"In my life, family will always be my greatest priority. I love my patients like I love life itself, but I love my family even more than life itself." - Stephen Pasquini PA-C.
Years ago, I dreamt of being an MD.
Since I was a small child, in fact, to me, this would be the pinnacle of life. Stethoscope around my neck, working in the trenches, saving lives!
This was my childhood dream and my young adult dream, all the way through college.
Not even Organic Chemistry could stop me. I just pushed through it, head to the grindstone, determined to reach my goal.
Then one year away from finishing all my pre-med training, something happened: I met a physician assistant!
To me, life has always been more than my job. The reason I created this website is that I love art, photography, and technology. I love kids, the outdoors, and my family. I love to surf, bike, and take my son and daughter for long walks. I like to make shapes out of the clouds, go on long weekend getaways, take my wife out dancing.
I love life!
If you don't know already, being a doctor requires a TON of sacrifices.
If you are not prepared to give your life over to medicine, then I encourage you to take a long deep inward look at yourself and decide if what you want is really MD.
Before many hours working at the University of Washington Medical Center, I thought to be a doctor was fun like Michael J. Fox in the movie "Doc Hollywood" or rugged like the doctors on Mash. I wanted to be like George Clooney in the TV show ER.
This is an illusion. Being a Dr. means long hours, late nights on call, missed birthdays, missed anniversaries often second marriages. That last one is the part that is like the movies.
Wants vs. Needs
I realized that what I wanted most out of life was to help people be healthy. I love the human body, I love anatomy, and I love science.
I liked the thought of propping a young child upon the exam room table, making a funny face, and treating their ear infection.
I loved the idea of sewing up a wound, setting a fracture, being there when another human being needed someone to hold onto.
Helping someone come to terms with death while helping another come to terms with life.
I didn't want MD; I wanted all of the above. There was no other way.
Finding Balance
I have met more doctors who want to be PAs than PAs who want to be doctors.
Why? Because there is more to life than medicine. PAs have the unique opportunity to live this.
It is not about being lazy; it is not about a lack of dedication. PAs tend to be some of the most dedicated and hard-working people I know.
PA is the sweet spot! Where life and medicine meet in the middle.
I honestly believe you can be better at compassion when you are more grounded. Having a life outside of work justifies life. It makes for a happy person, which translates to better patient care.
After quite a bit of soul-searching, I realized that I never really needed to be a doctor, but I wanted to feel like one.
If you are on this journey to being a healthcare provider, know that life exists beyond MD. It is a beautiful life, and it has fulfilled every single one of my dreams of being an excellent health care provider.
And every time I prop a small child up on the exam room table and write the script to make their ear feel better, I smile. Then I go home in the evening and give my kids and my wife a big hug and a kiss.
In my life family will always be my highest priority. I love my patients like I love life itself, but I love my family even more than life itself. Click To TweetI don't think I could have found this balance as an MD, and I thank my lucky stars that life, or God or whatever directed me to UMDNJ, to PA School, to the job of my dreams.
Being a PA is truly where life and medicine have found the perfect balance. I hope you, too, will give the physician assistant profession consideration as you go about life and pursue a rewarding career in the field of medicine.
Warmly,
Stephen Pasquini PA-C
Recommended reading:
Often the decision between PA and MD is considered a difficult one, but should it be? Click Here.
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Hey, Stephen!
Some quick questions for you. I am a nursing major (finishing up my senior year) and am interested in graduate school (FNP) or PA. I would like to be able to switch specialties later on down the road. Do you know if it is going to be more difficult for PAs to make a switch in coming years? Do you think there will be more bridge programs for PAs (PA to MD) in the future?
Thanks for all your help!
Ethan
Hi Ethan, sorry for the late reply! I don’t think there will be a lot more bridge programs in the future. There might be some limited financial incentive for schools to offer this although I don’t see this as a natural career path for PAs. Unlike CNA/MA – Nurse – NP, I don’t think CNA – PA – MD makes a lot of sense. PA is a good career destination. That being said, the bridge programs that do exist will certainly fill a gap for those looking to become MDs. And as far as specializing, more and more PAs are going into specialties and even the NCCPA is offering advanced specialty certifications. I think PAs will continue to be a generalist profession (for the time being) but it does get hard to transition. If you have been working in ortho for 15 years, becoming a generalist or working in Psych would have a big learning curve, employers may be more likely to vote somebody fresh out of school in this case who wasn’t “specialized”. There is a lot of debate about this in the PA ranks. The California Physician Assistant Association no longer identifies as ”physician assistants” and have changed the name to PAs in favor of a change from “assistant”.
– Stephen
Stephen,
Thank you for the reply! That definitely sounds like the kind of life I’m trying to create. Having the ability to practice as well as manifest my other passions. There’s no doubt that I’ve wanted to pursue MD, but I can tell from a lot of shadowing and knowing a few doctors that there is definitely a lack of control for them. It’s tough to realize that an MD lifestyle may not be the best for you, yet you still have a very strong passion for it. I see the PA profession as being such a good balance it’s almost too good to be true. I’ll definitely let the decision simmer for the next few months and either apply this year or give myself a gap year once I graduate this fall. I will definitely keep you updated as time goes if I have any questions and again wanted to thank you for the blog and time to reply back!!
All the best,
Eric
Stephen!
I posted this comment on one of your other articles, however this post seems more active and more accessible to you. Hope you don’t mind me posting this again!
Your website has been a big help to me (and many other aspiring MD’s/PA’s) recently. I really admire all the information you’ve put out as well as your experiences for it’s a tremendous help! However, I’m very much in a crunch about the PA vs MD route as many have posted, however I’m in the process of applying for medical school and still on the fence. I took my MCAT a few months ago and crushed it, but after seeing my score I was ecstatic yet worried all at once. I just don’t know if Medicine is the only thing I want for my life. Since the start of college, and before, I’ve been exposed to so many activities and passions that don’t involve medicine and although half of me wants the challenge of pursuing becoming an MD and being a practicing physician down the road, part of me knows that means sacrificing everything for one thing and I don’t know if that would truly coincides with me. I’ve been around patients for a good amount of time and know thats a very big passion of mine (to treat and impact their lives). However, writing, public speaking, acting, videography, are also very big aspirations I have as well as teaching. I guess a big question I have for you is would becoming a PA allow me to pursue other avenues of life and interests such as the ones I’ve listed prior? I read this article (Why my wife is happy I’m a PA) and that gave me a lot of hope. I’ve been told that as an MD you can venture to other avenues down the road, but from what I’ve witnessed personally that doesn’t seem true (shadowed many physicians). I see the responsibility that MDs have and thats something I’m mature enough to really look at and ask myself is this really what I want in the future? Can I really provide top patient care while not letting other areas of my own life suffer? Any input would be incredibly helpful. Thank you so much for your help and time.
-Eric.
Hi Eric,
These are great questions that everyone should ask before they head down a road that will require a large input of time and resources (i.e money). I believe that one should always pursue their passions both from a career and non-career standpoint. A problem though can present itself when the pursuit of the career creates a situation in which you are burdened by things such as medical school debt which can make it difficult to pursue other ventures on the side. Personally, one of the smartest things I did was to join the National Health Service Corps while I was in PA school. This allowed me to graduate with very little debt and because that is paid off I have been able to do things such as decrease my hours at work, build a business, travel and spend time with my family and friends… all while continuing my work as a physician assistant. I am sure I could have done this as an MD, maybe if I was working in the ER or acting as a locums tenens, but it is infinitely more difficult. That is why I am so happy with my choice. No matter what, you are going to have to make a list of priorities in life regardless of your career and stay true to those, they will change as you progress through life… as they should. Having a career that is flexible (which PA is) helps a lot. That is why my wife is happy with my choice as am I 🙂
If you have questions along the way drop me a line, I know a doctor who is a very good artist and he sells his paintings on the side. I know another doctor who works in family practice and enjoys spending half the winter snowboarding in Tahoe on the weekends. So it can be done. Personally, I still feel this is the exception, and I think PA = the MED (minimum effective dose) of healthcare. Meaning you get the knowledge you need to provide excellent patient care, tons of flexibility, much less time in school and residency, less debt and a better outlook on life… BUT I AM BIASED 🙂
Cheers,
Stephen
Hello Eric and Stephen,
I enjoyed reading both of your posts. Eric, I am in a similar situation as you- can’t decide between PA and MD but I’m nearing a point where a decision needs to be made. Stephen I hope you can read this and give me some advice… One aspect of the PA route I’m concerned about is the pay difference. PA’s in my area make an average of 80k while MD’s make an average of 150k. Not only is there a pay big difference but I feel like you can’t really “move up” or be promoted as a PA? (I’m not actually sure if that’s true). I know it’s not all about money but I feel like going to school for an extra two years to make twice as much might make it worth it? I just have a problem with making the same amount I would if I were a firefighter/paramedic in the same area.
Also, I feel like PA’s and MD’s work about the same hours and shifts thus making the flexibility aspect almost identical (aside from having to be on call). I have ALWAYS been on an MD route but now I seem to be trying my best to convince myself to be satisfied with the change to PA.
Thanks,
Robin
Hi Stephen,
For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a veterinarian. I am currently in my senior year of college, and am applying for vet schools. The issue is, for the past couple years I have being doing more intense research into the career and have found that for the work and schooling that veterinarians do, they are horribly underpaid.
If I become a veterinarian, it is extremely likely that I will be in debt for the majority of my life due to the fact that vets don’t generally make enough money to pay back veterinary school. This has made me feel very apprehensive to the career. I have also considered being a veterinary technician, but again, vet techs work like nurses, but receive a salary similar to being a teacher. Additionally, vet techs are often put in very dangerous situations involving animals that have to be restrained, and I am a smaller person who is not exactly strong and able to hold down a large dog or help restrain a horse.
Moreover, if I were to attend veterinary school, I would practically go to my in-state school to save as much money as possible. This, for four years, would keep me away from my serious boyfriend who is pursuing a career in business. He says that he’s supporting me through everything and encourages me to go and says that we will make it work, but even after veterinary school, being a vet will get in the way of many of the experiences that I want to have including having a family, going on vacations, spending time with friends… I just don’t know if it’s worth it anymore.
So, I have recently been researching different options and have come across PA school!
I definitely have all the pre-reqs due to the fact that they’re similar to veterinary school, but all of my experiences have been veterinary and animal involved.
Therefore, I have no clue of what kind of experiences PA schools want to see prospective students doing! I also don’t even know if I would actually even like the job because I have said for a long time that it would be hard to work with people because they people talk back and it is also possible to get sick from your patients..
I would just love any advice that you could give me!
Hi Kat,
Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment. My daughter wants to be a veterinarian and I didn’t know this about debt, loan repayment and veterinarian pay, she is also a small person, so I really appreciate your insights here… Since she is only 8 maybe I won’t spoil her dreams just yet 🙂
The best thing you can do at this point in time is get your feet wet by finding a PA to shadow and spending some time working with patients to see if this is something you would like to do. There are lots of ways to go about obtaining healthcare experience outside of shadowing, but most of the good ones require some time of a certificate such as CNA, MA or phlebotomy etc. etc… Simply volunteering in a hospital or clinic, VA, retirement home or working at a summer camp where you can care for campers with special needs or volunteering overseas can be excellent ways to see if you like this aspect of medicine before you put a lot of time and energy into pursuing it full time. I wrote a bit about health care experience here as well .
I actually think veterinary medicine and people medicine are very similar since really the best vets are those who understand that you are caring for animals yes, but it is just as much about the animal owners. I guess it is kind of like pediatrics in that way 🙂 Don’t tell anyone I said that!
Overall, my advice is to get your feet wet by shadowing and volunteering right away and seeing if it sparks your interest. You have a leg up here because you have the prerequisites you need pursue various directions in health care (and beyond), the key is finding the one that aligns with your future aspirations and lifestyle goals. Sounds like you found the right partner in crime as well, as he is obviously loving and very supportive!!
Cheers,
Stephen
I love reading your articles and they have helped me in my decision to become a PA vs. an MD. However, many NP’s and MD’s have told me that as a PA, you always work underneath someone and are basically a slave to your attending physician. How true do you believe this to be?
Hi Kristen,
In regards to “How true do I believe this to be?” Not true at all. I am sure there are some jobs where this may very well be the case. But the vast majority of PAs I know (including myself) enjoy a lot of autonomy (sometimes too much) and are a trusted part of the team.
– Stephen
Hello Stephen!
After high school, I didn’t know what to do or what career I wanted at all. I felt completely lost because I knew I always wanted to help people in any way but also know that I would be paid enough to maintain a family and to spend time with them. After a while I knew I wanted to do something in medicine but most careers I researched would pay well but leave me no time for family. So I want to thank you on helping me figure out that becoming a Physician Assistant is what I want to do. Especially since you touched on ALL the key points that I looked at when learning about different careers.
However, I do have one question. Since I have to start from community college, I was wondering what are the steps to becoming a PA from a someone who has already been there? I just looked it up and to be honest, it’s somewhat confusing because many websites says different things. So what should be my major in order to become a PA, the degree I aim for, and after that?
I know it’s not very specific but I would appreciate any response.
Hi Josh,
It’s so great to have found a path you can be confident in early, this will give you a nice head start and make your college time more meaningful and provide value for all that money spent. I started a 5 part series on this that I haven’t finished just yet, but I cover a bit about prerequisites and health care experience, you can see that here. The first thing you should do (if you haven’t already) is make an appointment to speak with an academic advisor. They will sit down with you, discuss your long-term goals and help you design a semester by semester schedule/outline for your next two years. You don’t have to declare a major at this point in time, but you can certainly lay out a plan that will head you in the right direction. Before you speak with an advisor take a look at what prerequisites some of the PA schools you may be interested in later are requiring. They tend to follow a common theme but, there will be slight differences from school to school. The PAEA has a great site from where to start. You can also take a look at my directory (although I am currently updating it now) http://www.paschoolfinder.com . Write down the prerequisite requirements, make a spreadsheet if you like and bring that with you when you meet with your advisor. You can make sure you are filling all the gaps and discuss your options. Aim to take those higher level pre-med science courses, this will help later on.
Take the first quarter/semester slowly. use this as a time to meet new people, get the hang of college coursework, see what you like or don’t like. As you begin to get the hang of things you can start thinking about ways you can be active in your community testing your theory that you want to be a PA and that you want to work with patients. You can start looking for shadowing opportunities, pick up volunteer activities or find a part time job/training that will give you hands-on experience. You have time to begin this process.
As far as your eventual choice of major it doesn’t matter as long as you pick up the required prerequisites. You could major in advanced hula-hooping, as long as you have your prerequisites and have nailed all the other requirements you are golden. And you future patients may be impressed by your hula hopping skills.
– Stephen
Hi Stephen,
I have several questions regarding the PA profession. I’m an incoming college student looking to probably become a PA in the near future. When should I start getting clinical experience? Also, what’s considered clinical experience and how do PA schools confirm that we enrolled in this clinical experience (for example, do we have to check if the clinic/hospital is approved, or do we have to sign off on a sheet, or do we just list it on a resume)? Lastly, I read somewhere that its preferred if I get a job related to healthcare like an EMT or MA, but would this count as clinical experience as well? Or would I have to be an EMT while interning at a clinic/hospital? Thank you!
Hi Britt, in response to your questions:
Question: I’m an incoming college student looking to probably become a PA in the near future. When should I start getting clinical experience?
Answer: As soon as possible, just as long as this doesn’t compromise your ability to focus on your academics.
Question: what’s considered clinical experience and how do PA schools confirm that we enrolled in this clinical experience (for example, do we have to check if the clinic/hospital is approved, or do we have to sign off on a sheet, or do we just list it on a resume)?
Answer: Take a look at this article for some clarification In regards to approval by both you and PA schools, this is all done on the honor code. A clinic or hospital will not be able to tell you if a particular position will qualify as HCE for PA school. If you are unsure it is best to speak with an admissions director of a PA school you would be interested in and discuss it with them directly. You could also contact them by email. They are extremely helpful and will eliminate any doubt you may have.
Question: Lastly, I read somewhere that its preferred if I get a job related to healthcare like an EMT or MA, but would this count as clinical experience as well? Or would I have to be an EMT while interning at a clinic/hospital? Thank you!
Answer: Hands on patient care experience is what you are looking for and this is why many people suggest jobs an EMT or an MA. They definitely fit the bill of being “hands on”. Also, they are certificates that are easy to get and don’t take too much time or money. There are many other avenues of course. I worked as a phlebotomist in the campus health center, then the hospital inpatient wards and after college for one year as a part of the mobile team of the Puget Sound Blood Center. I volunteered in several youth programs as well. Keep your eyes peeled and ask around, the campus health center is a great place to start.
Cheers,
Stephen
Hi Stephen, thanks for your thoughts!
I am currently a 26 year old working professional who graduated 4 years ago with a BS in Nutrition and Food Sciences. My job isn’t related to health or medicine at all — just a simple data entry type of desk job. Naturally, it’s been making me ponder about my future and career. I decided after a tip from a friend of a friend who was a medical student, to pursue the PA path!
I’m feeling very torn if I’m making the right decision. I have my Bachelors of Science already with most of my prerequisites done (need to take Anatomy still) but my grades aren’t the best. I got mostly Bs and Cs in my science classes, but As in some of my other nutrition therapy classes. In the last year I opted to invest in obtaining my phlebotomy license so I can get some professional experience with patients. I’m still in the process of getting a phlebotomy job, but it’s been hard to find anything that isn’t minimum wage (I live in the Bay Area so cost of living is $$$$).
I feel like this path could be right for me. I’m not interested in tech, finance and any other field that would be lucrative for a young person like me in the Bay Area that would be rather be the easier, short term path. I want to feel like I’m doing something different and challenging and rewarding, and something I believe in and live by. Something that will be stable for me and my family in the future.
Your comment about the “ego” thing is very true. Sometimes I wonder what I do this for — my ego or for the better of the world?
Getting in PA school is less than a 1% chance. I’m not sure if I have the time or finances to re-take all my prerequisite courses in efforts to get As. I’m not a high school graduate who already knew from the beginning that they wanted to pursue this and have had a lot of time and guidance to prep for PA applications. I feel like I’m almost just starting all over again.
Do you think it’ll be worth it to retake my undergraduate courses at this age, or focus on trying to get professional experience with my newly obtained phlebotomy license? Both? What is most important here for someone in my position?
Best,
Melissa
What is the point of being alive if you don’t at least try to do something remarkable?
There will always be a laundry list of reasons not to do something. Trust me, coming up with countless excuses which seem perfectly reasonable is my brain’s biggest hobby. I am doing it right now as I think of a list of reasons why I may not have time to answer comments, make it to the gym or get up 30 minutes earlier so I don’t have to stare at yesterday’s overdue charting.
Nothing of value is ever done without risk and sacrifice. You will have to decide what this is worth to you. There is a lot of uncertainty in the process I know, it is a long path to PA’dom, I know, the statistical chances may even seem stacked against you (they always are) but this shouldn’t stop you from doing something (A.) You believe in and (B.) That has the potential to positively impact your life and the lives of others.
As a profession becoming a physician assistant is rewarding (check) helps others (check) is one of the few professions with a good job outlook (check) and can create a comfortable lifestyle for you and your family (check). Did I mention you get to help people and make a living doing it? (BIG CHECK).
I heard a quote the other day that I wrote down:
“A dream written down wth a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes dreams come true.”
The only thing separating most people from achieving their goals is the critical belief in oneself. I believe in you, you have to ask yourself the same question. Then write down a date – what you do after that will define the path of your one life. Make it worth your time 🙂
I wish you the very best!!
– Stephen
Someone told me that he knew an Orthopedic PA (surgery) who also took on the on-call responsibilities for the hospital’s emergency department as well. I did not know PAs could do this, can anyone verify? Thanks.
Yes of course, many PAs will work two jobs like this. I wonder though if they were referring to the PA doing the orthopedic ER consults which is also quite common.
– Stephen
Hey Stephen.
Just wanted to ask a question…
I am a struggling medical student (or Medical Padawan, as I like to call it).
I already finished the 2 years of basic sciences in medical school
Currently, i am studying for the NBME Comprehensive exam, which I need to pass in order to be allowed to sit for USMLE step 1..
The school I am at is giving me until March 2016 to pass both of these exams.
Now, here is my question (I had a day of deep thought in order to be able to consider letting MD go), but can I get into PA school with 2 years of basic sciences in Med school? Or what would I have to do?
Hi Jon,
The answer is possibly, but it depends on whether or not you meet all the PA school application requirements. Do you have all the prerequisite coursework (I assume you do)? Have you completed the necessary health care experience hours required by your programs of interest? Have you taken the GRE (if required)? Have you shadowed PAs? Do you have strong letters of recommendation? And most importantly, do you have a good reason for changing from MD to PA?
Coming from medical school the PA school admissions team has one big question that you must clear up for them: Why is Jon leaving medical school to go to PA school. If you can answer this question well and you have completed ALL of the necessary application requirements then you can get into PA school after 2 years of medical school. I have seen several others do this exact same thing successfully!
– Stephen
Love it!!!!!
Thanks for writing this. I graduate from PA school in 2 months and I too love my family more than life itself. I love spending time with my 2 year old son and my husband and could never give that up. After reading your article, I feel even more confident in my decision of becoming a PA. Thanks!
Author James Patterson encapsulated this dilemma when he said: “Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. They are called work, family, health, friends and integrity. And you’re keeping them all in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that the work ball is made of rubber – if you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls are made of glass.”
Congratulations Jess on making it to the finish line, I wish you the best on your upcoming career as a PA. It sounds like you have your priorities (and your glass balls) in place!
– Stephen
Hi,
First of all, thank you for writing this article. It was a refreshing and eye-opening read. Being an MD (mainly psychiatry) has been a path I have wanted to pursue since I was a child. I will be an upcoming freshman at NYU in the fall. I have decided to major in Music Performance. The plan is to complete my bachelors studying music performance while completing the pre-med track to help with medical school admissions and continue a hobby I love. I am just starting to look and research the PA profession. First, would being a music major give me an advantage for PA school admissions just like medical school. Also, other than more time available, can you elaborate on pros and also cons on choosing the PA route rather than the MD route?
Thank you.
First, would being a music major give me an advantage for PA school admissions just like medical school?
I have no evidence to support this, but I would say yes. I have found that students who show evidence of a diversified background seem to have stronger applications and are admitted faster. Although this is observational only.
Also, other than more time available, can you elaborate on pros and also cons on choosing the PA route rather than the MD route?
Here is a comment that was left by an MD on one of my posts yesterday. I hope it helps some:
I am a fellowship-trained surgeon. Besides the financial aspect, following 7 points will make your decision easy:
1. It takes on an at least 15 years (after high school) of head in the sand (books) to complete fellowship and reach the 200,000 figure that you are quoting.
2. 40-50 hr work week is a dream for most MD. Most of my colleagues work 60 hrs and some up to 80 hrs a week.
3. Not counting the hours after you go home and come back for ’emergencies’.
4. Family life is a ‘possibility’ for PAs. Look around and see how many MDs have kids before 30. You will be surprised by the small number.
5. Most my PA friends work two jobs (totaling 60-80hrs/ week), so their salaries go up accordingly. Ever heard of a MD working two jobs. I guess 120-160 hrs/ week is kinda difficult. Huh..
6. PAs work just as well and earn just as much respect by the patients and colleagues.
7. The only trajectory this trend is going is upwards. Mid-level providers’ need and utilization has been increasing exponentially.
I am totally happy with what I am doing. But if I were to advise an aspiring student for MD vs. PA, I would totally refer him/ her to this post. I think the round 1 showdown is won by PAs, not MD
Cheers,
Stephen
You can have your bachelor’s degree in anything as long as you have met all the prerequisite requirements.
– Stephen
I am a recent college graduate (graduated in May), and I’m really struggling with the md pa decision. My dad is a physican and he loves what he does. I have been pre med my entire college career, and I stumbled across pa and I really like it. In having such a hard time deciding, especially because pas do almost all of the same things that some doctors do. Do you ever feel like people don’t respect your knowledge?
Hi Lauren,
I have never felt that people don’t respect my knowledge at all, your competency as a medical practitioner has very little to do with the label on your lab coat, I am sure your father would agree.
Probably my greatest source of frustration is when people ask what I do and I say “I am a physician assistant” and many people (especially internationally) assume this is the same as a “medical assistant”. But, I make sure that I help educate them about our profession, what it is we can and cannot do and more often than not, after a few minutes they not only have a better idea and understanding of what it is I do, but they are wondering where they can sign up. We PAs must become ambassadors for our profession, we are still fairly new on the circuit 🙂
The same is true with our patients. Our patients, (just like you and I) want to feel confident that they are receiving quality, compassionate care and have been given all their options. And as I said before, this is not a matter of our label.
We should never expect to be “given” respect, we earn it! It’s as simple as that.
Cheers,
– Stephen
This article is faulty and based on half truths and incorrect assumptions. I’m an emergency medicine physician three years out of residency. I average 24 hours a week. I too love surfing – I work 8 months a year and spend the other 4 traveling the globe and surfing.
My situation is not unique. I use locum tenens which is designed for thid type of set up. Life is what you make of it…being a doctor and having a life are not mutually exclusive.
i partially agree with. not all MD routes are time consuming. i am a Family practice physician. I work 44 hours a week , i enjoy my life, love my family and have plenty of time for them. Thank GOD i am make almost double PAs salary and i still practice my job with lot love and integrity.i agree with you that other specialties are take your life away from the most impotant thing in life such family.
It’s great to hear from an MD with a fresh perspective, I appreciate you taking the time to comment. It proves that lifestyle is as much a function of priorities as is ones profession!
– Stephen
It’s great to hear from an MD with a fresh perspective, I appreciate you taking the time to comment. It proves that lifestyle is as much a function of priorities as is one’s profession!
– Stephen
Hi Stephen,
I am torn between GRU and any other PA programs out there. I was very interested in GRU because they do not require a bachelors degree to be accepted into their program but I guess what I want to know is can I hold a bachelors degree in anything to be accepted into the program or will I require a bachelors in Helath Science?
Stephen,
First of all, thank you so much for sharing your experiences and advice to all aspiring healthcare providers. I’m sure I speak for many when I say it really makes a difference. I know for me, it is very comforting reading about someone who shares the same passion for life as well as helping others like I do! And above all, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my comment and provide honest feedback.
I just finished my second year of college, and like many students that have reached out to you, I have been conflicted recently with future career paths (md vs pa) in healthcare and medicine, and always go back and forth since both have their pros and cons, although this is the case with any career – all careers have their pros and cons.
I think my issue is that I have so many interests, I can’t figure out how to sort them out (or narrow them down rather). I love science, medicine, and people. I also love the outdoors, food, art, traveling and experiencing the world. At times I feel that pursuing the PA path will allow me the wonderful balance that you described in your post. I know that one day I hope to meet my future husband, start a family, and be able to maintain close relationships with my family. I grew up having my parents be apart of my life experiences and accomplishments (sports, volunteering, birthday parties, celebrations, etc), and I know for sure I want to have that with my future family.
However, sometimes I wonder if by pursuing an MD route, having a higher degree will allow me more opportunity to combine my many interests (I may be completely wrong on this one). Some of my other interests include children, genetics, neuroscience (I am a bio major and neuroscience minor), public health, relating holistic health to medicine, and scientific research. Although, I’m not sure if research is something that I actually want to make a career out of, or if it is just something I like to educate myself with.
Some of the questions I have regarding the professions:
Do you know any female MDs that have shared their experiences with work/family balance, or what is has been like being a mom and a doctor?
Can PAs can become involved in public health or research?
How does patient interaction differ with PAs and MDs, if at all?
Some more personal questions I have based on your post are: do you ever feel restricted in your career, or do you feel like you have the option to grow in a career/authoritative aspect? And lastly, how does one know if pursuing an MD path is worth the sacrifice of time/how did you determine that it was not worth it?
Any advice you have for me is truly appreciated, and again, I can’t thank you enough that you have taken the time to read my post and provide guidance.
-Cassie
Do you know any female MDs that have shared their experiences with work/family balance, or what is has been like being a mom and a doctor?
Yes, I work with many female MDs that have good work/family balance. As I mentioned to an MD who commented on the blog. Your life is a function of priorities + profession. If you keep your family as your top priority, you will find the balance you are searching for regardless of your chosen profession.
Can PAs can become involved in public health or research?
There are many PAs who also receive their PA degree along with an MPH. I am sure there are opportunities available if this is what you are looking for.
How does patient interaction differ with PAs and MDs, if at all?
None whatsoever, if your priority in the office is your patient, you will have good outcomes and happy patients, it is as simple as that regardless of your credentials.
Do you feel like you have the option to grow in a career/authoritative aspect?
Growth in any field is always a function of our own imagination. There are PAs all over the world doing amazing things that weren’t even possible a decade before. So no I don’t feel restricted in my career.
How does one know if pursuing an MD path is worth the sacrifice of time/how did you determine that it was not worth it?
Do you want to practice independently without the rules that we as PAs must attend to? If so then MD is the route for you. For me, I knew that I could provide the level of patient care I desired to provide while meeting the needs of my patients as a PA. Once my career choice aligned with my life goals I had my answer. I never really wanted to be an MD. It was just the only path I was aware of so I ended up on that track, until I discovered that there was another. It was a simple decision.
Last bit of advice:
If you find yourself in a narrow frame step back and analyze your options, there is always a way, sometimes it is just about looking at things differently. If your heart is set on becoming an MD and that is what you have always aspired to, know that there is always a way to combine lifestyle along with career. Many MDs I know stopped taking call and rotating in the hospital in favor of full time clinical work. They changed jobs or found one that worked with their families. I know MDs that are still great doctors and in the afternoon coach their kids baseball teams.
Hope this helps,
Stephen
Hi Stephen. I really hope that you are still replying to comments. This post came at exactly the right moment in my life. I have just been rejected from my last medical school and I feel relieved. For years, all I could think was medicine. All I was known for was medical school. There was no plan b. But now, researching PA, something clicked. I don’t have a family yet, but when I do, I want to be present. That was a fear that I had about becoming a doctor, but everyone always assured me that “it will work out.” And I don’t know if this is laziness or just reality, but I’m not sure if I can commit another 8+ years to medical school. All I know is that I want to help people. I want to make people feel better about their health and their lives. It’s just starting to dawn on me that an MD isn’t the only way to do that. I have a lot of things to figure out, and I have to go back to college and take a few classes to meet the requirements, but things are finally starting to make sense. Thank you for this post 🙂
Hi Temi, this is not laziness, it is about understanding your priorities and finding the right balance for your life. I love it when you mentioned that everyone assured you “it will work out”. I remember hearing this often as well, but once you have invested 8 years into medical school and taken thousands of dollars worth of loans there is no other option than making it “work out”. Many doctors and medical students will find themselves on a path they may not want to be on… but in this case it is difficult to turn back. As you can tell from my post here I believe the PA profession is the perfect balance, it is in many ways what medical school could be and maybe will be in the future. I believe you are making a sound decision, feel free to drop me a line anytime if you have questions.
Cheers,
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
I wrote to you 11 months ago when I was at a crossroads in my life and had just began to really discover and fall in love with the PA profession. I printed out a screenshot of our conversation and your words of encouragement to me assuring me that I wasn’t crazy or lazy. Whenever I would feel mentally or spiritually attacked, I referred back to our conversation and I would feel a wash of peace.
Since then, I enrolled in classes to fulfill the remaining prerequisites that I needed for the program that I was interested in. I also shadowed a surgical PA for a few months and got a job as a medical scribe. I started running and eating healthier. Overall, I have just been better physically and spiritually.
I applied to only one PA program for my first attempt (which is only advisable for those with strong faith LOL) and I am happy to say that this week I received an acceptance! I am over the moon and trying to prepare myself for the next 2 1/2 years.
I just wanted to thank you for all of the work that you are doing on The PA Life. I’m not exaggerating when I say that this post changed my life. I was looking for a way to articulate how I wanted my life to be and what I wanted it to stand for and this post did just that. Thank you so much Stephen! I wish you all the success, blessings, and joy that God can give a person.
Thank you so much Temi, your comment means the absolute world to me! I wish you the very best as you begin your journey into PA school and eventually as a practicing PA. Your passion and dedication have brought you to this point, and I am so very proud of you and what you have accomplished!!!!
Warmly,
Stephen Pasquini PA-C