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Discussion » Statements » Rosie's Corner » Are you ever too old for surgery? What about surgeons? Can they operate forever no matter how OLD they are?
RosieG

Are you ever too old for surgery? What about surgeons? Can they operate forever no matter how OLD they are?

I have heard the commercial pilots are grounded when they reach 55. I don't know if that's true but if so it's probably because they hold the lives of many in their hands when they fly a commercial jet. Well surgeons hold  the lives of their patients in their hands too. Just wonderin' why one can be too old to pilot a plane but not too old to cut open a human being and operate.

Posted - May 14, 2019
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Responses


  • The answer is yes according to my cardiologist. He's a couple of years younger than myself. We discovered that I needed surgery right after I met him. He explained his reasons for having retired from the surgical aspects of the practice. I admire him for his decision. He remains a respected and gifted teacher and mentor in his profession. 
      May 14, 2019 7:50 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    That is impressive. Of course I don't know how old you are so I don't know how old he is but I do admire people taking stock of themselves and if they think they are not up to something they own it and don't take chances. I still don't get the thing about airline pilots. Why is 55 (I think that's the age) the oldest a commercial airline pilot can be to LEGALLY continue to fly planes for the airlines? It seems so arbitrary and relatively YOUNG. I don't get it. Thank you for your informative reply. First-person experience is always the most valuable/helpful to me . So you had the surgery and all is well I trust? This post was edited by RosieG at May 14, 2019 8:09 AM MDT
      May 14, 2019 8:08 AM MDT
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  • 6023
    As long as they have the mental and physical capability ... and licensing, of course ... one can be a surgeon regardless of their age.

    And yes, you can be "too old" for surgery. 
    You can also be "too young" for surgery.
    The age depends on what surgery, of course.
      May 14, 2019 7:50 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    Why do they ground pilots at age 55 Walt if that is what actually occurs? Being operated on by a surgeon who is 83 (my Jim is 83) would not comfort me. But a 60-year-old commercial airline pilot wouldn't bother me in the least. It makes no sense to me. Thank you for your reply! So how old is too old? Oh. Right. It depends on the nature of the surgery!  :)
      May 14, 2019 8:04 AM MDT
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  • 6023
    The FAA currently follows the international guidelines for retirement age of pilots ... which is currently 65.
    Most countries follow the same guidelines - but there are some who extend the age, due to a lack of pilots.
    https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/pilot-retirement-age

    Given the global shortage of healthcare workers ... I'd be surprised if anybody tried to place a mandatory retirement age on them.
      May 14, 2019 9:02 AM MDT
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  • 113301
    Oh thanks a lot Walt. So it isn't 55! Okay. Well that's better by ten years! :)
      May 14, 2019 9:13 AM MDT
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