5 answers
Zoomar
Student
Lawrence Township, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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Should aspire to be a PA or MD?
I am currently having trouble choosing what to do in life.
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5 answers
Rita Chuang
Physician
189
Answers
Henderson, Nevada
Updated
Rita’s Answer
I think this is a hard question. PA schooling is shorter so you pay less in tuition and time. As a MD, you can make more money but it takes longer to get the degree and schooling.
With a PA, you can switch professions (pediatrics to surgery etc) whereas with MD, you usually stay with the same field unless you do additional training. For now, you are young and they both require the same steps of college.
I recommend every person interested in medicine work as a scribe. You can scribe for a doctor or PA and ask them their opinion. You get the experience of learning the language and you also get paid.
With a PA, you can switch professions (pediatrics to surgery etc) whereas with MD, you usually stay with the same field unless you do additional training. For now, you are young and they both require the same steps of college.
I recommend every person interested in medicine work as a scribe. You can scribe for a doctor or PA and ask them their opinion. You get the experience of learning the language and you also get paid.
jami adam
rph
22
Answers
Jupiter, Florida
Updated
jami’s Answer
I believe if you become a pa, you can work. Then keep trying to get md.
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
114
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
Great question
Me personally am a Clinical officers with specialization in nephrology in Kenya which is equivalent to PA with specialization in nephrology in USA or Europe.
PA and MD are two different professionals with the aim of providing care to patients. Both of them can diagnose and treat, however MD has a wider scope unlike PA..most of the times PA work under supervision of MD.
Another distinction is the MD take about years plus another 1 year of internship while PA take 4years plus another 1 year of internship.
Both careers have numerous areas of specialization which include:internal medicine, surgery, oncology, nephrology, neurology,chest medicine, dermatology, emergency medicine etc.
Both will make you realise your dream of you have passion for clients.
However in interms of salary scale MD has a higher scale than PA.
As a PA I appreciate the profession
Me personally am a Clinical officers with specialization in nephrology in Kenya which is equivalent to PA with specialization in nephrology in USA or Europe.
PA and MD are two different professionals with the aim of providing care to patients. Both of them can diagnose and treat, however MD has a wider scope unlike PA..most of the times PA work under supervision of MD.
Another distinction is the MD take about years plus another 1 year of internship while PA take 4years plus another 1 year of internship.
Both careers have numerous areas of specialization which include:internal medicine, surgery, oncology, nephrology, neurology,chest medicine, dermatology, emergency medicine etc.
Both will make you realise your dream of you have passion for clients.
However in interms of salary scale MD has a higher scale than PA.
As a PA I appreciate the profession
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6183
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Zoomar
Should You Aspire to be a PA or MD?
Deciding between becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) or a Medical Doctor (MD) is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. Both career paths offer rewarding opportunities to work in the healthcare field, but they differ in terms of education, responsibilities, scope of practice, and career outlook. To make an informed decision, it is essential to understand the key differences between these two professions.
Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistants are healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of physicians. PAs are trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services, working in various medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and primary care practices. Here are some key points to consider when aspiring to become a PA:
Education: To become a PA, individuals must complete a master’s degree from an accredited PA program. These programs typically take around two to three years to complete and include classroom instruction, clinical rotations, and hands-on training.
Responsibilities: PAs work closely with physicians to provide patient care. They can perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries. However, their scope of practice is determined by state laws and regulations.
Flexibility: One of the advantages of being a PA is the flexibility it offers in terms of specialization. PAs can choose to work in various medical specialties such as primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, or dermatology.
Work-Life Balance: PAs often enjoy more predictable work hours compared to physicians. While they may still work long shifts in certain settings, the overall work-life balance for PAs tends to be better than that of MDs.
Medical Doctor (MD)
Medical Doctors are licensed physicians who diagnose and treat patients independently. Becoming an MD requires completing medical school and residency training in a specific specialty. Here are some key points to consider when aspiring to become an MD:
Education: MDs must complete a bachelor’s degree followed by four years of medical school and several years of residency training in their chosen specialty. Medical school curriculum includes basic sciences, clinical rotations, and licensing exams.
Responsibilities: MDs have the authority to diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatments, perform procedures and surgeries, and manage patient care independently. They have a broader scope of practice compared to PAs.
Specialization: MDs have the opportunity to specialize in various fields such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, or psychiatry. Specializing allows MDs to focus on specific areas of medicine and develop expertise in those areas.
Career Outlook: While becoming an MD requires more extensive education and training than becoming a PA, MDs generally have higher earning potential and more opportunities for career advancement.
Decision-Making Factors
When deciding whether to aspire to be a PA or MD, consider the following factors:
Education: Determine how much time and commitment you are willing to invest in your education and training.
Scope of Practice: Consider whether you prefer working under the supervision of a physician as a PA or having independent practice as an MD.
Specialization: Think about which medical specialties interest you the most and whether you want the option to specialize in the future.
Work-Life Balance: Evaluate your priorities regarding work hours, stress levels, and overall work-life balance.
Ultimately, both career paths offer fulfilling opportunities to make a difference in patients’ lives. It is essential to carefully weigh your interests, goals, strengths, and preferences before making a decision between becoming a PA or MD.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA): The AAPA is the national professional society for PAs in the United States. It provides information on PA education, certification requirements, scope of practice guidelines, and career resources.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC is a nonprofit organization that represents medical schools, teaching hospitals, and academic societies in the U.S. It offers data on medical school admissions requirements, residency programs, physician workforce trends, and research on medical education.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a federal agency that provides data on occupational outlooks, including job growth projections, median salaries, educational requirements for various professions including PAs and MDs.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Should You Aspire to be a PA or MD?
Deciding between becoming a Physician Assistant (PA) or a Medical Doctor (MD) is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of various factors. Both career paths offer rewarding opportunities to work in the healthcare field, but they differ in terms of education, responsibilities, scope of practice, and career outlook. To make an informed decision, it is essential to understand the key differences between these two professions.
Physician Assistant (PA)
Physician Assistants are healthcare professionals who practice medicine under the supervision of physicians. PAs are trained to provide diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive healthcare services, working in various medical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and primary care practices. Here are some key points to consider when aspiring to become a PA:
Education: To become a PA, individuals must complete a master’s degree from an accredited PA program. These programs typically take around two to three years to complete and include classroom instruction, clinical rotations, and hands-on training.
Responsibilities: PAs work closely with physicians to provide patient care. They can perform physical exams, diagnose illnesses, develop treatment plans, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries. However, their scope of practice is determined by state laws and regulations.
Flexibility: One of the advantages of being a PA is the flexibility it offers in terms of specialization. PAs can choose to work in various medical specialties such as primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, or dermatology.
Work-Life Balance: PAs often enjoy more predictable work hours compared to physicians. While they may still work long shifts in certain settings, the overall work-life balance for PAs tends to be better than that of MDs.
Medical Doctor (MD)
Medical Doctors are licensed physicians who diagnose and treat patients independently. Becoming an MD requires completing medical school and residency training in a specific specialty. Here are some key points to consider when aspiring to become an MD:
Education: MDs must complete a bachelor’s degree followed by four years of medical school and several years of residency training in their chosen specialty. Medical school curriculum includes basic sciences, clinical rotations, and licensing exams.
Responsibilities: MDs have the authority to diagnose illnesses, prescribe treatments, perform procedures and surgeries, and manage patient care independently. They have a broader scope of practice compared to PAs.
Specialization: MDs have the opportunity to specialize in various fields such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, or psychiatry. Specializing allows MDs to focus on specific areas of medicine and develop expertise in those areas.
Career Outlook: While becoming an MD requires more extensive education and training than becoming a PA, MDs generally have higher earning potential and more opportunities for career advancement.
Decision-Making Factors
When deciding whether to aspire to be a PA or MD, consider the following factors:
Education: Determine how much time and commitment you are willing to invest in your education and training.
Scope of Practice: Consider whether you prefer working under the supervision of a physician as a PA or having independent practice as an MD.
Specialization: Think about which medical specialties interest you the most and whether you want the option to specialize in the future.
Work-Life Balance: Evaluate your priorities regarding work hours, stress levels, and overall work-life balance.
Ultimately, both career paths offer fulfilling opportunities to make a difference in patients’ lives. It is essential to carefully weigh your interests, goals, strengths, and preferences before making a decision between becoming a PA or MD.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA): The AAPA is the national professional society for PAs in the United States. It provides information on PA education, certification requirements, scope of practice guidelines, and career resources.
Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC): The AAMC is a nonprofit organization that represents medical schools, teaching hospitals, and academic societies in the U.S. It offers data on medical school admissions requirements, residency programs, physician workforce trends, and research on medical education.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS is a federal agency that provides data on occupational outlooks, including job growth projections, median salaries, educational requirements for various professions including PAs and MDs.
GOD BLESS!
James.
Shelisa Henley
Child Psychologist
44
Answers
Warner Robins, Georgia
Updated
Shelisa’s Answer
Hey! Everyone!! You are all Rising Stars!!
Thank you for your Question!!
It is the Highest. Musical. Note!!!
I believe in you!! You are Super Smart!! You have got this!!!
Gaining all the experience now can only help you later when you are ready to make that decision between becoming a Physician Assistant or Medical Doctor. The choice is yours !!
Maybe Physician Assistant could be a Stepping Stone to becoming a Medical Doctor!! Try Career Day !! It might help.you see your choice clearer!! You can be anything you want to be!!!
Hope this helps!!!!
Good Luck!!!!!
Shelisa🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
Thank you for your Question!!
It is the Highest. Musical. Note!!!
I believe in you!! You are Super Smart!! You have got this!!!
Gaining all the experience now can only help you later when you are ready to make that decision between becoming a Physician Assistant or Medical Doctor. The choice is yours !!
Maybe Physician Assistant could be a Stepping Stone to becoming a Medical Doctor!! Try Career Day !! It might help.you see your choice clearer!! You can be anything you want to be!!!
Hope this helps!!!!
Good Luck!!!!!
Shelisa🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞