First Opinion Podcast: How One Woman Overcame Age to Match into Medical Residency

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Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, 72, began her medical residency in June 2026, making her one of the oldest physicians in the United States to enter the field, according to the First Opinion Podcast. The interview, conducted by Torie Bosch, highlights Zuidgeest-Craft’s decision to pursue medicine later in life, a choice she described as “pretty much all in.”

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Zuidgeest-Craft, a retired teacher and administrator, said she first considered medicine as a career after her husband, a physician, encouraged her to explore it. “I always had a passion for helping people, but I never thought I’d have the time or the energy to go back to school,” she said. “But when I turned 70, I realized I had more time than I’d ever had before.”

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Her journey to medical school began in 2023, when she enrolled at a midwestern medical institution. She completed her preclinical training in 2025 and started her residency in internal medicine in June 2026. Zuidgeest-Craft said the decision to return to education was driven by a desire to “fill a gap in my own life” and to challenge societal perceptions of aging. “People think of retirement as the end of productivity, but I see it as a new beginning,” she said.

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A Late Bloomer’s Motivation
Zuidgeest-Craft’s path to medicine was unconventional. She worked as a high school teacher for 30 years before retiring in 2018. During her career, she frequently encountered students facing health challenges, which sparked her interest in medicine. “I’d see kids struggling with chronic illnesses or mental health issues, and I felt powerless to help them,” she said. “I realized I needed to understand more about the body and how to support people’s well-being.”

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Her decision to attend medical school was also influenced by her husband’s career. “He’d talk about his patients, his work, and I was always fascinated by the stories,” Zuidgeest-Craft said. “I thought, ‘If he can do this, why can’t I?’” She added that she approached the application process with a “no-strings-attached” mindset, focusing on personal fulfillment rather than financial gain.

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Challenges and Triumphs
Despite her determination, Zuidgeest-Craft faced unique challenges during her training. She described balancing residency duties with managing her own health, including age-related conditions like arthritis and vision decline. “There were days when I felt exhausted, but I reminded myself why I started,” she said. “I’ve had to adapt my study habits and rely more on technology, like voice-to-text software, to keep up.”

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Residency directors at her institution have praised her resilience. “Dawn brings a wealth of life experience to the program,” said Dr. Marcus Lin, a senior faculty member at the medical school. “Her perspective on patient care is invaluable, especially when working with older adults.” Zuidgeest-Craft’s peers have also noted her dedication. “She’s one of the most committed students I’ve worked with,” said a third-year resident. “Her enthusiasm is contagious.”

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What It Means for Medicine
Zuidgeest-Craft’s story has sparked conversations about the evolving demographics of medical professionals. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, the average age of medical students in the U.S. is 28, with only 1% of students over 60. However, experts say her case reflects a growing trend of non-traditional learners entering the field.

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Dr. Emily Torres, a geriatrician at the University of California, San Francisco, noted that older physicians often bring “empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of life’s complexities” to patient care. “Dawn’s experience as a teacher and her life journey give her a unique ability to connect with patients,” Torres said. “This could inspire more people to consider medicine later in life.”

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Zuidgeest-Craft plans to complete her residency in 2029 and eventually practice in a community health clinic. She also hopes to mentor other older adults interested in healthcare careers. “I want to show that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams,” she said. “If I can do it, so can others.”

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The First Opinion Podcast, which featured the interview, is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other platforms. Listeners can sign up for the newsletter to stay updated on future episodes.

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“I’m pretty much all in.”
— Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, on her commitment to medical residency.

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“People think of retirement as the end of productivity, but I see it as a new beginning.”
— Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, reflecting on her decision to pursue medicine.

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“Dawn brings a wealth of life experience to the program. Her perspective on patient care is invaluable.”
— Dr. Marcus Lin, senior faculty member at the medical school.