Retiree Graduates Medical School at 70: His Advice for Aspiring Students

Toh Hong Keng, a retired Malaysian executive, recently achieved a remarkable milestone by graduating from medical school at the age of 70. Despite his advanced age, Toh’s journey to becoming a doctor has been marked by perseverance and an unwavering resolve.

Living in Hong Kong, Toh embarked on his medical education at Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu, Philippines. Though his classmates initially mistook him for a professor, Toh was, in fact, a freshman medical student navigating the rigorous demands of medical school.

“I wasn’t always sure of myself,” Toh admitted. “At my age, memory, eyesight, and hearing aren’t what they used to be.” Nonetheless, he dedicated himself to his studies with the same determination he had in his former career in tech sales. His days were filled with anatomy textbooks, flashcards, and coffee, while his nights were often spent studying for exams and fulfilling demanding hospital placements.

Despite setbacks, including being held back a year after failing a pediatrics exam and enduring 30-hour shifts during his final year, Toh remained committed. He frequently battled doubts but found motivation in the Tagalog word “sayang,” which means it would be a shame not to see his goal through. Encouragement from his family and younger classmates helped him persevere.

The idea of studying medicine came to Toh after meeting two young medical students in Kyrgyzstan in 2018. He wanted to pursue something meaningful in retirement and chose medicine, a field completely different from his previous studies in economics, chemistry, and engineering.

Toh’s journey was not without its challenges. Most medical schools have age limits, but he eventually found a place at Southwestern University after numerous applications. The COVID-19 pandemic required him to shift to online learning, but he continued his studies with dedication.

While Toh’s exact standing as the oldest medical graduate is unclear, he joins the ranks of others who pursued medicine later in life, such as Dr. Atomic Leow Chuan Tse, who obtained his degree at 66.

Reflecting on his journey, Toh emphasizes that his goal was not necessarily to become a practicing doctor but to continue learning and growing. He plans to consult for a company in Hong Kong focusing on allergy and immunology diagnostics and hopes to establish a scholarship fund for students facing financial challenges.

His advice to others is simple yet profound: “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.”