Is Physician Assistant really considered a bad career?

[fyfe]

I received an early acceptance letter to the University of Washington's School of Medicine, as well as an acceptance letter for Duke's PA program. Now, I know there are both pro's and cons to each profession and that they are very different in terms of duties, objectives, and responsibility. I have weighed down my options and shadowed a couple of PA's and Physicians for the past two years. Since then, I'm 80% sided with becoming a PA rather than becoming a Physician.

My reasons are personal, I'm actually interested in Medicine, but don't want to commit my entire life to it. It's something I want to do for 12 years and leave for another profession. It seems like you can have a sense of balance between socializing, work, and having your own time for hobbies. I keep telling myself, we live only one life and that you shouldn't be at work 24/7 (even if it's temporarily). I don't mind working just as hard as Physicians, but to be completely honest, I don't have the drive or motivation for medical school nor residency. I have seen what most of the students go through and I am not pleased. I know some PA's who work extremely hard in long hours, but I think it's manageable compared to M.D's/DO's. I wouldn't have to worry about malpractice and the responsibility is greatly reduced, as well as the pay. But, I am not entering the profession for the pay, or else I would major in Finance and join a big four accounting firm or large bank.

However, I have told my parents this and they looked at me with confusion and disappointment (they are both Physicians). They keep telling me "you have lots of potential and don't sell yourself short." Most people are saying, PA is not a bad career, but the pay is just on the low side. Others have said "you don't want to regret not going to medical school when you get older, as many PA's do."

I'm in between a really serious dilemma, it seems like society plays a large role in my decision making of a career since the M.D's/D.O's make the large sums of money, holds the status as a doctor, and they have a higher sense of autonomy. Perhaps, it's my pride? I don't know, many people are just telling me to do what you want to do. I'm just worried that people will probably look down on me as being a P.A. and not being smart enough on becoming a Doctor. What do you think?

[matyas]

There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a PA or NP.
I think it's actually a smart choice.
You'll be debt free a lot sooner.
You won't have the committment to running a practice or business that many physicians are stressing over, and you won't have to worry as much about insurance issues.
And you can have the flexibility to change career areas much much easier.

There are people who don't understand the career; but then again there are people who don't understand the way that medicine is changing, either.

[vruyk]

You are reiterating some of "they" said. First very few PAs regret not going to med school when they are older. Second, many PAs make a very very good salary. Third, the concept that you became a PA because you could not get into med school is no longer true. (many like yourself get into both). And lastly, no one looks down on PAs anymore (maybe in the very early stages of the profession when people did not know what they were). If you will be happy being a PA, become one. Then you find a job that makes you happy as well-where you are respected for what you are. Your parents will get over it. You do what you want. Medicine has also changed a great deal, and is not what it used to be in general. To do something for status & money alone is ridiculous. And docs don't make large sums of money anymore either, LOL.