PA vs. MD

Let me guess, you're asking yourself . . . "Am I am making the right choice of becoming a physician assistant over a doctor?" "Am I letting myself down?" "Am I selling out?" "Am I letting my family down?" "Am I giving in?" "Am I taking the easier road?" I know how important these questions are because they are the same questions I asked myself eleven years ago as I stood in your shoes. As you may have read on the blog, my wife is very happy about my final decision. It is easy for me to answer the PA versus MD question now, as they say, "hindsight is 20/20." But, at the time I was very confused. I am going to try to set the record straight for those of you who may still be on the fence: If you want to have both a rich and fulfilling LIFE AND CAREER in medicine, a career in which you can make a real impact in your patients lives, then you want to choose a career as a physician assistant. It isas simple as that! Below is an email correspondence I had with a reader by the name of Diane. Maybe you can relate to her situation? Message Body: Hi, I'm a sophomore at Washington State University, and I became a biology major in the spring of last year because I decided I like helping people and I enjoy science and medicine. Originally I wanted to be an Oncologist, but I've decided that becoming a PA would suit me better. I was wondering what your daily life is like as a PA. The main reason I chose to be a PA versus a doctor is that I want to be able to spend time with my future family and not be a stranger to my loved ones. I just want to know if I've made the right choice.Diane Here's my story: I was pre-med at the University of Washington through my senior year. I changed majors in my fourth year, not on a whim, but after careful soul-searching. Now, I spend three days a week with my family. I enjoy being present (physically and emotionally) as a dad and as a husband. I enjoy my career as a physician assistant. This is a lifestyle choice. As a physician assistant, I pride myself on providing excellent care for my patients who are my top priority outside of my relationships with my family and friends. I have never been one to define myself by my career, my careerfulfills anothercalling, one that is rooted in the loving care of my patients. I cannot say enough about how much I love my career as a PA. I have never met a PA who says otherwise. I have, on the other hand, metdoctorswho say otherwise. I just returned from Haiti where we worked both solo and alongside doctors providing the full scope of patient care. In clinical practice, you would be hard-pressed to tell the difference between myself and one of the physicians in the clinic because our scope of practice is so broad. It is an enjoyableand fulfilling career! Sincerely, Stephen Pasquini PA-C Remember, as Confucius says: "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life." I could go on, but I will stop here to avoid beingredundant. You may also like -A Surgeon Speaks: 7 Reasons Why You Should Choose PA Over MD I am a fellowship-trained surgeon. Besides the financial aspect, the following 7 points will make your decision of PA vs. MD easy: 1. It takes on an average at least 15 years (after high school) of head in the sand (books) to []Why my Wife is Happy I am a Physician Assistant and not an MD"In my life family will always be my greatest priority.I love my patients like I love life itself, but I love my family even more than life itself." - Stephen Pasquini PA-C ears ago I dreamt of being an MD. Since I was a small []What are the Best PA Schools? PA Program Ranking by PANCE Pass Rates ince 1998 US News has been publishing the only known ranking of PA programs. Their rankings arebased on subjective peer assessment surveys of PA program faculty. Thesepeer assessment surveys are sent to deans, other []