5 answers
Taya
Student
Festus, Missouri
2
Questions
Asked
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Is it worth putting all the time and money into going to medical school?
I am debating either becoming a medical doctor or a PA. I want the pay and title of a doctor. However, I also am not sure I want to spend all the time and money for the education of becoming one. #doctor #doctorate-degree #phd #student-loans #medicine #doctors
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5 answers
Naiara Barbosa
Board-Certified Dermatologist
40
Answers
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Updated
Naiara’s Answer
Hi Taya,
You are the only one who can truly answer this question! You should look at medical school (or any education opportunity) as an investment with good long-term benefits. If you have a true interest in becoming a physician and passionate about this profession, the time and money that will take for you to become who you want to be is definitely worth anything. The most important question here is: who do you aspire to be and what career will make you the happiest. Then follow your goals :)
Syed Hyat
Real Estate Mortgage Underwriter
4
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Syed’s Answer
Hi Taya, you're right that becoming a doctor takes a great deal of time, money and dedication. There are many paths in the medical field that take a little less time and money but are still well-paid and well-respected. Physician's Assistants are one, but there is also nursing. There are a few different levels of Nurse, that require differing levels of education. Whichever direction you choose, it's important to go in with a realistic idea of the requirements necessary for that path. But once you feel comfortable that you understand the requirements of the path, you should pursue that path with dogged determination. Early in your undergraduate studies (the first two years), you could take general science classes like chemistry, biology, etc. that would be necessary for any of the different paths in medicine. That way you can be flexible and pivot to your desired path once you know it. I hope this helps!
Richard A.
physician
2153
Answers
Updated
Richard’s Answer
It is absolutely worth it. There are a lot of long hours studying in the library followed by long hours in the hospital, but it is a fulfilling career. There are so many opportunities after medical school... different specialties appeal to different individuals. Or you can follow a nonclinical route in research or even hospital administration.
Estelle Archer
Gynecologist
1322
Answers
United States
Updated
Estelle’s Answer
Becoming a physician is absolutely worth the time, money and effort. There are so many fields of medicine and advancing technologies. Practicing medicine is fulfilling, and I cannot imagine a job with higher level of satisfaction for me. That being said, being a PA is a fantastic job, but you will not have the level of training or control of your practice. PA's are under the supervision of their employing physician. This is ideal if you want a faster track with less responsibility.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
4212
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Taya,
Are you contemplating if the investment of time and money into medical school is worthwhile?
Determining if a medical degree is the right path for you involves weighing various aspects, such as personal ambitions, financial aspects, the commitment of time, and potential career paths. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding if it's worthwhile to invest your time and money into medical school:
1. Career Paths:
Medical Doctor (MD): The journey to becoming a medical doctor includes completing medical school, residency training, and acquiring a medical license. MDs have the power to diagnose diseases, prescribe treatments, carry out surgeries, and specialize in diverse fields like cardiology, neurology, or pediatrics. The title of “doctor” holds prestige and respect in society.
Physician Assistant (PA): PAs are vital healthcare practitioners who work under the guidance of doctors. They can diagnose diseases, formulate treatment plans, and prescribe medications. While PAs do not carry the title of “doctor,” they are integral to healthcare delivery and often enjoy more flexible work schedules than MDs.
2. Education and Training:
Medical Doctor (MD): The path to becoming an MD includes earning a bachelor’s degree, passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), attending medical school for four years, and completing a residency training that can last from 3 to 7 years depending on the chosen specialty.
Physician Assistant (PA): The journey to becoming a PA typically includes earning a bachelor’s degree, gaining healthcare experience, applying to and completing a PA program (usually 2-3 years), and passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
3. Financial Aspects:
Medical Doctor (MD): Medical school can be quite costly, with tuition fees ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars annually. Many medical students depend on student loans to fund their education, resulting in significant debt upon graduation.
Physician Assistant (PA): PA programs generally cost less than medical school, but tuition costs still vary depending on the institution. PAs may also accumulate student loan debt, but typically at a lower level compared to MDs.
4. Income and Job Prospects:
Medical Doctor (MD): MDs often earn higher salaries compared to PAs due to their advanced training and specialization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $208,000 in May 2020.
Physician Assistant (PA): PAs also earn competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of $115,390 in May 2020. The demand for PAs is predicted to rise significantly in the future due to an aging population and increased healthcare needs.
In conclusion, the decision between pursuing a medical doctorate or becoming a physician assistant requires weighing factors such as career aspirations, financial aspects, time commitment, and personal preferences. While becoming a medical doctor may offer higher income and prestige, it also demands a significant investment of time and money. Conversely, becoming a physician assistant offers a fulfilling healthcare career with less intensive training requirements.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Are you contemplating if the investment of time and money into medical school is worthwhile?
Determining if a medical degree is the right path for you involves weighing various aspects, such as personal ambitions, financial aspects, the commitment of time, and potential career paths. Here are some important factors to consider when deciding if it's worthwhile to invest your time and money into medical school:
1. Career Paths:
Medical Doctor (MD): The journey to becoming a medical doctor includes completing medical school, residency training, and acquiring a medical license. MDs have the power to diagnose diseases, prescribe treatments, carry out surgeries, and specialize in diverse fields like cardiology, neurology, or pediatrics. The title of “doctor” holds prestige and respect in society.
Physician Assistant (PA): PAs are vital healthcare practitioners who work under the guidance of doctors. They can diagnose diseases, formulate treatment plans, and prescribe medications. While PAs do not carry the title of “doctor,” they are integral to healthcare delivery and often enjoy more flexible work schedules than MDs.
2. Education and Training:
Medical Doctor (MD): The path to becoming an MD includes earning a bachelor’s degree, passing the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), attending medical school for four years, and completing a residency training that can last from 3 to 7 years depending on the chosen specialty.
Physician Assistant (PA): The journey to becoming a PA typically includes earning a bachelor’s degree, gaining healthcare experience, applying to and completing a PA program (usually 2-3 years), and passing the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE).
3. Financial Aspects:
Medical Doctor (MD): Medical school can be quite costly, with tuition fees ranging from tens of thousands to over a hundred thousand dollars annually. Many medical students depend on student loans to fund their education, resulting in significant debt upon graduation.
Physician Assistant (PA): PA programs generally cost less than medical school, but tuition costs still vary depending on the institution. PAs may also accumulate student loan debt, but typically at a lower level compared to MDs.
4. Income and Job Prospects:
Medical Doctor (MD): MDs often earn higher salaries compared to PAs due to their advanced training and specialization. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons was $208,000 in May 2020.
Physician Assistant (PA): PAs also earn competitive salaries, with a median annual wage of $115,390 in May 2020. The demand for PAs is predicted to rise significantly in the future due to an aging population and increased healthcare needs.
In conclusion, the decision between pursuing a medical doctorate or becoming a physician assistant requires weighing factors such as career aspirations, financial aspects, time commitment, and personal preferences. While becoming a medical doctor may offer higher income and prestige, it also demands a significant investment of time and money. Conversely, becoming a physician assistant offers a fulfilling healthcare career with less intensive training requirements.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC)
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA)
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.