Older Nurse Turns 69 to Become a Doctor

Dawn Zuidgeest‑Craft: A Late‑Blooming Doctor

Dawn Zuidgeest‑Craft spent almost five decades caring for newborns before deciding to pursue a new goal.
She began medical school at 69, in 2022—an age when most people retire.
The spark came after her husband nearly suffered a serious health event; when he asked what she wanted to do with his life, she answered that she still dreamed of becoming a doctor.

“I didn’t plan to practice medicine after finishing school,” she says.
“Yet I’m about to start a family‑medicine residency just before my 73rd birthday.”

Challenges of Starting Residency as a Senior

• Work‑life balance: The demands of training are intense, yet Dawn feels prepared.
• Employer logistics: Questions arise about how her employer will handle dual roles as a resident and Medicare‑eligible employee.
• Age perception: Many young people might not grasp what it means to be a resident at her age.

Public Reaction & Future Plans

People have responded with excitement to her story. Dawn has written an essay detailing the experience and hopes to continue practicing medicine for several more years, though her exact plans remain in development.