Why md over pa

Between an undergraduate degree, medical school and a residency, it can take up to 11 years before you become a medical doctor. On the other hand, it typically takes only six to seven years to become a physician assistant. Student loans. One of the biggest advantages of becoming a physician assistant is the professional flexibility the profession offers. After achieving your license, you can easily shift from one medical specialty to another—from an internist to a pediatrician, for example—without going back for additional training.

There is a movement afoot in the healthcare industry towards patient-centered, team-based primary care—and physician assistants are an important part of the team. Financial rewards. Census Bureau. The Cons Limits on your functions. Even though many physician assistants have the ability to care for patients outside of the clinic or hospital setting, there are rules that prohibit them from doing so. Lack of understanding.

While the US Bureau of Labor Statistics only estimates employment of physicians to grow 4 percent through , growth projections for MDs vary by specialty. Surgical specialty physicians—17, to 28, practitioners. Medical specialty physicians—9, to 17, practitioners. Other specialty physicians—17, to 41, practitioners. As this demand remains unfilled for MDs, many health care facilities turn to PAs to assume many of the responsibilities traditionally held by physicians.

As a result, employment for PAs is also projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. There are clearly advantages to both career options.

Strong recommends observing doctors and physician assistants in the workplace by setting up some job shadowing experiences. Even arranging some conversations with practicing PAs and MDs can be helpful.

Stacy suggests speaking with professionals who work in a range of settings and types of organizations to get a well-rounded picture of both careers.

A great place to start is by listening to the Doctors on Call alumni panel events from St. It can also be beneficial to read accounts from graduates who have pursued fields like pediatrics , anesthesiology , and emergency medicine. Meet everybody. There are thousands of people applying to medical school. Stay persistent if you really want to be a physician. Send update letters. Meet people on the admissions committees and form relationships with them.

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