residency at her age comes with some surprising challenges: For instance, how does her employer handle a resident who is also on Medicare?

We discussed her journey to and through medical school, the public response to her story, and how long she hopes to practice.