3 answers
Abigail
Student
Indiana, Indiana
5
Questions
Updated
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What are the major differences between a PA and a doctor?
I am curious about the differences between a physician’s assistant and a typical doctor. What are the differences in training? What are the differences in day-to-day life? What traits are best to have for each job? For those who chose between the two, what helped you to make up your mind? I would be grateful for any advice or information.
#career #doctor #PA #medicine #career-counseling #JULY20
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3 answers
Dan Nguyen, DO
Psychiatrist
105
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Dan’s Answer
Both are good careers and in need. In general, a physician is considered the expert in whatever field he/she is in. The physician assistant, understands whatever field they're in well but usually not to the level to treat the more severe or atypical presentations of pathology in said field. Doctors are not smarter than PAs, no occupation is smarter than another, but they are more experienced ad trained.
The education and goal of both fields are different. They both share the same undergraduate courses, Pre-PA may have even more criteria points than Pre-med actually. Both are competitive, you must do well in undergrad to have a chance at either field. They differ in graduate/professional school. PA school is 1 year of intense book work and 1 year of clinical. Some do an additional year of residency but thats required nor common compared to the path of medicine. PA's, if I think have one general board to take. Physicians have to go through 2 years of intense book work followed by 2 years of clinical rotation. When finished the vast majority of us go into residency for additional training for at least 3 years pending on your specialty. For us we have 3 general boards to take followed by one specialty board examination. As you can see, the path for physicians is extensive which is why we are considered the experts in whatever specialty we are trained in.
Day to day is fairly similar, PA tend to do the run-of-the-mill cases, while the physicians do basic cases and advanced cases. Sometimes in the hospital setting, a PA may be used to see and treat patients than report back to the physician in charge if assistance is needed. In the OR, PAs are very involved and assists the surgeon closely as well. Again, day to day does differ from specialty to specialty.
If you want to be the expert in your field and are willing to put in 10 + years of education, go down the medical route. If you want to help otherss , don't mind not being the expert and/or don't want to put down all those years than go down the PA route. For myself, I wanted to be the expert in my field, so I chose the longer path.
The education and goal of both fields are different. They both share the same undergraduate courses, Pre-PA may have even more criteria points than Pre-med actually. Both are competitive, you must do well in undergrad to have a chance at either field. They differ in graduate/professional school. PA school is 1 year of intense book work and 1 year of clinical. Some do an additional year of residency but thats required nor common compared to the path of medicine. PA's, if I think have one general board to take. Physicians have to go through 2 years of intense book work followed by 2 years of clinical rotation. When finished the vast majority of us go into residency for additional training for at least 3 years pending on your specialty. For us we have 3 general boards to take followed by one specialty board examination. As you can see, the path for physicians is extensive which is why we are considered the experts in whatever specialty we are trained in.
Day to day is fairly similar, PA tend to do the run-of-the-mill cases, while the physicians do basic cases and advanced cases. Sometimes in the hospital setting, a PA may be used to see and treat patients than report back to the physician in charge if assistance is needed. In the OR, PAs are very involved and assists the surgeon closely as well. Again, day to day does differ from specialty to specialty.
If you want to be the expert in your field and are willing to put in 10 + years of education, go down the medical route. If you want to help otherss , don't mind not being the expert and/or don't want to put down all those years than go down the PA route. For myself, I wanted to be the expert in my field, so I chose the longer path.
Christine Hicks
Sales
11
Answers
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Abigail,
Great question! The amount of schooling varies between a doctor and Physician Assistant, and it also varies depending on whether a general or specialist practice is pursued. There are also different types of doctors. I suggest you research based on your interest/specialty to see the amount of schooling and internships required for each one. I know both options provide great career choices, and it depends on the individual as to which one is the right choice. I believe a career in the doctor field may require more college degrees and internships than the PA, so that may weigh into your decision if you don't want to be committed to a longer path of degrees. Good Luck!
Great question! The amount of schooling varies between a doctor and Physician Assistant, and it also varies depending on whether a general or specialist practice is pursued. There are also different types of doctors. I suggest you research based on your interest/specialty to see the amount of schooling and internships required for each one. I know both options provide great career choices, and it depends on the individual as to which one is the right choice. I believe a career in the doctor field may require more college degrees and internships than the PA, so that may weigh into your decision if you don't want to be committed to a longer path of degrees. Good Luck!
Adolfo Lupu
Specialty Healthcare Representative
4
Answers
Buffalo, New York
Updated
Adolfo’s Answer
Hi Abigail,
In addition to Dan’s response...
For Physician assistants...their responsibilities varies by state. They perform many of the same tasks as doctors, but they often work with a physician who may have to look over diagnoses and treatments they prescribed. Medical doctors, however, can work without much supervision from another. Importantly, both may specialize in one area of healthcare.
Working with or under the supervision of a doctor or surgeon, physician assistants treat their patients. They can work in hospitals or doctor's offices and specialize in emergency medicine or surgery, as well as family care. Examining patients for routine physicals may be just one responsibility these professionals have. They speak to the patient to learn his or her medical and family histories, as well as symptoms he or she is experiencing. It is important that the physician assistant takes notes during these appointments in order to update the patient's files. To better diagnose an injury or illness, they may order x-rays or blood tests, as well as collect urine for testing. One of their main goals is to educate patients about preventative care and healthy lifestyles.
Job responsibilities of a physician assistant include:
Setting broken bones in the hands, arms, or legs and providing a cast or sling to promote healing
Removing stitches and assessing the health of the wound
Prescribing medications for many conditions, such as blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma
Studying recent breakthroughs in treatments and medications
For medical doctors...they can perform surgeries, such as gathering tissue for a biopsy, cleaning and stitching cuts, and draining abscesses. Before doing this, they usually explain the steps of the procedure to the patient and identify any risks. They may also care for pregnant women and deliver babies on a regular basis if that's their specialty area. Additionally, these medical professionals may diagnose a patient through tests, such as MRI scans. After getting a patient's test results, a medical doctor interprets any abnormalities. Based on what the patient needs, they may then refer the patient to a specialist who can provide specific treatments. They may also be called upon to offer a second opinion of another doctor's diagnosis.
Job responsibilities of a medical doctor include:
Administering vaccines and immunization shots for the flu, hepatitis, and other illnesses
Taking patient phone calls to answer questions regarding medications or minor symptoms
Attending conferences to learn new patient care techniques
Suggesting new protocols for general practices in the hospital
In addition to Dan’s response...
For Physician assistants...their responsibilities varies by state. They perform many of the same tasks as doctors, but they often work with a physician who may have to look over diagnoses and treatments they prescribed. Medical doctors, however, can work without much supervision from another. Importantly, both may specialize in one area of healthcare.
Working with or under the supervision of a doctor or surgeon, physician assistants treat their patients. They can work in hospitals or doctor's offices and specialize in emergency medicine or surgery, as well as family care. Examining patients for routine physicals may be just one responsibility these professionals have. They speak to the patient to learn his or her medical and family histories, as well as symptoms he or she is experiencing. It is important that the physician assistant takes notes during these appointments in order to update the patient's files. To better diagnose an injury or illness, they may order x-rays or blood tests, as well as collect urine for testing. One of their main goals is to educate patients about preventative care and healthy lifestyles.
Job responsibilities of a physician assistant include:
Setting broken bones in the hands, arms, or legs and providing a cast or sling to promote healing
Removing stitches and assessing the health of the wound
Prescribing medications for many conditions, such as blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma
Studying recent breakthroughs in treatments and medications
For medical doctors...they can perform surgeries, such as gathering tissue for a biopsy, cleaning and stitching cuts, and draining abscesses. Before doing this, they usually explain the steps of the procedure to the patient and identify any risks. They may also care for pregnant women and deliver babies on a regular basis if that's their specialty area. Additionally, these medical professionals may diagnose a patient through tests, such as MRI scans. After getting a patient's test results, a medical doctor interprets any abnormalities. Based on what the patient needs, they may then refer the patient to a specialist who can provide specific treatments. They may also be called upon to offer a second opinion of another doctor's diagnosis.
Job responsibilities of a medical doctor include:
Administering vaccines and immunization shots for the flu, hepatitis, and other illnesses
Taking patient phone calls to answer questions regarding medications or minor symptoms
Attending conferences to learn new patient care techniques
Suggesting new protocols for general practices in the hospital