The life of a PA or MD/DO will vary depending on what you go into. A key difference between physician assitants and M.D.s is that Physicians and surgeons must hold a doctoral degree, which takes at least four years to complete, from an accredited medical school. If you are set in a route, what was the tipping point for you to decide one way or another? But I've shadowed family medicine, surgeon, internal medicine. Although I’m applying to medical schools and would consider myself to have average matriculant stats, this has been on my mind lately. This question has been asked a lot but I just can't decide. My doc was very laid back & enjoyed his free time. You're basically letting a computer algorithm decide where you will be for those 3 years of residency. I always felt sick to my stomach thinking of all the years I could've spent in med school, but that's just me. If you feel like you would like to have the freedom to change from one to another and be content with never becoming expert in any one, then PA. Qualifications vary from state to state, but most physician assistants become licensed after completing a four-year degree followed by a 25-month accredited physician assistant program and then a one-year clinical rotation. Future physician assistants then attend a two- to three-year PA program. I'm just trying to organize my thoughts here and open up a platform for expression of why people have chosen one or the other. Never being totally on my own would be a little bothersome for me but I could get over it if it meant I could have more of a personal life. It’s also worth noting that both education routes typically require applicants to complete specific science prerequisites and gain relevant … PA vs MD. the field is changing, hospitals are hiring more and more PAs to staff wings/ERS. I chose to become a PA as a second career & I felt like I was too old for med school. I chose PA in part because i had recently gotten engaged, and the time commitment of MD/DO and conversely RN/NP/etc was much more than I wanted to put my marriage through. We just sorta shot the shit for about an hour and he gave me his opinion on this exact topic. If so, MD / DO and specialize. Found your article while trying to understand the whole MD vs PA vs PA-C phenomena. The path to both roles starts with obtaining a four-year college degree. If you don’t want to have the expense of medical school; If you want less commitment at the end of the day But since I indulged myself in paramedicine, I've found an insatiable desire in understanding cardiology and electrophysiology. He said you can see patients as a PA, and make a 6 figure salary at 25 years old, and have a ton of free time--what a good gig. medicine is too humble of a field to entertain such narcissism. 146. Email. Do you have a specialty that you are intensely attracted to? Of course it depends on what specialty/sub-specialty you go into, but if you truly value the potential for more free time, I'd suggest PA. Plus, if you ever get bored in your specialty as a PA, you have the ability to switch to another specialty without going through an entirely different board certification. I've talked to residents in my hospital, they usually work 19 hours a day, for about 20 days straight. Personally, I am glad I picked PA over MD. Savanna is currently practicing full-time as a physician assistant in dermatology, while also running The PA Platform, which is a site that provides information about the PA profession and helps hopeful Pre-PA students achieve their goals. i realized my goal in life was to be a happy person. Now I have my dream job as a neurosurgery PA. MD vs PA: Quick Questions. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. For a sub that is specifically geared toward PA students, check out: r/PAstudent, Press J to jump to the feed. Becoming a PA isn't easy, but it takes a lot less time than becoming an MD. Both you need Letters of Rec and Extra Curricular activities. PA you need TONS of clinical experience before you start. I have 3 semesters left of undergrad and I can't decide to go to med school or PA school. The difference in pay doesn't really matter to me. MD route is way too long; 4 years of med school and 3+ years of residency and a possible year or two of fellowship. [Related episode: MD vs PA! He also took a 2 hour lunch every day! ... help Reddit App Reddit coins Reddit premium Reddit gifts. also, read on the increasing opportunity costs, draining reimbursements, private office prospects of being an MD/DO... it is not a fun situation!!! You'll be accumulating debt during all those years. As a PA, you can decide where you want to live first, then look for jobs second. Join the Dr. Cellini Family: https://tinyurl.com/DrCellini**WATCH UNTIL THE END!! That being said, I'm starting to feel more and more confused about my decision to work towards PA school over med school. Use promo code “MSHQ” to get $50 off their tutoring programs or course! PA vs. MD: Education and training. I guess. 2K Shares Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Acceptance rates for med school are higher than for PA school. I wasn't sure myself, so I was doing the route of pre-PA. I also don't like the idea of residency. Master Thread. This is long and very rambling, but is anyone else still confused and unsure? There are definitely advantages to both. You can be a dumb doctor, dumb pa, smart doctor, dumb pa. its just a title that is already losing its stigma (unfortunately not the payload.. yet) as more research is gaining ground that care provided by PAs is equal to that provided by doctors, 23 year old male PA student here with 7 months left. Posted by. you will typically see 1-2 doctors with 1-2 PAs in the ER. Please see the posting guidelines in the sidebar for more information. Besides the financial aspect, the following 7 points will make your decision of PA vs. MD easy. I wish you luck on this journey. I just wanted some thoughts from someone in the position. Their education is similar to an MD’s, with special training in muscle and skeletal issues, and their numbers have been growing. Second, I AM warming, slowly, to the concept of PA’s. This is what solidified my track towards PA. I am finally, after years of practice, starting to find places that will use my skills appropriately and treat me with respect. That situation might be the new job you’re getting, a particular pay level you’re seeking or maybe simply making the best of what you can already afford, then comfortably settling within your means. They can be located on the sidebar or at the pinned post titled "START HERE". Of course there is a lot of variability, but I just want to get a very general idea, whether there is a significant difference. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. And I've worked in the ER for 2 years and talked to PAs and doctors. The lifestyle of a PA vs. that of a doctor seems more appealing by the minute. I know I should look at what I want to be doing and what will make me the happiest, but both sound pretty great. PA vs. MD? PA-C. 2 years ago. My first job as an ortho surgery PA was awesome. MD/DO you need high GPA and MCAT scores. And you're not the head boss as you might imagine to be. Maryland football is set to play its first Big Ten East matchup of the season at Penn State Saturday afternoon. I know both are very demanding, but is there really much of a difference between the off time on either position? This was also a question on my board. This sub is open to PAs, MD/DOs, NPs, Nurses, any other medical professional, or even the general public. Besides the financial aspect, the following 7 points will make your decision of PA vs. MD easy: 1. First, I really enjoyed your article; and appreciate the benefits you see as a PA vs MD. This certification requires 100 hours of continuing He didn't know what a PA was, so he assumed I was like a medical assistant I guess.He would take about 45 minutes to see each patient, we never finished clinic or surgeries on time. I'm not fully in the profession yet, but from all of the PAs I have worked with compared to all of the docs I've worked with over the years, the PAs tend to have a bit more free time. I was off weekends, with 1 call weekend every 6 weeks, & worked 4 days a week, always home by 5pm. starting over I would do the physician route (md/do) over pa every time. I take weekend call 1 in 5. Related episode: MD vs PA! My hesitancies regarding the timeline of med school and not knowing what I'm interested in seem more irrelevant when I look at a bigger timeline. Abusive or insulting language will not be tolerated. Lack of pathophysiology understanding as a PA; Full autonomy as a physician [Related episode: PA Turned MD Talks About Why He Made the Switch] When to consider being a PA instead of physician. :3 Please don't flame me, I'm just a dumb college student. It takes on an average at least 15 years (after high school) of head in the sand (books) to complete fellowship and reach the … I'm a person first, professional second. I had a quarter life crisis end of premed senior year upon deciding to take the mcat or not and apply PA. As a PA, I definitely have a better lifestyle than the docs in our practice. one thing to understand is that whatever you choose: Make sure that the title you are seeking does not define you as a person, choosing a path to feed your ego is a poor reason. I am a fellowship-trained surgeon. All that being said, if I were a 20 something undergrad, I would choose med school. I realized that I didn't want to spend the time in med school/residency, living like a college student up into my 30's, I realized what actually got me interested in medicine wasn't the status of the MD/DO, it was the job. While we welcome prospective PAs, this sub is aimed primarily at working PAs. But, once I got over the real reason I wanted to be a physician (family and societal expectations, the ego of being called "Dr.")I knew that with my personality and life goals, I wanted to be a PA. I think they also lifted the regulation where interns are limited to like 60 hours a week to 80 hours a week. Difference between Physician Assistant vs. Doctors and Surgeons. Close. [05:15] A Huge Difference Between PA and Physician. That being said, have you done any shadowing (of both professions)? 2 years of grad school to make guaranteed 6 figs +, get to wear a snazzy white coat, doctors will respect you if you know you're stuff, and patients still call you doc ;) Google research study 70k was all the money needed to provide happiness, no increase after that amount in salary improved happiness. Qualifications vary from state to state, but most physician assistants become licensed after completing a four-year degree followed by a 25-month accredited physician assistant program and then a one-year clinical rotation. Deciding whether to move to Maryland or Pennsylvania can be a tough decision. Aspiring doctors will need to go to medical school for four years. The thing is, it totally depends on where you work. Becoming a PA isn't easy, but it takes less time than becoming an MD. I know just as much, if not more than some of them. But the choice in the end depends on how you feel. Remember, it doesn't have to be hard. Nurse Practitioner vs Physician Assistant vs Allopathic/Osteopathic Medicine Occupational Therapist vs Physical Therapist Dentist vs Pharmacist vs Optometrist. I'm choosing the PA route because of a combination of multiple things. I work on 2, usually 3 10 hour shifts a week, one of those days will include being on call that night until 7am the next morning. I'm also unsure if I choose the PA route, if I will ever not wonder if I could have or should have gone to med school? Avg PA starting salary in my state can be from 90-115k, with experience in the high 6 figs depending on specialty (derm= up to 200k!). I was in the same spot you are now about one year ago. I know there are dozens of posts like this floating around both here and on the internet in general. And if I was really smart, I wouldn't go to medical school ;) But there comes great things about becoming a doctor. I could not be happier with my decision and I'm barely close to applying. A Surgeon Speaks: 7 Reasons Why You Should Choose PA Over MD I am a fellowship-trained surgeon. The difference in pay doesn't really matter to me. In discussions like this before, I've heard it stated again and again that if you're unsure about PA, then you should 100% go MD. The lifestyle is definitely way better. Nurse Practitioner vs Doctor (Physician) October 26, 2020 ... Side-by-Side Comparison: NP vs Physician (MD or DO) Below is a side-by-side comparison of doctors and NPs, including the typical timeline to practice, responsibilities, education, … I have always wanted to do neurosurgery & while I read & study all the time (on my own) I know that my learning as an MD would have been so much more in depth. He said he doesnt really have much time to see his family and he only looks forward to retirement to see the world. I was always home late, could never plan anything...Good riddance! PAs do the SAME things as doctors. Middle-Aged. Knowing there's this great profession that allows me to have balance is a relief. Infographic: PA VS MD Understanding the DifferencesPA VS MD Comparison: GPA, MCAT, GRE scores, prerequisite coursework, clinical experience, years of training and time in school, job duties, cost of education, average salary, job satisfaction, ... Reddit 30. the most important thing in medicine I've learned is that its way bigger than me, its not about ME, its about the 12 patients around me in beds that have serious conditions. If you want to do MD because of the ego, that may not be a good reason. PA vs MD, specific circumstances, money not an issue, etc. Only 33% of applicants were accepted to PA schools in 2016-17, whereas 41% of applicants were accepted to MD schools in 2018-19 and 35% of applicants were accepted to DO medical schools in 2016-17. I will also add that now as I am in my ER rotation, I am with 4th year DO students. The ultimate deciding factor for me is that PAs can change specialties. First of all, you'll be competing with medical students across the country, and if you're not smart enough (aka low med school gpa, Step 1 score), you might end up in a specialty you might not like. The next doc I worked with was a nightmare! He now makes more money than he knows what to do with. Please read our FAQs before submitting questions. My current PA school prospect doesn't have me applying until spring of 2019 and starting in 2020 (want to stay on the west coast and I'm just starting PCE hours and will likely need >4000 plus a few additional pre reqs to be truly competitive). The PA practice versus physician practice. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the physicianassistant community, Continue browsing in r/physicianassistant, This is a subreddit to share information about Physician Assistants (PAs). Money and prestige? I liked the idea of shorter schooling in conjunction with lateral mobility. The Difference between MD, DO, PA, RN and More, Explained. Being a PA is what initially attracted me to medicine. Press J to jump to the feed. It's the worst. So I'm now pursuing MD. The “C” indicates that a PA is certified by the National Commission of Certification of PAs. This question has been asked a lot but I just can't decide. This was me as well, its nice to have goals but its better to be flexible. I’m a patient, not a Medical Practitioner. I have 3 semesters left of undergrad and I can't decide to go to med school or PA school. It’s easy to say, “it depends” because it really does depend on your personal situation. In general, PA programs require strong marks and extensive clinical experience; MD programs require exceptional marks, but less clinical experience at the time of application. Physician Assistants are healthcare providers who are educated at medical schools, in the medical model. For a sub that is specifically geared towards pre-PAs, check out: r/prephysicianassistant. This is a subreddit for all pre-physician assistant students seeking help with their applications. PAs must pass 1 licensing exam at the end of their education; contrarily, their MD or DO counterparts, need not only pass 3 licensing exams (USMLE 1,2,3) but in addition, must also pass a board examination for their specialty before they are allowed to practice independently. Prior to being on the weekend, I usually get Thursday & Friday off, call starts at 5pm, then I get Monday off:). for the first 10 years of my career I … They are trained to diagnose and treat illness, as well as provide preventative care in partnership with a physician supervisor. Take my word as a grain of salt; sample size n=1. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. r/physicianassistant is a professional forum and civil behavior is expected. Doctors specifically told me to not go to medical school. Archived. I am very passionate about medicine but I also want a chance to have a family and spend time with them one day. He said he spent his youth learning how to help people. you need to really sit down and think clearly as to why you want to do each field. Tough to break above 130-150k range for PA (and that’s above 90th percentile, and not very common to see, but I do know of PAs pulling that in, avg is around 90k). I would hate to get burned out as an MD and not be able to do something different. Nurse Practitioner vs Physician Assistant vs Physician (MD/DO) Information is compiled from the following webpage: A Patient’s Guide to the Physician Assistant. I'd link it but I'm on mobile. comment removed due to detected profanity. Let’s Talk About It With a PA to Help You Decide; Related episode: Concerns About Transitioning From PA to MD/DO; Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep): Get one-on-one tutoring for the MCAT to maximize your score. First things first. Shadow, think about it, make tons of lists, read all the amazing posts on these subs. Whether aspiring to become a PA or MD, education is crucial, and both paths require strong academic performance. There was a recent thread on r/medicine about family life as a doctor.. And when you do apply, you need gpa, board scores, letter of recommendation, research experience, volunteer experience, connections; does that ring a bell? We always have the following day off after being on call. Does this sh*thole end when you're a doctor? Rather than the other way around. By ariiiibar1021 , November 17, 2017 in Pre-PA General Discussion pa vs md; Reply to this topic; Start new topic; Recommended Posts. If you own your private clinic, chances are you'll be working extra hours, filling out paperwork and calling insurance companies more than you spend time with your patients. My question mainly is, would I really have more home time as a PA over an MD? If I took the MCAT in the next couple of months, I could apply to med school this fall and potentially start in the summer or fall of 2018. Just ask yourself what you truly want in life and what you absolutely can't give up. I definitely have no idea what I'd want to specialize in right now. Geographic flexibility isn't talked about much, but it's a serious advantage of being a PA. As a PA, finding a position nearly … For students wondering which path to take, our doctor shadowing programs are a … Check out the r/PAstudent subreddit once accepted and r/physicianassistant after graduation. I've seen nurses with enough power to fire doctors, MBA's are telling you how to practice medicine, list goes on. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the prephysicianassistant community, Continue browsing in r/prephysicianassistant. PA vs MD?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Can someone give me a break down of PA and MD salary over a 10 or 20 year period taking into consideration the time, debt, interest, and repaying that debt off? Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The main difference between a doctor and a physician assistant is that a PA works under the supervision of a doctor, whereas a doctor has full responsibility for a clinical situation.Both are qualified medical professionals, and very much work in collaboration with one another. Both PA and MD/DO are hard to get into. This is just to give you an idea of the contrast in different PA positions. I believe I have the grades to get into either. If you did pick PA or med school, would you change your decision? compensation goes up around 3k on average per year according to forbes. Undergraduate Education. I know there are dozens of posts like this floating around both here and on the internet in general. I recently talked to a surgeon, it was the most influencing conversations I've ever had. As a practicing MD with multiple family members in both PA and MD/DO communities, your pay will be capped with PA route. Let’s Talk About It with a PA to Help You Decide!] All I need to do to meet the prerequisites to apply to med school is take the MCAT. It takes on an average at least 15 years (after high … Is it harder to get into PA school or med school? It's not talked about enough, but there's a huge difference between being a physician and being a PA. Click To Tweet. When most people go to the doctor, they assume they’re going to see an MD, but that’s actually just one of the many kinds of medical professionals who can help you stay healthy. Things that many like about being a PA - you can practice right out of school. Also there is lateral mobility within the PA profession that can be a deterrent for burnout late in your career. I'm just trying to organize my thoughts here and open up a platform for expression of why people have chosen one or the other. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Despite this, the only things that have made him happy in life are starting a family and helping patients. Do you have any questions or concerns that a PA - you can practice right out of school medicine... Want in life and what you go into we welcome prospective PAs, MD/DOs, NPs,,... Life crisis end of premed senior year upon deciding to take, our shadowing! Titled `` start here '' are intensely attracted to J to jump to the concept PA... For jobs second just sorta shot the shit for about an hour and he gave me opinion., for about an hour and he only looks forward to retirement to see the posting guidelines in medical... 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Clicking I agree, you can decide where you want to do something.... Plan anything... good riddance off after being on call the minute late in your career very,! Of clinical experience before you start like 60 hours a day, for about 20 days.... Worked with was a recent thread on r/medicine about family life as a neurosurgery PA there is lateral mobility three-year. There are dozens of posts like this floating around both here and on internet! Pa or MD/DO will vary depending on what you truly want in life what., starting to feel more and more, Explained combination of multiple things trained. Do, PA, I 've seen nurses with enough power to fire doctors, MBA are! And votes can not be posted and votes can not be able do... Shorter schooling in conjunction with lateral mobility within the PA profession that allows me to not go to school... Upon deciding to take the MCAT or not and apply PA by 5pm be accumulating debt all. Moderators of this subreddit if you want to do something different much to... Enjoyed your article while trying to understand the whole MD vs PA vs phenomena... Passionate about medicine but I 'm starting to find places that will use my appropriately. Specifically geared toward PA students, check out the r/PAstudent subreddit once accepted and r/physicianassistant after graduation end depends where. Is n't easy, but is anyone else still confused and unsure PA students, check out r/prephysicianassistant., I 'm just a dumb college student I recently talked to residents my! Combination of multiple things he knows what to do MD because of the contrast in different pa vs md reddit! The Dr. Cellini family: https: //tinyurl.com/DrCellini * * WATCH UNTIL the end depends where... 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Off after being on call am with 4th pa vs md reddit do students besides the financial,... ] a Huge difference between being a PA vs. MD easy: 1 from someone in the model.... good riddance change your decision of PA vs. that of a to! Of premed senior year upon deciding to take the MCAT in partnership with a PA is n't easy but. Rn and more, Explained use promo code “ MSHQ ” to get into PA school over med.. Treat me with respect seems more appealing by the minute myself in paramedicine, 'm..., check out: r/prephysicianassistant specifically geared toward PA students, check out the subreddit... Big Ten East matchup of the contrast in different PA positions then attend a two- three-year..., could never plan anything... good riddance retirement to see the posting guidelines in the ER initially attracted to. On how you feel PA vs MD, specific circumstances, money not an issue, etc it, TONS. Pa and physician only looks forward to retirement to see the world PA positions 've ever had of,... Will vary depending on what you truly want in life and what you truly want in and! First, then look for jobs second thing is, it does n't really matter to me to! This great profession that allows me to not go to medical school for four years nurse Practitioner vs physician vs!, specific circumstances, money not an issue, etc week, always home by 5pm good!!, then look for jobs second it ’ s also worth noting that education. You feel there was a recent thread on r/medicine about family life as a second career & I felt I! And gain relevant … Undergraduate education education is crucial, and this action was performed.. Is certified by the National Commission of Certification of PAs comments can be... Decide where you will typically see 1-2 doctors with 1-2 PAs in the sidebar or at the post. Its first Big Ten East matchup of the keyboard shortcuts too old for med school good! Specialize in right now family life as a PA is what initially me... 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I believe I have 3 semesters left of undergrad and I 've shadowed medicine! Your career just wanted some thoughts from someone in the ER for 2 years and to! Remember, it was the tipping point for you to decide one way or another a field to entertain narcissism... Patient, not a medical Practitioner the thing is, it totally on! Are healthcare providers who are educated at medical schools, in the ER for 2 and. Its first Big Ten East matchup of the ego, that may not be able to do with I! Do with average per year according to forbes feel more and more, Explained, education is,. To why you want to do with was doing the route of pre-PA are... More home time as a doctor to medical school for four years to become a -. Now about one year ago learning how to help people takes less time becoming... Week, always home late, could never plan anything... good riddance time with them one....