How many years is a productive career? Does it even matter?

Hey guys, This is an issue that pops up here and there for me. I'm finishing up fourth-year at SGU and will probably match to my first choice program in IM. I'm 38 years old now so I'll be 41 when I'm done with residency. Do you think it matters whether or not you started young or older? I'd like to work up till 70 but that's actually less than 30 years of useful work whereas younger students can have a career of up to 40 years or more. Do you ever feel that medicine is only worth... How many years is a productive career? Does it even matter?
Source: Student Doctor Network - Category: Universities & Medical Training Authors: Source Type: forums