Medical Having doubts about Med School, should I switch to PA?

[MusicDOc124]

Hi everyone,

I never thought I would be in this boat, but I am having serious doubts about medical school and would like some advice. I recently graduated college and have an off-semester in which I am working and waiting to hear back. I have had 2 interviews and was wait-listed at one and still waiting to hear back from the other. My family and friends think I'm overthinking because I'm bored and haven't heard back, but this feels like more than that.

Recently, I have been wondering if PA school would be a better path and lifestyle for me. Additionally, I have also began to wonder if medicine is still the most important priority or if having a family and most of my 20s outweighs medical school. I am in a serious relationship right now and thinking heavily about the future. I am considering pediatrics, but is 7+ years of schooling worth it when I could be a pediatric PA in half the time with half the debt? I know the argument falls under autonomy and money, but making money has never been a reason I have considered medical school. Additionally, the lateral mobility that PAs have is also sounding appealing.

I'm just struggling and would like some helpful feedback.

Did you also apply to PA school? Do you have clinical working/volunteer experience with direct patient contact (required for PA)? PA schools have varying pre-reqs from one another and differ from medical school - do you have the pre-reqs if you haven't applied yet?

It's a valid concern. I made the switch from PA school to medical school myself, weighing out very similar things that you are considering. There are times I wonder what if I hadn't. Each has their own benefits and flaws. We cannot decide that for you, obviously.

If you were to get into medical school with the school you're waiting on, or off the wait list, would you go?

It's often said that if you can see yourself doing anything outside of medicine, do that, and I think that translates somewhat to PA versus MD/DO as well. From your post alone, I get the feeling that you would prefer PA. If you are indifferent about autonomy and want more lifestyle, family, etc, then PA is the way to go simply due to the length of school comparatively, the lack of required residency, etc. My friends who are PAs have no regretted their decision, however they all wanted to be PAs from the get-go.

Bare in mind as well, that there are many PAs who go back to medical school to become physicians, though that is usually due to the autonomy thing are previously mentioned.

If you get into medical school and decide to do PA, keep in mind that you will be burning a bridge(s) if you were to change your mind again. Make sure that whatever you decide is final.

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[Mr.Smile12]

Good luck on your interview. Have you actually shadowed or talked to PA's? If you are thinking pediatric PA, have you talked to anyone who is working as one to get an idea about what work is like? Otherwise I agree with my colleague on how to think about your options. You might still get into medical school depending on how the waitlist moves later in the year.