PA vs. DO

[Strudel19]

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If I stick with this program I'll be a PA in four years, have 40K loans and start at around 85k in my area. That sounds cool until I realize that I'll have way less science knowledge, autonomy and compensation. If you were in my shoes, would you stick with the program and try to bridge to DO or apply like people traditionally do, or would you quit the program and gear your next three years of undergrad toward a DO app?

 

[djtiesto14]

Do what makes you happy. Do what is best for you. None of us can answer this question for you.

 

[Mosonik]

If I stick with this program I'll be a PA in four years, have 40K loans and start at around 85k in my area. That sounds cool until I realize that I'll have way less science knowledge, autonomy and compensation. If you were in my shoes, would you stick with the program and try to bridge to DO or apply like people traditionally do, or would you quit the program and gear your next three years of undergrad toward a DO app?

There are pros and cons to any career choice. Sure you don't get called doctor (or get paid like it) but you also have much less school to get through and thus have less loans and stress to your life.

You need to know yourself and your own career goals and life circumstances to answer this question. Do you have the motivation and stamina to delay gratification as much as is required to be a doctor? Consider these kinds of things...

Good luck!

 

[NontradCA]

If I stick with this program I'll be a PA in four years, have 40K loans and start at around 85k in my area. That sounds cool until I realize that I'll have way less science knowledge, autonomy and compensation. If you were in my shoes, would you stick with the program and try to bridge to DO or apply like people traditionally do, or would you quit the program and gear your next three years of undergrad toward a DO app?

Well for me this would be a question of physician v. mlp. And I wouldn't want to do the latter. No one can decide this answer for you, especially not here. Do some research and shadow both. That being said I wouldn't apply for PA school expecting it to be a bridge to a physician career.

 

[NontradCA]

There are pros and cons to any career choice. Sure you don't get called doctor (or get paid like it) but you also have much less school to get through and thus have less loans and stress to your life.

Also less autonomy, compensation and training. And worse, in the OPs case always asking what if.

 

[maybemed2013]

Do what you want it your choice but I think the best thing to do is to shadow to figure out what you want to do.

I worked as a CNA because I was indecisive between nursing or D.O. but my work as a CNA made it clear to me that D.O. is the way to go.

 

[circulus vitios]

I'd work as a PA for a few years, save up as much money as humanly possible, then go to med school.

 

[Strudel19]

I'll wake up every day, look at myself in the mirror and say "what if". I'm a young buck. If I'm going to be a doctor, I should just get the job done. Saving up 250K and blowing it all at once on school and going back to school is easier said than done (or at least I would imagine).

I think I have my answer. I just wanted to rationalize my decision by asking others for some reason. I feel like I've been working this past year for something I really don't truly want. I've been wrestling with the decision for a while. The easiest way to make the decision is to make the other choice impossible by dropping the program.

 

[NontradCA]

I'll wake up every day, look at myself in the mirror and say "what if". I'm a young buck. If I'm going to be a doctor, I should just get the job done. Saving up 250K and blowing it all at once on school and going back to school is easier said than done (or at least I would imagine).

I think I have my answer. I just wanted to rationalize my decision by asking others for some reason. I feel like I've been working this past year for something I really don't truly want. I've been wrestling with the decision for a while. The easiest way to make the decision is to make the other choice impossible by dropping the program.

You just gotta decide what kind of man you wanna grow up to be. That man, will change the world.

 

[Hemorrage]

I'll wake up every day, look at myself in the mirror and say "what if". I'm a young buck. If I'm going to be a doctor, I should just get the job done. Saving up 250K and blowing it all at once on school and going back to school is easier said than done (or at least I would imagine).

I think I have my answer. I just wanted to rationalize my decision by asking others for some reason. I feel like I've been working this past year for something I really don't truly want. I've been wrestling with the decision for a while. The easiest way to make the decision is to make the other choice impossible by dropping the program.

why would you need to save up? If you get into med school you can borrow 220k from the fed

 

[gmcguitar4]

If you want to be a doctor then be a doctor. I feel like, just by reading what you wrote, that if you don't do it you will regret it later on. Go for the gold, man!

 

[Sephy]

I'd say the question requires you to look inside yourself and decide what kind of professional you want to be. Do you want to be an average Joe effectively working a 9-5 job every day with fairly good pay, but no autonomy, or do you want to be the maker of your own destiny with all the responsibilities that come with it? Personally, the idea of working under someone for the rest of my life is not appealing. Both professions are good. Hope it works out.

 

[Strudel19]

I really appreciate everyone's advice. This'll take me to the finals!

 

[MedGrl@2022]

If I stick with this program I'll be a PA in four years, have 40K loans and start at around 85k in my area. That sounds cool until I realize that I'll have way less science knowledge, autonomy and compensation. If you were in my shoes, would you stick with the program and try to bridge to DO or apply like people traditionally do, or would you quit the program and gear your next three years of undergrad toward a DO app?

Are you in a bachelors program in which you will get a PA afterwards? If so, I think you should stick with it. Work as a PA for a couple years and then do a bridge program if you want. Unless you want to be a DO/MD ASAP. Even then, it is not easy going to medical school straight from undergrad.

I wish I had that option. Good luck!!! 🙂

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

You're a freshman in college or a sophomore? And you basically will get your PA-C in 4 years and have 40k debt from it all?

If you want primary care then be a PA.

 

[Cuongoff]

Yea if you want to work and make some money- finish your PA. There are programs out there that let PAs get their DO degrees (idk if there's one for MD, there probably is).

 

[Strudel19]

I'm a rising sophomore - four years left. If I go through with it though, figure I'll be done at 23, work for four years and be 27, finish med school at 31, residency at 34....going back to school after working is easier said than done.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Stupid idea. Just finish the program get out at 23 with a PA-C and start life a solid 10 years early.

 

[SurgeDO]

am i understanding this correctly? you are a sophomore in college on the PA track thinking of becoming a PA first and then going to medical school? if you want the MD/DO, why don't you just buckle down and shoot for that?

 

[GypsyHummus]

there are plenty of areas (especially in MI) where you will have plenty autonomy as a PA. given the economy here, 85k a year will allow you to live like a king.

am i understanding this correctly? you are a sophomore in college on the PA track thinking of becoming a PA first and then going to medical school? if you want the MD/DO, why don't you just buckle down and shoot for that?

aint that the truth. Nurse practitioners are allowed full independent practice rights in Michigan.

 

[Mehd School]

. Nurse practitioners are allowed full independent practice rights in Michigan.

Yikes, that's scary.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

there are plenty of areas (especially in MI) where you will have plenty autonomy as a PA. given the economy here, 85k a year will allow you to live like a king.

am i understanding this correctly? you are a sophomore in college on the PA track thinking of becoming a PA first and then going to medical school? if you want the MD/DO, why don't you just buckle down and shoot for that?

PA's are functionally FM doctors that are oversighted by MD/DOs in many states. It's a cushy life with little malpractice and they do pretty much the majority of what an MD/DO will do. I worked with one for a while and they knew their ****.

 

[Strudel19]

there are plenty of areas (especially in MI) where you will have plenty autonomy as a PA. given the economy here, 85k a year will allow you to live like a king.

am i understanding this correctly? you are a sophomore in college on the PA track thinking of becoming a PA first and then going to medical school? if you want the MD/DO, why don't you just buckle down and shoot for that?

No. I already made up my mind, I'm shooting for DO. I think some people consider graduating at 23 "starting life" earlier. I'd just be starting work earlier. There's a difference.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

No. I already made up my mind, I'm shooting for DO. I think some people consider graduating at 23 "starting life" earlier. I'd just be starting work earlier. There's a difference.

Well be prepared to answer the question of why you took someone's seat in PA school who would have actually used it. This beyond the fact that after going through 3 intense years of PA school you will likely be exhausted and not want to do medical school.

 

[darklabel]

Well be prepared to answer the question of why you took someone's seat in PA school who would have actually used it. This beyond the fact that after going through 3 intense years of PA school you will likely be exhausted and not want to do medical school.

Orrr...just drop out of the program if at all possible and graduate with some kind of science degree . As stated, its silly to go through PA school and med school after.

 

[Drrrrrr. Celty]

Orrr...just drop out of the program if at all possible and graduate with some kind of science degree . As stated, its silly to go through PA school and med school after.

I think it's silly to give up a sure thing with little to no debt to fight for an acceptance that may not come + hundreds of thousands in debt to effectively (50%) do the same exact thing but with a headache.

Meh, it's up to the OP. But if I were in their place I would go ahead with it and start my life at 23.

 

[amistret]

Dude, you obviously already know what you want to do. Continue on your journey man. Don't listen to anyone that persuades you. A doctor and a PA are very different. Yes, PA's know their stuff and can help saves lives all day everyday, but why do some PAs go back to school and become a doctors. Its because they have a love for the science of medicine, some things aren't learned in medical school. There is more to life than making money. You obviously want to be a medical student/ doctor, do it. Being able to finish early and start making money shouldn't persuade you (don't listen to these other kooks).

 

[survivordo]

No. I already made up my mind, I'm shooting for DO. I think some people consider graduating at 23 "starting life" earlier. I'd just be starting work earlier. There's a difference.

If you are set on going for your DO then why would you take the time to become a PA? Maybe I am missing something but how is wasting 2 years and a bunch of $$$ even a question? If you want it, go get it. Might as well go straight through if you have already decided on your career.

Survivor DO