In a world where retirement is often associated with relaxation and leisure, 70-year-old Toh Hong Keng defied expectations by graduating from medical school in July 2024. A retired Malaysian executive, Toh pursued his degree from Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu, Philippines. His inspiring journey challenges the conventional notion of aging and ambition, proving that it’s never too late to chase a dream, no matter how unconventional it may seem.
The Beginning of a New Chapter
Most people thought Toh was a professor when he first entered medical school. But to their surprise, the gray-haired man was a freshman, just like his younger classmates. Toh’s friends and family initially questioned his decision to study medicine at his age, but Toh remained determined.
“My family and friends were surprised at first. Several thought I was crazy,” he said during a coffee chat in Hong Kong, where he has lived for decades. Despite these doubts, Toh remained focused and dedicated.
Overcoming Challenges at 70
Toh spent five years immersed in anatomy textbooks, aided by flashcards, reading glasses, and large mugs of coffee. For someone in their 70s, the physical and mental toll was significant. “At 65 to 70 years old, my memory, eyesight, hearing, and body are not as good as when I was younger,” Toh admitted.
The academic journey wasn’t smooth sailing. He was held back after failing a pediatrics exam in his third year and faced grueling 30-hour shifts during his final year, fulfilling the required one-year placement at hospitals. Toh often questioned whether he should give up, but a single word became his mantra: “Sayang,” a Tagalog phrase meaning it would be a shame not to see it through.
A Lifelong Learner
Toh’s journey toward medicine wasn’t motivated by childhood dreams of becoming a doctor. His interest in studying medicine was sparked during a casual conversation with two young Indian medical students while on vacation in Kyrgyzstan in 2018. For Toh, medicine offered a new and practical direction for his life after retirement.
“The only reason I decided to study medicine was because I wanted something useful to do,” Toh said. He had already earned degrees in economics, chemistry, and electronic engineering but sought a fresh challenge. His persistence eventually led him to Southwestern University in Cebu after being rejected by numerous other schools due to age restrictions.
Navigating Medical School During a Pandemic
Toh completed his first year in the Philippines, participating in clinical labs and hands-on learning. But when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, Toh returned to Hong Kong, where he completed the rest of his medical education online. Despite these challenges, Toh persevered.
The American Medical Association notes that the average medical student in the U.S. is 24 years old, with most graduating by 28. In contrast, Toh’s journey was marked by decades of professional experience before he took the plunge into medical school at 65.
Breaking Age Barriers
While Toh may not be the oldest person to graduate from medical school, his accomplishment is part of a growing trend of older students pursuing medical degrees. For instance, Dr. Atomic Leow Chuan Tse earned his degree at 66, while Dr. Howard Tucker, recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest practicing doctor, celebrated his 102nd birthday in 2024 and continues to teach neurology.
Toh remains uncertain whether he will take the steps required to become a fully licensed doctor, which would involve a year-long internship and further exams. Instead, he plans to work as a consultant in allergy and immunology diagnostics, using his medical knowledge to support his friend’s company in Hong Kong.
Advice to Aspiring Medical Students of Any Age
Despite the challenges, Toh’s journey has inspired him to establish a scholarship fund for medical students, particularly foreign students from developing countries. Medical education costs can be prohibitive, with tuition fees in the U.S. averaging $60,000 to $95,000 per year. In contrast, Toh’s annual tuition at Southwestern University was about $4,000 to $5,000, still a significant expense for many students across Asia.
To anyone considering a similar path, Toh offers this piece of advice: “If you have a dream to be a medical doctor, you can still do it at any age. Studying medicine is intensive and extensive, but it’s not that hard; it’s just hard work.”
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Wriiten By Joe Brens