Hey guys I wanted to get your opinion as I just started looking at possibly pursuing PA school rather than med school, which is what I've been busting my ass for for so many years. I'm trying to make a decision, but am weighing out the pros/cons. Here's my situation:
I'm 28 years old and plan on applying to med school this July, so I'd start med school at age 29, finish by 33, and not finish residency till 37-38 (old!). I received my B.A. in Psychology from CSUN back in 2013, and along that journey decided I don't want to be a therapist. Before that however, when I first started college, I thought for sure I want to be a psychologist (Masters/doctorate degree) and practice, but changed my mind due to not wanting to listen to peoples problems. I then said I'll do medical school but then got discouraged in my 2nd year of classes by these two guys who told me about all the difficult courses I'd need to take to become a doctor. At that point I said screw it, I'll do something like chiropractor/physical therapist, but starting is only 70-80 k which is much less than what I want to make for the years I put into school. However, I started taking classes that would fulfill some requirements for these careers but wasn't satisfied with the salary. I then started CSUN and did psych major, got my B.A. as I said, and then said maybe i'll do pharmacy. I tried to avoid all the hard sciences and still wanted to make big money, but realized that there's no way around them.
I then decided upon graduating that I should be a doctor, and I'm not interested in pharmacy. The thing that brought me back to this field though is the money. I mean I don't hate medicine/the sciences, but I also don't love it/have a passion for it (like most people who are doctors). It's not bad overall, but I don't love it you know, I don't mind it, but I had no interest in any of the pre-med school courses (physics, chemistry, bio was okay). Anyways, since I changed my mind a few times, it took me 9 years and 3 months to get an associates,bachelors, and do all my med school pre-req courses. In that time I wasted 3 years or so because of uncertainty. I also do volunteer work at UCLA (2.7 years), Kaiser (almost 3.5 years), and at a hospice for about 2.7 years. I like working with people and I'm good at it, but I don't love it. Moreover, now that it's time to study for the MCAT, I find myself questioning things and if I've been this miserable just getting through these pre-reqs, If I should dedicate another 4 years to be a doctor, and then on top of that another 4 year residency for neurology (or radiology--5 years), which by the way is one of the lowest paid specialties (ranked 16th/22), with an entry level salary of 180k (vs. radiology ~350k).
When looking at PA versus Med school, I see it like this:
1. Schooling is 24-27 months versus 4 years of med school.
2. No residency, versus med school. **These 2 points alone save you 6 years of your life and you wouldn't be giving up on opportunity costs**
3. Less debt when you graduate
4. School isn't as hard to get into/training is a bit easier
5. Entry level salary for graduate is anywhere from 83-90k (hopefully the higher end) vs residency (3-7 years) where you get paid 30-55k, but obviously later you get paid more than a PA.
6. Now correct me if I'm wrong on this one, but PA can do a specialty in let's say radiology, which would require another 1-2 years of fellowship? This specialty can rake in 150k, or dermatology, which can make 130k, which isn't bad.
7. You're not on call as often/at all (correct or no)? Not working weekends/nights as often
8. More of a life for family, friends, or going out outside of work
9. No need to take the MCAT, you take GRE instead, which is slightly easier I'd imagine.
These are some of the more obvious points (positive ones). I look at it from a financial standpoint/time standpoint. I save time and money going down the PA route but am wondering if I busted my ass for so many years, if I should just become an MD, but I don't want to be miserable. If I do radiology (diagnostic) which I find cool because you don't work with as many patients and they're one of the top paying specialties, as well as you have more flexibility, I can make starting 330-350 k, BUT that's after 4 years of med school and a 5 year residency. I've shadowed a physician already and had him write me a letter of recommendation, as well as other professors who are working on my letter as of now.
If you guys were in my position, what would be your advice, and what do you think based off of this description I've given you, would be the smarter choice? If you have any ?s you want to ask me that will better help you help me, please ask!
Thank you very much!
