Can you be too old to practice medicine?

While advances in medicine occur every day, there’s still no cure for aging. We might delay it with healthy eating, exercise, and brain games, but research from the lab for healthy aging at Emory University tells us that cognitive decline can begin as early as age 50.

What is the best age for a surgeon?

Surgeons in mid-career, between the ages of 35 and 50, are the safest for patients, according to a new study. Newly qualified surgeons might be expected to make a few mistakes. It is generally known that surgeons reach their peak performance after some 10 years of experience in their chosen field.

How many doctors are practicing at age 70?

The Federation of State Medical Boards found that the number of actively licensed doctors age 70 and up grew from 75,627 in 2010 to 94,969 last year. Doctors may be especially inclined to keep practicing because their work is so rewarding, said Peter Quinn, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who heads Penn’s 2,100-member physician practice.

How old is the average doctor in the United States?

A study in the Journal of Medical Regulation from 2017 analyzed the U.S. physician workforce by a number of parameters, including age. Taking all physicians together, 29.3% of practicing physicians are over the age of 60.

Is there a mandatory retirement age for doctors?

There is no mandatory retirement age for physicians and consequently, some specialties have become very top-heavy with older doctors. The Association of American Medical Colleges tracks physicians in different specialties by the percent who are under age 55 versus those who are over 55 and the data is summarized in the graph below:

Is it safe for doctors to work past age 70?

Three years ago, it started testing physicians age 70 and up on cognitive skills, physical health, and job performance. Donald Yealy, senior medical director of the health services division, said he’s not aware of anyone who was forced to resign, but some doctors have changed the kinds of work they take on.

The Federation of State Medical Boards found that the number of actively licensed doctors age 70 and up grew from 75,627 in 2010 to 94,969 last year. Doctors may be especially inclined to keep practicing because their work is so rewarding, said Peter Quinn, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who heads Penn’s 2,100-member physician practice.

A study in the Journal of Medical Regulation from 2017 analyzed the U.S. physician workforce by a number of parameters, including age. Taking all physicians together, 29.3% of practicing physicians are over the age of 60.

Three years ago, it started testing physicians age 70 and up on cognitive skills, physical health, and job performance. Donald Yealy, senior medical director of the health services division, said he’s not aware of anyone who was forced to resign, but some doctors have changed the kinds of work they take on.

There is no mandatory retirement age for physicians and consequently, some specialties have become very top-heavy with older doctors. The Association of American Medical Colleges tracks physicians in different specialties by the percent who are under age 55 versus those who are over 55 and the data is summarized in the graph below: