As I go grey, will patients assume I’m too old to be a good doctor?

Dr Gene Uzawa Dorio

There are several certainties in the world, and one is we will age. But unfortunately, there are some unforeseen consequences, other than greying and wrinkles, wrought upon the older population.

For instance, as someone in his 70s, I know that, should I have a car accident, blaming fingers will point in my direction because of my age.  

I’ve had a driver’s licence for almost 60 years, and luckily I’ve not had an accident. But even if witnesses or videos substantiated I was not at fault, my age might influence those determining culpability.  

As a doctor who has practised for more than 40 years, I wonder if my patients will one day decide I am too old and grey to render quality medical care, or if my experience and knowledge base will be seen as inadequate or antiquated.