At an age when many retire and embrace a more relaxed lifestyle, Toh Hong Keng decided to pursue an entirely different path. At 70 years old, Toh defied expectations and graduated from medical school, proving that age is no barrier to achieving lifelong dreams.
Toh, a retired Malaysian executive, had always been passionate about learning. After spending years in tech sales, retirement wasn’t a time for relaxation, but a chance to dive into something new. In 2019, at the age of 65, he began his medical school journey at Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu, Philippines. For the next five years, Toh was often mistaken for a professor due to his gray hair, but in reality, he was a first-year medical student among peers decades younger than him.
Challenges of Studying Medicine at 70
For Toh, the road was far from easy. Memory, eyesight, and hearing naturally declined with age, but he adapted by using tools like flashcards and reading glasses. He recalls many moments of doubt, often asking himself why he was putting himself through the grueling process. However, his resolve remained firm, and his classmates provided constant encouragement, reminding him of a single word in Tagalog—”Sayang”—which means it would be a shame not to see it through.
Medical school proved as rigorous as expected, with Toh struggling through anatomy, clinical labs, and long hospital placements. In his third year, he failed a pediatrics exam and was held back. Despite these setbacks, Toh pressed on, completing his degree with perseverance that amazed even his professors.
Inspiration from a Chance Encounter
Interestingly, Toh’s decision to study medicine wasn’t rooted in childhood dreams. Instead, it came from a chance meeting with two young medical students during a vacation in Kyrgyzstan. They inspired him to take up the challenge, and soon after retiring, Toh began preparing for entrance exams across Asia. After being rejected by numerous schools due to age limits, he eventually secured a spot at Southwestern University in Cebu.
Adapting to the Pandemic and Remote Learning
Toh completed his first year in Cebu, but like many students worldwide, he was forced to adapt when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. He moved back to Hong Kong and continued his studies online. Despite the difficulties, he persevered, proving that age and distance are no match for determination.
Reflections and Future Plans
Though Toh now holds a medical degree, he’s uncertain about whether he will pursue the final steps to become a practicing doctor. These steps would require a year-long internship and passing the medical board exam. Instead, Toh is considering working as a consultant for a friend’s company specializing in allergy and immunology diagnostics.
His experiences have also inspired him to give back. Toh plans to create a scholarship fund for medical students from developing countries, recognizing how financial barriers prevent many from pursuing their dreams.
Tuition costs for medical students, particularly international students, can be staggering, with U.S. figures reaching upwards of $70,000 per year for private medical schools. In contrast, Toh’s tuition at Southwestern University in the Philippines was around $4,000 to $5,000 annually—still costly for many students in Asia.
Advice for Aspiring Doctors
For anyone considering a late start in medicine, Toh’s message is simple: “If you have a dream to be a medical doctor, you can still do it at any age. It’s not impossible; it’s just hard work.” His story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the belief that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
Toh Hong Keng’s journey is an inspiration to all, proving that with determination and hard work, there’s no age limit to achieving greatness.
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