Catterina
What is it like as a physician assistant?
I'm very interested in pursuing a career in the medical field originally as a physician in the hospital, but many people have told me that it's not worth going to medical school for such a long time, and to become a physician assistant instead. They listed a lot of reasons like having better hours, getting a chunk less(taken out) out of your paycheck because of not having to pay as much for insurance to cover you because you're not the actual doctor making the calls, and so on. None of these people were actually in the medical field though. So, I have a few questions to find out what's actually the real deal with being a physician assistant.
What are the differences between being a full physician and a physician's assistant?
Do you actually get paid a lot less than a physician? If so, Is it frustrating to be know that you're basically doing the same job as a full physician, but getting paid less than them?
What would you say are the pros to the job? The frustrations?
If you wanted could you travel to different places because of your job? (like a traveling nurse)
Do you spend more time with the patients than the doctors? (I'm a people person, so I'd like to have a lot of patient interaction)
Your favorite part of being a physician assistant.
Thank you! :)
#doctor #medicine #physician
2 answers
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Hi Catterina!
You asked a question that is very interesting. Only you can decide what you really want to do. The decision has to be based upon what is most important and rewarding to you - and not based on such things as money alone. Here are some sites that will give you some helpful information.
http://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2014/08/25/weigh-becoming-a-physician-assistant-instead-of-a-medical-doctor
http://www.gapmedics.com/blog/2013/10/16/what-is-the-difference-between-a-doctor-and-a-physicians-assistant/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/home.htm
Be true to yourself. Pay attention to how you feel about what you might want to do.
Best of luck! Please keep me posted. I would like to follow your progress!
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
They spend 1/3 of their day evaluating patients for procedures, completing a history and physical on each patient.
The other 2/3 of the day is performing radiology procedures such as:
Barium studies, like upper gi series or barium enema
Ultrasound guided biopsies of thyroid and liver
CT guided biopsies of lung and liver
CT guided drainages of abdominal abscess
Placing central lines, dialysis catheters and PIC lines.