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If you are a PA why wouldnt you just become a doctor?

#medical-education #physician-assistant #doctor

medical-education physician-assistant
Thank you comment icon I think it's because they pretty much have the same job just less authority and they get more time to themselves as well as not being required to all of the extra years in college getting degrees amanda
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Valerie’s Answer

Great question! So, there are many reasons why someone might choose to become a PA.
1. They are able to work in multiple specialities. For example, a doctor that becomes a pediatrician will be a pediatrician for life. A PA can change jobs from working in pediatrics to come be a PA for a dermatologist.

2. They don't want to go to school for as long. PA's go to school for 2 years after college, physicians go to school for 4 years after college plus 3-8 years of residency afterwards.

There are many other reasons why people choose to be a PA. It is an excellent profession, and a great option to look into if you want to go into the health field.
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Sandhya’s Answer

Hi Allie! Great question! This was actually one of the questions I was asked when I interviewed for PA school. Personally, I wanted to practice medicine and prescribe medication but I didn't want to be in school for more than 2 years for my master's degree. From what I understand, doctors are in school for at least 6 years after high school. If you pick a specialty, it would be longer. I knew that I wanted to get married and have kids someday and wanted to have as much of a work life balance as possible. Most doctors do not have flexible schedules, even though some do. Also, I considered the amount of school loan debt I would have when I was all done. Doctors practice independently while PAs are supervised by doctors. I like practicing team medicine so it was a great fit for me. Here's a website that might help you make a decision. Good luck!


https://www.thepalife.com/

Sandhya recommends the following next steps:

Google and YouTube both fields. There's a PA student on YouTube named James Kim and he does a great job talking about the differences.
Shadow doctors and PAs if you can. That will give a better idea of what it's like.
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Raashid’s Answer

Physician assistants play a vital role in the medical world, practicing routine medicine and primary care under the supervision of licensed doctors. Although physician assistants are skilled and well-paid professionals in their own right, there is an upgrade path for PAs who choose to become fully licensed doctors.
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