re: Any dr&#39;s or pa&#39;s on the board?

Posted by Goldrush25

San Diego, CA

Member since Oct 2012

33794 posts

Posted on 8/20/14 at 11:54 am to lsucoonass

PA here. If you're asking, you should go to PA school. It was the right decision for me. My schedule is set. When the day's over, I go home and leave work at work. I get a fair amount of autonomy, but you have to earn that.

I believe the best doctors know that it's a calling for them. Being a physician isn't just a career, it's a lifestyle. Job comes first always.

2 ...

Posted by lsucoonass

shreveport and east texas

Member since Nov 2003

68462 posts

Posted on 8/20/14 at 11:58 am to Goldrush25

Well I'm used to long hours so that's no biggie. Yeah ill go the pa route.

Posted by Winkface

Member since Jul 2010

34377 posts

Posted on 8/20/14 at 12:01 pm to tgrbaitn08

Shreveport is a bit bigger 35 or so. New Orleans is 30. New Orleans is listed as an MPAS program whereas Shreveport lists the MPAS as a separate program.

Posted by RadTiger

Member since Oct 2013

1121 posts

Posted on 8/20/14 at 12:07 pm to Winkface

If there is a question go to PA school.

Posted by TypoKnig

Member since Aug 2011

8928 posts

Posted on 8/20/14 at 12:07 pm to Goldrush25

quote:
I believe the best doctors know that it's a calling for them. Being a physician isn't just a career, it's a lifestyle. Job comes first always

While I generally agree with this, I would add that there are medical specialties that do allow for life outside of medicine.

Posted by saderade

America's City

Member since Jul 2005

25737 posts

Posted on 8/20/14 at 12:10 pm to TypoKnig

I would only go to medical school if I really wanted to be a doctor and nothing could convince me otherwise. The hours are long and it takes a significant number of years to complete all of the training. The bright side is you will get paid pretty damn well

Posted by WeeWee

Member since Aug 2012

40138 posts

Posted on 8/20/14 at 12:16 pm to lsucoonass

quote:
Yes I completed undergrad and have a masters in exercise physiology. I'm leaning more towards pa. Would like to go to lsu Shreveport. I plan to use my post 9/11 gi bill. Medic is my mos in the army.

I would lean pa too (if I was in your situation). Shreveport is strict about the being a Louisiana resident for med school ( idk if military has different rules ). Dr Kennedy loved to tell kids to go to MC and get a masters in biomedical science. Plus pa school you can use the gre and the MCAT is getting harder next year

Posted by WeeWee

Member since Aug 2012

40138 posts

Posted on 8/20/14 at 12:18 pm to lsucoonass

quote:
I'm 32. I already talked to chairwoman of the pa school in person while I was on leave earlier this year. My post 9/11 would pay all my tuition since I'm still an la resident plus books and housing. My gut and brain tells me to go the pa route.

listen to them. Pa school 2.5 years plus the prereq, med school 9 years

Posted by CenlaMikePA

Member since Jul 2009

1027 posts

Posted on 8/20/14 at 12:19 pm to saderade

I'm a PA as well. Graduated LSU Shreveport 4 years ago. I agree the autonomy is nice once earned. Starting salary is around $75k but can increase significantly with experience. Also if you are willing to work there are a number of opportunities in walk in clinics and ER's to make extra cash.

I saw someone mention schools offering masters vs bachelors. My class was the last to graduate when it was still a bachelors. I haven't seen that matter one bit as far as salary or job opportunities go.