QuestionHi There,
I graduated with an undergrad degree in May and just left a job in sales to work for an integrative medical practice. For as long as I can remember (3 or 4 years old) I have wanted to go into medicine. Nothing else fascinates me like the body. I always put this in the back of mind but cannot ignore the calling anymore.
What are the pros and cons to being a PA versus a doc? Many docs have told me that I would be wiser to become a PA and avoid all the headaches that come with insurance and the doctor lifestyle.
I am concerned mostly with quality of life, professional respect from colleagues, ability to specialize, autonomy, etc.
Currently, I need about 6 prerequisite courses before I can apply to a PA program and roughly 8-10 courses to apply to med school. And from a financial perspective, PA school is MUCH more attractive.
So give me the low down!
Take care.
AnswerHi Michael,
The PA profession gets better each year. A lot depends on the state in which you practice and the comfort of the doctor you work with. We are doing the same work as doctors in many cases. Professional respect come from being good at what you do regardless of the letters at the end of your name. I have this respect from MD colleagues at my hospital but it came after showing my abilities. I often get referrals from doctors. The "headaches" you describe are true but a PA has as many. This is a personal choice. Were I to do this over again, I would still be a PA.
