HONG KONG. At 70 years old, Toh Hong Keng has defied expectations and graduated from medical school, making him one of the world’s oldest graduates. What surprised many wasn’t just his age but the determination and perseverance he showed throughout his five-year journey at Southwestern University PHINMA in Cebu, Philippines.
“My family and friends were surprised at first. Several of my friends thought I was crazy wanting to study medicine at this age,” said Toh, a retired Malaysian executive, over coffee in Hong Kong, where he has resided for decades.
Toh’s gray hair often led people to mistake him for a professor, but he was, in fact, a medical student just like his much younger classmates. His journey to become a doctor, however, was no easy feat. “It wasn’t always easy,” he admits. “At 65 to 70 years old, my memory, eyesight, hearing, and body are not as good as when I was younger.”
Despite the challenges, Toh maintained an unyielding commitment to his studies. For five years, he buried himself in anatomy textbooks, flashcards, and late-night study sessions fueled by large mugs of coffee. His efforts paid off, but not without setbacks. He was held back a year after failing a pediatrics exam, and his final year involved grueling 30-hour hospital shifts.
Toh recalled moments of self-doubt. “Actually, why do I have to do this? Maybe I should give up,” he said, reflecting on his thoughts during tough times. His family and classmates, many decades younger, kept him going. One phrase that stuck with him was the Filipino word “Sayang,” which means “it would be a shame.” His classmates often reminded him, “If you give up now, it will be sayang.”
Dr. Marvi Dulnuan-Niog, dean of the medical school, praised Toh’s unwavering resolve. “Mr. Toh is already an accomplished businessman and professional, yet he is still very open to new things. He was very passionate and persevering.”
The desire to study medicine only came to Toh in 2018, when he met two young Indian medical students during a vacation in Kyrgyzstan. “The only reason why I decided to study medicine was because I wanted something useful to do,” he said. After spending years in tech sales, he wanted a new direction. “If I can’t be a practicing doctor, at least I can look after myself somewhat.”
After signing off from the corporate world in 2019, Toh embarked on his medical school journey. However, he faced numerous challenges in applying to programs, as many schools had age limits. After several exams and interviews, he found his place at Southwestern University in Cebu.
Toh completed his first year of studies in the Philippines, which involved hands-on learning and clinical labs. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, he moved back to Hong Kong, to continue his lectures online.
Although it remains unclear if Toh is the oldest person to ever graduate from medical school, he joins a list of elderly doctors who have defied age-related expectations. Dr. Howard Tucker, recognized by Guinness World Records as the oldest practicing doctor, celebrated his 102nd birthday in Cleveland, Ohio, and continues teaching neurology.
For Toh, the future might not involve becoming a licensed physician. Instead, he plans to work as a consultant for a friend’s company specializing in allergy and immunology diagnostics in Hong Kong. He is also working to create a scholarship fund for medical students from developing countries who struggle with tuition fees.
“If you have a dream to be a medical doctor, you can still do it at any age,” Toh advised. “Studying medicine is intensive and extensive, but it’s not that hard—it’s just hard work.”
Photo: CNN
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
