Advantages of PA vs Physician

Warren this is for you and all the people applying to PA school who are getting silly information from people like: "In global markets, a PA does not translate to a significant carreer". It is significant to treat masses of people who need the healthcare.

There are new jobs internationally for PA's. Japan, Netherlands, Scotland and Australia to name a few. If you ever want to see my contract let me know. The pay is beyond the internist salary... but who cares, you will have fun and be challenged and work in medicine - making 3x what you made if you are so inclined.

"THE FALLACY OF THE TRUE BELIEVER"

People will ignore anything that does not fit into their belief system - especially if your identity is tied up in that belief. A person will pick up on everything that matches their beliefs and ignore everything that is outside.

Beliefs "become" the person at times.

Just because someone's identity is tied to a belief does not make that belief any more true.

Example of a circular belief pattern:

The doctor is smarter.

-How do you know?

Because he has a degree.

-And what does the degree infer?

That the dr. is smarter...

This is a circular belief pattern is seen is all aspects of life.

If feel bad for people who have their identity set up this way. It clouds clinical judgement.

But, when someone's identity is caught up in this - the damage is widespread.

Understand that some of the first people you see after you are born are health care providers. The duress/stress solidifies images and feelings as the patient grows up. These are further cemented by parents making a big deal about doctor visits: get dressed, shower, don't cry, now let the doctor stick you.
In addition, commercials and society skew the view of the practitioner further.

Not the MD's fault.

This ritual leads patients to bypass normal questions he or she may have and lends psychological and physical control to the health care practitioner.

Another reason to make your own decision and you own path:

Fallicy:

"There are RNs that are CEOs of hospitals and hold top level administrative positions. I don't know of any PAs in similar positions....usually because the PA generates a different level of revenue. They don't want to loose their higher revenue generators to office positions...just as you don't tend to see MDs in those positions" - Integrity in Katy, TX.

...I JUST went to a banquet where the Administrator of a hosptal spoke and he was a PA for years.

JUST BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOT SEEN IT DOES NOT MEAN IT DOES NOT EXIST.

THIS KIND OF THINKING ERROR AND SPECULATION WILL GET YOUR PATIENTS SCREWED UP!

Lucas in Cleveland, Ohio said: I found your boastful comments a bit embarrassing.
Practically every health care professional has some prescriptive authority. I think my dog is probably next. She's actually pretty smart.

Concerning the prereqs, yes most health care professions requires some prereqs or "pre" program. I was talking about specifically the prereqs required for medical school (ex. inorganic, organic chemistry, physics, etc) Someone earlier made a comment about the uselessness of physics. Actually, basic physics comes into play in medicine quite often (hemodynamics).

With regard to training doctors, as I said, we (this country) requires certain training (prereqs, MCAT, interviews, 4 years med school, internship, residency, and fellowships. It doesn't guarantee competence, but it's the best system we have. I have worked with nonphysician providers and I don't really have a problem with H & P's, basic medical problems. However, when it comes to a serious illness or injury, a patient should be treated by a physician competent in that area. If your child was in an accident or had cancer, you would want a competent trauma surgeon, intensivist, or oncologist caring for them. I doubt you would purposely seek out an NP or PA.

If my child was in an accident and needed care I would never let a surgeon work on my child. I would let a surgical team do the work.

Quit defaulting to the worst case scenario.

If I were on an airplane with a PE I would want the Trauma PA/MD over the Internist or the Orthopod.

Hello all! I wanted to share an experience I had last Friday night. I was getting off from work,about to take my kids bowling, when one of my patients showed up to the clinic. He's a 56 y.o. Hispanic man from Mexico who speaks NO English (Solomente Espanol). He has type II DM, HTN, REALLY high triglycerides, and HIV.Apparently, he had been to the ER the previous day for symptomatic hyperglycemia (weird,b/c usually people are only symptomatic for HYPOglycemia e.g.-fatigue, cognitive impairment,possible coma). Anyway, he had an exceedingly high glucose level from a finger stick he did that morning and a dangerous creatine level which suggested impending acute renal failure (according to my supervising MD). He said the MD wanted him to go to the ER. I called the MD, who confirmed the man's statement. I thought, "Okay, so go to the ER then! I'm going home!". Well the man has very little money (works as a part-time dishwasher)and NO insurance. I decided to take him to the hospital myself. We have two hospitals in DC that readily accept folks w/out insurance. I stayed w/ the man acting as his translator for > an hour until he was triaged. I didn't want to leave the guy w/out being sure he'd receive the appropriate treatment and be able to communicate. I gave him some $ for cab fare and told him to see me in clinic the following week. He was very grateful. I missed bowling w/ my kids, but they seemed understanding. If I were an MD, I seriously doubt if I would've done that. After all, I couldn't bill for the two hour delay in my schedule that dealing with my patient cost me.Further, I may have had the feeeling that that act would be "beneath me"(MD) However, I believe I did the righ thing. This is the type of difference a non-MD can make in a person's life; a very small, yet highly significant act of simply "being there" for a person who has n't anyone, may not be the "practice of medicine". However, it is definitely part of the "healing art" of medicine.

Great story. Much better than the health care practitioners priding themselves on asking patients in the ER:

"So, (with smugness) you have had your pain for 2 months - why did you decide to come in tonight"

And they have purulent VRE under their armpits...

Omar, you are a true provider!

mmm, perhaps... but if you're fortunate enough to snag a derm, ophto, plastics residency... 800 is very doable with some long hours

Lola in Grand Rapids, Michigan said: You seem to be very lost. A top notch surgeon doesn't even make $ 800,000 a year. According to research. The average pay for a doctor is only that of 197,000. (Payscale.Com, Salary.com, Vault.com, etc...) And sure its only two more years than a Physicians Assistant. But remember there are residency years and a graduate would be likely to make over 35,000. I'm well aware of this as my sister is in her last year of residency right now, making literally minumum wage. So really, its more like 5-6 more years.

Omar...I think what you did was awesome. Those kind of moments are the reason I want to get into medicine. I shadowed a PA yesterday and although it was a great experience, I was a little disappointed at the "business" side of it. After hearing your story I am now filled with a new light that medicine can be the wonderful experience I have dreamed about since I was eight years old. I am sure you and your family are very proud of you!!

Brianna I think you will be great! Go for it!

I just got out of the OR today. It was my 6th trip there. I was able to do a catheter on a female patient - a first for me. Sounds trite, but a first is a first...

Procedures today:

laproscopic cholycystectomy and cholangiogram

Needle directed right breast biopsy

Portacath placement

Incisional hernia repair

Amputation right leg - above the knee

I have a slight headache now. Should have had some coffee this morning, but I did not want to freak out...

enoch in Edmonton, Alberta said: mmm, perhaps... but if you're fortunate enough to snag a derm, ophto, plastics residency... 800 is very doable with some long hours

Hi, do you know the status of PA's in Canada? I have heard some good stuff lately.

Thanks.

(I would do this job for 8 thousand a year (USD) if I could live on that!)

Hi everyone!

I'm in the middle of preparing for college, hopefully to pursue a career in the health care field. After talking to relatives who work in the field (as nurses, doctors, P.A.s), I've realized that I would be much better off as a nurse practioner than a doctor.

And I'm still quite vague on several things about a nurse prac, and I have a lot of questions. It's my first time on this forum, so please bear with me! :)

-What kind of schooling/training do you have to do?
-What kind of certification is required?
-How is the pay, and are the hours reasonable?
-What can a nurse prac do that an R.N. can't?
-What can't a nurse prac do that a doctor can?
-Can a nurse prac have a specialty?
-Does a nurse prac have a lot of interaction with patients?

Thanks in advance everyone :)

Lucas in Cleveland, Ohio said: Hey, my dog IS really smart. Smarter than most health care professionals including docs! Lighten up.

Seriously Lucas, what's the deal? To be honest your smug attitude and sarcasm made me want to be a PA more than anything else I have read. One of the reasons I was considering NOT going to DO school is so I wouldn't end up an arrogant and callous person.

For everyone else, do you think there are opportunities for someone to work in preventive medicine as a PA if they got their MPH in epi or something similar?

Hi Katie. I cannot speak on behalf of NP's per se, but Nurse Practitioners tend to specialize in one field after some time as a nurse or they go directly to advanced training to become an NP. I just was examined by one the other day. She was very sharp and performed a preliminary physical. The physical was finished by a PA. (?) I think it had to be signed by a doc or pa. NP's must specialize and work in that field. However, some switch later after going back to school just as docs do. NP's may hang out a sign and open up their own business as a stand alone operation, and PA's cannot. PA's can switch from specialty to specialty. Most NP's I know have extensive backgrounds in nursing prior to matriculation in an NP program. I would check out an NP website and shadow some Doctors (MD and DO) and PA's.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

ah that is such a help, katie, thank you!

Your nurse practioner sounds a lot like mine. Sharp is a good word. Knows what she is doing, and she's very personable too.

My dream is to work in missions abroad; just meeting the health needs of the people. I'm told that a lot of the work is delivering babies, giving vaccines, prescribing meds, treating cuts, etc. Does an NP have a specialty the same way a doctor does? and if so, what do you think my best bet would be?

Thanks so much :)

Yesterday I took my son to Children's Hospital to be evaluated. I thought we'd see an MD. However, my son was seen by an NP who specialized in urology. She was AWSOME! She was able to quickly build a rapport with my VERY shy eight year old and illicit information from him about his "problem" (day and night enuresis). She was knowledgeable about her field and just as important, she did not belittle or embarrass my son (or me , for that matter) for his "challenge". She gave us a plan to overcome his challenge. While certain people may not consider that this NP "practiced" medicine, I can't imagine what she could have missed b/c of a lack of MD behind her name. At the end of the proverbial "day", it really is about one's occupational competency (there are a MYRIAD of factors which define this concept). There are times when an MD is absolutely needed , and other times when a PA or an NP will sufice. I could tell this NP REALLY enjoyed what she did. And it was this enthusiasm, not the opinions of society, which brought prestige to her profession.

FireMedic in Albuquerque, New Mexico said: Seriously Lucas, what's the deal? To be honest your smug attitude and sarcasm made me want to be a PA more than anything else I have read. One of the reasons I was considering NOT going to DO school is so I wouldn't end up an arrogant and callous person.

For everyone else, do you think there are opportunities for someone to work in preventive medicine as a PA if they got their MPH in epi or something similar?

ABSOLUTELY! The clinic where I work, hired three PAs with MPHs. It is a great degree to have in conjunction with a PA degree. You have added value b/c you can combine clinical expertise with administrative skills (data collection, epidemiological studies, protocol development). I would encourage you to pursue it. My wife is working on an MPH (Distance learning option)now. The things she is learning will be a great asset to any community or occupational setting. It's also a good thing to have just in case you come to a point in the future where in you either can't (e.g. lose license), or don't want (e.g. boredom) to practice as a PA anymore. I wish you well!

Omar Abdul-Malik, MPAS, PA in Washington, District of Columbia said: Yesterday I took my son to Children's Hospital to be evaluated. I thought we'd see an MD. However, my son was seen by an NP who specialized in urology. She was AWSOME! She was able to quickly build a rapport with my VERY shy eight year old and illicit information from him about his "problem" (day and night enuresis). She was knowledgeable about her field and just as important, she did not belittle or embarrass my son (or me , for that matter) for his "challenge". She gave us a plan to overcome his challenge. While certain people may not consider that this NP "practiced" medicine, I can't imagine what she could have missed b/c of a lack of MD behind her name. At the end of the proverbial "day", it really is about one's occupational competency (there are a MYRIAD of factors which define this concept). There are times when an MD is absolutely needed , and other times when a PA or an NP will sufice. I could tell this NP REALLY enjoyed what she did. And it was this enthusiasm, not the opinions of society, which brought prestige to her profession.

See, it's people like that NP that make me want to be one. I was told that the higher you go up in the medical field, the less you see of the patients. and that is exactly what i DIDNT want to have happen in a career. I'm definitely a people-person, I'd need to have as much interaction as possible.

Even with the most pleasant doctors, I feel like I'm being analyzed instead of being examined. Sometimes I prefer to see my nurse practitioner, who sounds very much like the one who saw your son. I like my doctor, but I feel much more at ease with the nurse practitioner, especially the way she asks questions.

And you're absolutely right, the competency is what matters. I think NPs in general are seriously underestimated.

Yo! Today I found out I had the highest class score on the PACKRAT (preliminary PA test). I scored 21 points higher than the national average!!! Woo HOO!

Take your time and learn over and over and the testing is easy! The people who crammed failed!!!

Awsome JOB! I tell people who are nervous about the exam that, once you start thinking clinically and basing your answers on things like your pathophysiology classes and clinical chemistry, you'll find that questions appear alot less challenging. It's a great feeling to get that letter in the mail from NCCPA, "Congradulations! You have passed the Physician Assistant...etc"

D in Morgantown, West Virginia said: Yo! Today I found out I had the highest class score on the PACKRAT (preliminary PA test). I scored 21 points higher than the national average!!! Woo HOO!

Take your time and learn over and over and the testing is easy! The people who crammed failed!!!

By the way, "D", what PA program do you attend?

katinthehat in Annapolis, Maryland said: See, it's people like that NP that make me want to be one. I was told that the higher you go up in the medical field, the less you see of the patients. and that is exactly what i DIDNT want to have happen in a career. I'm definitely a people-person, I'd need to have as much interaction as possible.

Even with the most pleasant doctors, I feel like I'm being analyzed instead of being examined. Sometimes I prefer to see my nurse practitioner, who sounds very much like the one who saw your son. I like my doctor, but I feel much more at ease with the nurse practitioner, especially the way she asks questions.

And you're absolutely right, the competency is what matters. I think NPs in general are seriously underestimated.

HI Katinthehat! I think one reason NPs and PAs alike are "underestimated" is b/c of the perceived negative connotations of each respective name. For example, the "nurse" in the NP title (and the "assistant" in PA title), may conjur the image in many unfamiliar w/ the position of women in a starched white uniform simply passing out pills and doing the doctors bidding;either a buxom, hot, young miniskirt wearing "chick" or a cranky old "nurse Ratchet" type. Both are negative, sexist stereotypes which NPs have to overcome. I have a friend who's a male NP. He started his own practice here in DC and HIRED 2 MDs. Also, my boss at 1 of my jobs is an NP. She started her own non-profit clinic, and hired an MD to be my supervisor. Also, my collegue is an NP. One of the best places to find out how NPs, PAs, and MDs work together for the good of the patient is a journal called the Clinician Reviews (www.clinicianreviews.com). It acknowledges the differences, similarities, and benefits of all 3 health care professions.

D in Morgantown, West Virginia said: Yo! Today I found out I had the highest class score on the PACKRAT (preliminary PA test). I scored 21 points higher than the national average!!! Woo HOO!

Take your time and learn over and over and the testing is easy! The people who crammed failed!!!

Oh Yeah "D". I forgot to offer some encouraging news. I found the questions on the PACKRAT, SIGNIFICANTLY more challenging than those on the actually PANCE. So the fact that you "scored 21 points higher than the national average" bodes VERY well for your chances of passing the PANCE. I didn't realize how crucial passing the exam on the first try was when I was in school. This is how programs are evaluated and receive their "ranking" (esp. U.S. News & World report). It has become increasingly competative in the past few years. DeSale University replaced Duke for the number one spot. Of course, this really doesn't matter in terms of getting hired and certainly not to your patients. Anyway, You are TRULY AWSOME!!! WAY TO GO "D"!!! YEAH!!! :)

Omar, thank you so much! I studied a bit today and I feel I am in a good groove!

Thank you for the PANCE/PACKRAT tips and advice about passing. We did not get much advanced notice on the PACKRAT test date, which in nice in a way because you can see what you need to study without "throwing" the results by spot studying.

I do not have the best grades in my class, but my comprehension and retention are good thanks to constant short sessions of studying (even just after the test is over - for like 10 to 15 minutes...) It is fun after a while!

Omar (and interested applicants!),

I go to Alderson Broaddus and will go on rotations in the summer. AB has been very good to me. They have allowed me to grow and succeed.

The program has been around since 1968. The master's degree program has evolved into a 32 month program, with ample patient contact/ER/OR experiences for the students.

For those without a college degree the student may enter the 5 year program to end up with a masters and PA-C.

2010!

I've been reading through a bunch of these comments, and as there are so many, I'm not sure if my questions have already been answered! Well anyways, if someone could help me by answering this I would really appreciate it! I am a senior, about to get a bachelor's degree in biochemistry. I am taking a year off, where I will either take my MCATs this summer and work as a CNA, or just work as a CNA. I'm still undecided whether to enter a 2-year PA program or to apply to medical school. So my question is:
If I become a PA and decide to go back to med school, will it be a shorter time spent there?

Thank you!!!

No, It's the usual time. 4 years (if you go to a traditional medical vs. a 6 year), plus internship and residency (3-5 years). If you want to practice medicine, go to med school. You can do it!

I know that the requirements of most PA schools are that you must have medical experience in your past, which I do have - but it's been a couple of years since I got out of the Army, where I was a Combat Medic. I was wondering, if anyone knew whether or not you needed to have RECENT medical experience, or if most PA schools don't look at the time that has elapsed????????

Thank you in advance..

Laura,

If you want to practice medicine - go to PA school, you can do it!

Realize that there has been a paradigm shift in healthcare and there are many ways to provide healthcare services.

By the way, CNA is a great intro to any health care career.

The PA decision was not too hard for me.

PA school was my first choice. However, a few MD's I know had PA school as a backup plan and so infer incorrectly that most PA's wanted to go to med school - simply because that was their own trajectory and everyone is just like them.

A lot of our students start the 5 year program at 18 years old and would like to become PA's from that time.

Weigh all of your options. Some lay people have said that PA school is tougher than MD school and I cannot speak to that (no one can unless they have been to both).

Many PA students want to serve the public sooner, or get into a field asap. Many don't care about a title (if this is important to you, it's ok, but would warrant some investigation). Some want to run a rural clinic or specialize. Others see a massive gap in healthcare standards and want to address this as soon as possible. Others who thought about MD/DO school after PA are have completely changed their minds and are very happy.

Please disregard comments by those who: do not know about the curriculum, make blanket statements about lacking drive, harp on the heirarchy issue (everyone is accountable at some level), have no personal growth (includes bitter people who "want" you to finish your education, even though you just corrected their meds they were incorrectly prescribed), etc.

nboggs in Noble, Oklahoma said: I know that the requirements of most PA schools are that you must have medical experience in your past, which I do have - but it's been a couple of years since I got out of the Army, where I was a Combat Medic. I was wondering, if anyone knew whether or not you needed to have RECENT medical experience, or if most PA schools don't look at the time that has elapsed????????

Thank you in advance..

nboggs,

PA's started out of the military. Colleges look at all health care experience. I would ask the colleges directly what is acceptable, then you never have to guess.

(thank you for you service!)

Omar Abdul-Malik, MPAS, PA in Washington, District of Columbia said: HI Katinthehat! I think one reason NPs and PAs alike are "underestimated" is b/c of the perceived negative connotations of each respective name. For example, the "nurse" in the NP title (and the "assistant" in PA title), may conjur the image in many unfamiliar w/ the position of women in a starched white uniform simply passing out pills and doing the doctors bidding;either a buxom, hot, young miniskirt wearing "chick" or a cranky old "nurse Ratchet" type. Both are negative, sexist stereotypes which NPs have to overcome. I have a friend who's a male NP. He started his own practice here in DC and HIRED 2 MDs. Also, my boss at 1 of my jobs is an NP. She started her own non-profit clinic, and hired an MD to be my supervisor. Also, my collegue is an NP. One of the best places to find out how NPs, PAs, and MDs work together for the good of the patient is a journal called the Clinician Reviews ( www.clinicianreviews.com ). It acknowledges the differences, similarities, and benefits of all 3 health care professions.

you're right about the stereotypes, gosh! of course there are stereotypes everywhere, but the "doing the doctor's bidding" is a common one. Until a few years ago, I had no idea that nurses were so capable. And NP's were even more of a surprise to me, I didn't expect that they could open their own practices.

thank you so much for the link, i'll be sure to look at that.

i have a new question. I just received a nomination from the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine, what can anyone tell me about it?

Dear Al in Georgia,

I am currently teaching 9th Grade English, and have also decided to change my career path; I am currently working full time and taking the leftover classes after work. I have decided to go the PA route, just because it wouldn't be as expensive and would get me into the field a lot sooner. I have always loved medicine and have wanted to be in it, but you know - life happens.
Downsizing is a definite for me, too. My husband and I have recently moved to a smaller house, and we are trying to get to the point where I wouldn't have to have this income ..... unfortunately, I will have to take some out in student loans as well.
Good Luck with everything......go for it.
God Bless

By the way, shall we say that EMT's or Paramedics practice medicine?

Thanks Omar - you show the focus should be on the patient.

An example as told to me by a patient's family. A child was diagnosed with a severe life-changing and possibly life-threatening disease. The family did all their research and got an appointment with an international expert at one of the top 5 children's hospitals in the country. They went to the appointment - 4 hours drive away - and were told when they got their that the physician decided to go on vacation and was unavailable. They returned home to a closer children's hospital. They are satisfied with the pediatric specialist - at least her knowledge and management - though find her lacking in attentiveness to complications and questions. They prefer seeing the NP or PA in the clinic (the PA identified a recent complication and addressed it on the spot). They are happy with the team approach with the NP and PA who will care for them and the physician providing the overall direction of care. Also, kudos went to the nurses.

Patient care really is a team effort. The lack of team leads to errors and deaths. Physicians, PAs, nurses, techs, etc. are not better, just different and complementary.

A recent project by a number of pediatric hospitals has saved an estimated 20+ lives and 60 million dollars in the last year. These units are staffed by the brightest physicians. Where did the improvements arise? - the nurses suggested and implemented the changes that made the difference.

Yeah. That's what I've been experiencing for the past several years also.However, I'm an optimist. I beleive that we can "sell" this profession to the medical industry by our professionalism. More of us PAs/NPs need to get into publications, research, public speaking,etc. Maybe I sound like an idealist. But I've had some success with this. The post in which I'm bellyachn' about not being an MD, I may have had a down day or something (sorry 'bout that).I have been priveledged to chose my career path and work environment. I see around 4-6 patients/day. They take quite a bit of work b/c of multiple morbidities (e.g. HTN,HIV, DM II, IVDA, Depression, etc.). The patients are usually very grateful, I consult w/ my supervising MD every other day for about an hour. The pay's not bad ($103K/yr). My paradigm shift is, "make the best of your situation". I realize now, I have absolutely NO intention of going to med school. I beleive the MDs are entitled to their accolades and priveledges which come with the sacrifice of obtaining an MD (12 yrs of school/training + $250K school debt). If it's the $ we're concerned about, PAs and NPs alike, have to understand and undertake the bussiness of medicine. The caveat is, "it ain't always pretty". I recall a medical office administrator telling me how much money his MD wife's office was making since he "made her drop all her clients with Medicaid and Medicare".We only kept the ones with top insurance,or who could pay in cash." I remember thinking, "Man, I just wouldn't have the heart to do that!" I got into the medical career b/c of my fascination with the human body and desire to help people. To all those trying to decide between PA/NP or med school, I would offer this advice. Make a list of the pros and cons of PA/NP vs MD. Also, make a list of what is most important to you in life. For example, if it's prestige, people's admiration, and money, then do MD.The last things our profession needs is disgruntled PAs who wished they were MDs

Rocco in Cleveland, Ohio said: By the way, shall we say that EMT's or Paramedics practice medicine?

Hi Rocco. I say the EMT's/paramedics definitely "practice medicine". These guys are the first in line to stablize the patients whether they've been shot, run over, OD'd, whatever. I have tremendous respect for them and their medical training. When I was working in DC General's trauma bay (in Washington, DC), often times, the only reason why the patient would "make it", was b/c of the efficiency of the EMTs who stablized, then transported the person to the ER. Oh yeah, it can also be a very dangerous job. One EMT was telling me how, their were shooting victims who would have the shooters come back and try to "finish the job" (i.e. kill the shot patient). This is a very real danger in areas like parts of DC, LA, Chicago, and NY.

Sorry, I had a typo in my previous comment. I wrote "their were shooting victims." I meant to type "there" not "their".

governor or senator?

which one gets more respect?

Rocco (I will respect your name change),

where do nurses rank on your imaginative scale of heirarchy?

Site visitors: read the old posts, see the disrespect put out by some providers, know why patients are still suffering.

I just met a dude who wanted to become and MD. He had a hard time with Calc (his other grades were great, but he tried calc 3x). So he went to Law School.

He obviously had no personal investment other than status in being an MD. He is a good lawyer now, but still insists meds are a crutch! We are better off without him practicing medicine...

Like most people, I have several screen names for blogs. Who cares?
Luke

So I wanted to thank everyone, well almost everyone, for their input and advice. I recently decided to apply to the PA program and my application has met all prereq requirements, so I am now waiting to see if I make it to the interview process. I am so excited about the choice I made and I have my fingers and toes crossed for good luck. Thanks again!!! :)

Bri,

What made you decide to go the PA route? I think you made a good decision, but I am biased!

D

There are so many reasons, I have been fighting this PA vs. MD battle for 5 years now since my mom passed away, but to make a very long sad story short...I liked the freedom from the business side of the medical field. Although I know PA's still have to deal with it on a daily basis, it is not as prevalent compared to the MD. I also love the fact that I can change fields easily. I love that I will always have someone to answer a question if I have it, less pressure. I am not in the medical field for the money so that was NEVER an issue for me. I dug deep down inside of my soul and found that the main reason I wanted to be a doctor was simply for the name and that is not a good reason. When I found the PA program I realized I could still practice medicine and help people, that is all I ever wanted. I want to start a family soon, which has become more and more important to me as I get older. To be honest with everyone and myself...I was also scared of medical school but am happy with the program I chose!!!!!! :) :) I think it is a perfect fit for me. I just hope I get accepted, if not I will try again next year.
How long have you been a PA D??

I think you will do well.

I am a second year student going on to rotations. The program is 5 to 8 classes a semester and is not considered easier than medical school, but shorter. After two years of medical school - rotations start, after two years of PA school (depends which one)- rotations start. There is no residency/fellowship to PA school but by that time the med student would have not been as nervous.

Be prepared to start early. Those who study all the time, but take breaks and go back to it do well. Those who cram only (if they are lucky, most do not have the concentrating ability) tend to do poorly. Students who say they have a photographic memory - do not do well. Those who text in class, well you guessed it...

Then there are those who constantly try to leave early for spring break (or any break for that matter) and come back late, as if school is their last priority, tend to not do well either.

PA school is a very short time in one's life. It is a time to learn and retain as much as possible. Memory is a chemical change that takes place in the brain over time. We learned this in Pathophysiology and I have applied it ever since.

Thanks!! School has always been very important to me and I would consider myself a good student. I take pride in my grades and do my best to do well. When I am in school it is always my top priority so even though I know it will be hard I am looking forward to learning and doing well. I only applied to one school so I put all my eggs in one basket but I have wanted to go to this school since I was 8 years old. I check my application status everyday even though they said some don't find out if they make it to the interview process until June. I know PA's can get into oncology but can they do pediatric oncology, does anyone know??

Hi, I really want to become a PA and have my heart set on going to the medical college of georgia. I've heard from a cousin that is a perfusionst that the cardio PA's he works with are great but they just have to do a lot of paperwork instead of actually treating patients. I just wanted to know that if I become a PA that I don't spend half my day just filling out paperwork the doctor doesn't want to do but do paperwork and help patients.

and luke or rocco w/e your name is, both careers are great ones and don't undermine one career because of your insane ego, my friends grandfather and grandmother are both gynecologists work for two of the biggest hospitals in Atlanta and my cousin is a perfusionist, my dad's friend is a doctor for crawford long, ALL OF THEM SAY THAT THEY COMPLETELY RESPECT AND TRUST PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS AND they all say that if the PA's weren't there, their job would be complete crap because PA's help them out a lot whether it comes to surgery or just prescribing medicine, they all say that they would not be able to do their job if it wasn't for the PA's and therefore they respect them!

sorry for the long rant!

I am currently completing my undergrad in Business. I ahve always had an interest in science but felt it was not feasilbe given my situation. I have am contemplating going to PA school but I also want it to pay off financially. It seems the average tuition is about 20k. I am already in debt with student loans by about 20k. Are there career advancement oppurtunites in the PA profession

Hello Everyone!! (This is an awesome BLOG!)

I am a college graduate thinking about my next move!
My Goal is to:
*Own a non-profit health clinic for disadvantage patients. However I would like to be knowledgable in management and screening of the patients.

Should I do the PA route and add Public Health Management
or-MD?

Thank-you in advance for your advice.

Hi! WOW! A new college grad! Congrads. There is definitely a world of opportuniy "out there". Irrespective of whatever route you take. PLease feel free to contact me. I help run two non-profit health centers in Washington, D.C. They both serve people who are under or uninsured ! I'd really enjoy talking to you about my experiences! I'll post an extended version when I get time. Ultimately, you've got to decide what's best for YOU. I really enjoy being a PA. Soon (God willing) I'll have my Doctorate in Health Education.

Omar Abdul-Malik, MPAS, PA in Washington, District of Columbia said: Hi! WOW! A new college grad! Congrads. There is definitely a world of opportuniy "out there". Irrespective of whatever route you take. PLease feel free to contact me. I help run two non-profit health centers in Washington, D.C. They both serve people who are under or uninsured ! I'd really enjoy talking to you about my experiences! I'll post an extended version when I get time. Ultimately, you've got to decide what's best for YOU. I really enjoy being a PA. Soon (God willing) I'll have my Doctorate in Health Education.

Thank-you!
My dream is to have facility for the underdeserved communties. A facility where they can come for complete screenings and assessments. I have personally experienced an health issue that could have been solved as a teenager however I was mis-diagnosed and given the same medication for years.

I am exploring a field where I can oversee the facility and have the experience of patient contact. I know as a PA, my facilities will have to be under a MD which is also fine. My goal is to reach the underserved communities and educate them about their health before the major problems began.

I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science/Sports Medicine. I am currently working as an Health Education and Sports Medicine Teacher.

What is the best route and any suggestions as I press toward my goals in contributing to the health care of my country!!

~Angie

Wow reading all of this has really changed my view on becoming a doctor, and just going down the path of a PA. However, something I've always wanted to do with my life is missionary work...and I would love to help people in different countries medically also. Someone above said that all PA's have to have a doctor working with them and supervising them in any setting. how would doing medical missionary work be possible being a PA?