PA school vs. Med school
I’ve always wanted to be a surgeon, so I was on the pre-med track for 10 years. I graduated top of my class in high school, got my BS in biology, did undergraduate research, shadowed physicians, got my MS in nutrition, worked as a medical assistant and medical scribe. However, recently I decided that becoming a Physician Assistant would better fit my goals.
• PA school is 2-3 years with an optional fellowship/residency while medical school is 4 years plus 4-6 years of residency and often times a fellowship
• PAs have the flexibility of changing their specialty
• PAs often have a more ideal work life balance
• PAs can assist in surgery (which is what I wanted to do)
• PAs are often able to have stronger relationships with their patients
Being a PA allows me to be in the operating room and achieve my professional goals while also having a more ideal work life balance that allows me to achieve my personal goals. I will also be able to achieve my professional goals in a shorter time with less student debt.
#premed #physicianassistant #physicianassistantstudent #unfiltered
Choosing between PA school and medical school can be a significant decision for aspiring healthcare professionals. Physician Assistants (PAs) complete their programs in 2-3 years, including an optional fellowship, which contrasts with medical school’s daunting 4-year program followed by 4-6 years of residency. One of the primary attractions of being a PA is the opportunity to shift specialties; this flexibility allows PAs to adapt their careers to their evolving interests. Moreover, PAs typically enjoy a better work-life balance compared to physicians, making it easier for them to pursue personal interests and maintain mental health, an increasingly prominent concern in today’s medical practices. Another critical advantage is the depth of patient relationships PAs often develop. With a more manageable workload and fewer years of schooling, PAs can dedicate more time interacting with patients, fostering trust and understanding, which are vital in healthcare. For those who aspire to work in surgery, PAs are trained to assist in surgical procedures, fulfilling the ambitions of many to be part of the operating room dynamic. Additionally, the financial aspect cannot be overlooked; becoming a PA incurs significantly less debt than a long medical career requires. This combination of benefits highlights why many prospective medical students, like myself, are opting for the PA route.
Hey hun, we have a lot of similarities in our medical career track. I worked as a medical assistant, currently in school for surgical technology. Once I’m done then I’m pursuing my Biology degree to get into PA to specialize in Cardiothoracic Surgery bc I want to assist in surgery. More flexibility and time for family.