- May 27, 2009
- 1,868
- 45
I agree. Didn't mean to be vague about "going back to school" for MD's...That was an argument I over heard from an aspiring PA so thats her point of view...Originally Posted by AntonLaVey
Originally Posted by blazinRook
i think PA's argument would be that you are still involved within the medical realm which you are "passionate" about, without the demanding commitment of an MD.Originally Posted by AntonLaVey
Originally Posted by UnkleTomCruze
Originally Posted by durty pancakes
I never really saw the point of being a PA. You're nothing more than the doctor's minion. If you're already planning on going down that road, why not put in a little more effort and have "MD" next to your name.
Because in the short term, PA > MD.
Less debt, if any, coming outta school (most likely will accrue some debt though). Start your career faster and younger (assuming you went straight).
Make money faster.
More time for yourself/family...etc as PA programs are often 2+ years after your Bachelors, whereas an MD is 4+ years excluding residencies and all that other stuff.
Of course, this is in the short run. In the long run, an MD will gain all these benefits on top of higher pay (potentially) depending on the field they choose to specialize in.
...
If this is the case pretty much every job where u make 80-90 grand a year with minimal schooling>>>>>>>MD
I also heard that PA's are able to switch between concentrations they're involved in without having to go back to school...while MD's have to go back.
meh, the autonomy and potential for earning is higher with MDs. Most people would not turn down med school to become PAs/RNs.
Residency/ fellowships is "training" I wouldn't refer to it as school-even tho it certainly feels that way but atleast you'll be getting paid and have way more hands on experiences and responsibility that a mere student. When you say "go back to school" you make it seem like they'll have to do med school all over again. It is impossible for a doctor to switch concentrations without getting some kind of training (not sure how PAs can afford to do this but I suppose its a testament to the level to responsibility and knowledge required of PAs).
Not tryna knock PAs at all, its a great job in a great field but it isn't a substitute for MDs. Becoming a doc takes an incredible amount of sacrifice that some people are not willing to make and honestly I don't blame them. Dental is another route one could go if they wanted to avoid a lengthy/rigorous medical training.
She also said the reason why she is gonna to be PA is because she wants to have a family, and she wants to be able to dedicate more time to her kids...
But also added that if she were a man, she would have chosen the MD route...(wifey characteristics if you ask me
Nothing she regrets, its just life choices...can't go wrong with either paths...