SOME DOCTORS JUST NEVER RETIRE
What in the world is it with some doctors? I’m referring to the legion of doctors who practice well beyond the age of 65 when most “normal” people retire. Some, like old doc Kingsbury in Irvington, who practiced family medicine into his mid 90’s. Or neurologist Bill Fulton who practiced for 60 years making him almost 90 when he retired. I practiced family medicine for just under 40 years—until I was 37 days short of my 70th birthday! I kept working because I still liked what I did, but physical limitations were making it more difficult.
According to “recent research…45,000 doctors over 65 years of age are still working, while 100,000 have retired from work.” There are several factors, though, that contribute to doctors continuing to work. Those factors will first be listed then discussed individually. They are:
1. Money
2. Love for the job
3. Duty and Responsibility
4. Still in Good Health
MONEY: For many working MD’s, it’s not the money they make. They don’t need it. But if they are saddled with debt, and working helps to lessen that burden, then the money is very important. If you haven’t saved for retirement, then working so you can eventually retire is a good idea. If you still have kids in college, working provides the tuition money they need. But maybe you just want to continue earning and maintain the financial stream that funds and maintains your lifestyle. Money may or may not motivate a doctor to keep working.
LOVE FOR THE JOB: Most doctors, especially family doctors, love what they do and continue to do it for that reason. They feel fulfilled helping people to be healthy and feel better, and feel they are providing a service. Patients express gratitude and appreciation for the help they receive and frequently think of their Family doctor as a friend. This feeling keeps many doctors going strong for some time.
DUTY and RESPONSIBILITY: These are traits inborn to doctors who work beyond the usual retirement age. They feel a personal relationship with their patients and the sense of helping when help is needed is a motivator to stay on the job. If a patient needs you, your sense of duty and responsibility keep you in the game as long as you’re able.
STILL IN GOOD HEALTH: If you’re still physically fit and can do the job, why not continue. Your patients will appreciate it and love you for it.
These are good reasons to continue working. It helps you and your patients at the same time.
But constantly pulling the doctor away from his practice are declining reimbursements, voluminous paperwork, “red tape,” and third party interference. External forces you can’t control are digging away at the foundation of your practice, but many ignore these intrusions and keep working as they have. It’s mind over matter, and to be happy and keep things going your mind has to win. For many physicians it does, and patients thank you for it.
Reference: Haidlauf N. Why Some Doctors Never Retire. Medscape 2025 February 25.
