<p>I'm deciding now between becoming a M.D/D.O or a P.A. I wanted to be a doctor for sometime because they could care for people in ways no others could. They use science to heal and protect and I wanted to be apart of that. But 6 + years of schooling after college, tons of loans, a weakened pay (I have to make money to pay for my costs such as med school), malpractice insurance, etc. A lot of people told me that the doctor of today is very different from the doctor ten years ago and that the system changed so much that doctors are negatively affected. Being a P.A I only have to do 2 years of schooling after college, little to no malpractice insurance, I can still do things doctors could do but it's limited, and I could have an earlier life. I want to start working, raise a family, and have a house. I'm willing to take on the academic challenge a doctor faces but........</p>
<p>One question to ask yourself: are you the kind of person who absolutely HAS to be in charge? To be the one who makes the final call?</p>
<p>If the answer is “yes,” then you’re likely to find a PA’s career will chafe with its limits.</p>
<p>If the answer is “no,” then maybe looking at PA as a career is something you should investigate.</p>
<p>~~~~</p>
<p>FWIW, D1’s first roomie was PA student. The PAs at her med school actually are in the same exact academic classes as the physicians. They get graded identically and no distinction between the two is made until clinicals start when they head in different directions. So there will be plenty of academic challenge in PA school.</p>
<p>I also am friends with a surgeon and his PA. They both live very comfortable lifestyles. (The PA actually has nicer toys than the doc he works for…) But the PA has the time to enjoy his toys, is never on call, and doesn’t have to schedule his vacation days 6 months or more in advance. </p>
<p>A physician’s career demands huge sacrifices, not only on his/her part, but that of his/her family. </p>
<p>~~~~~</p>
<p>You’re wise to consider the downsides of a doctor’s career.</p>