3 answers
Jodi
Student
Hollywood, Florida
1
Question
Updated
1606 views
Why did you choose MD over PA or PA over MD?
I want to work in the medical field but I am stuck between PA and MD. Both PA and MD had benefits and I just want to know how you were able to choose between the two.
#medicine #healthcare #doctor #physician-assistant #hospital-and-health-care
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3 answers
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
209
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Jodi,
One of the reasons I chose a PA vs MD career path was that I would be able to start practicing medicine sooner. As a non-traditional applicant with several years of work experience in prior careers, this was an important factor for me. It was not a quick decision, but I felt comfortable with the decision after learning of the comprehensive, rigorous generalist medical curriculum in PA schools, as well as the consistency in the curriculum across the more than 200 (at the time I applied) PA programs. I'm now in my third year of full-time primary care practice, and have no doubt that I have the knowledge and skills required to offer uncompromisingly compassionate and evidence-based medical care.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
One of the reasons I chose a PA vs MD career path was that I would be able to start practicing medicine sooner. As a non-traditional applicant with several years of work experience in prior careers, this was an important factor for me. It was not a quick decision, but I felt comfortable with the decision after learning of the comprehensive, rigorous generalist medical curriculum in PA schools, as well as the consistency in the curriculum across the more than 200 (at the time I applied) PA programs. I'm now in my third year of full-time primary care practice, and have no doubt that I have the knowledge and skills required to offer uncompromisingly compassionate and evidence-based medical care.
Let me know if you have any specific questions I can help with.
Hwal
Camiron Pfennig
Physician
5
Answers
Greenville, South Carolina
Updated
Camiron’s Answer
As an MD, you will likely have a greater depth of knowledge as well as greater responsibility. It will take longer to get there, but if you have a personality where you would like to be a true leader of a team, MD may be a better path.
Ravindra Potnuru
Director - PMO
4
Answers
Updated
Ravindra’s Answer
The difference between PA & MD Is number of years in college and the type of work you do after you graduate. PA is usually a 2 year program after undergrad degree whereas MD takes a minimum of 7 years (4 years in Medical School and 3+ years in Residency). Also, MD earn close to 2X salary of PAs. PAs do not perform any surgery whereas an MD depending upon the specialization can perform surgeries.