Lifestyle choice: PA vs. DO/MD as a Climber!

Hey guys!

I've been struggling with the age old choice of PA vs medical school recently, and was curious as to what you guys had to say (I apologize in advance for bringing it up again, ha). I'm really curious to hear some perspectives from PA's or MD/DO's here on the forum. What do you think offers the most flexibility/time-off for climbing and traveling?

I'm currently a pre-med college student working on my undergrad in Biochem, and pretty much climb every chance I get. I've worked as an EMT in a local ER for a while and love the atmosphere. I work with a lot of midlevels and doctors and they all seem pretty pleased with their choice. I've done pretty well in school and I'm pretty confident that I could go either route, at this point. Climbing and venturing outside is pretty much what I live for, and I'm looking some opinions on life satisfaction or happiness as a medical professional.

I'd really appreciate the response! 

Cheers!

MD here. Don't go to medical school. Your climbing will suffer. Be a PA or RN. 

Tim Lutz wrote:

#problemsoftheprivledged

I mean that's basically what this site is though, right? Getting tips on techniques/training/gear/etc in order to pursue a hobby is well within the "first world problem" range. Not sure why anyone should give OP a hard time for trying to make an informed decision. 

i thought this was going to be a pennsylvania versus maryland question.

Benjamin Mitchell wrote:

I mean that's basically what this site is though, right? Getting tips on techniques/training/gear/etc in order to pursue a hobby is well within the "first world problem" range. Not sure why anyone should give OP a hard time for trying to make an informed decision. 

I've read his bio and I'm unconcerned.

Tim Lutz wrote:

he is trying to decide between being a 200k a year doctor or a 100k a year PA.  either the 1% or the 2%, and basing it on climbing rocks.

should he get the 2018 Tacoma or a Sprinter to celebrate?!   only MP can help him decide!   can't wait to find out!!!

ooo definitely the taco

Damn guys lets not crucify OP. He's asking for help 

Your perspective on many things will change within a few years of your career, and then again years later.  Work is different from school.

Don't ask that question here.  

Find a few 40 year-old MDs and ask if they wish they were a PA.

Find a few 40 year-old PAs and ask them if they wish they were an MD.

I'm pretty sure I know the result, but do your own research.

Lardtazium wrote:

Damn guys lets not crucify OP. He's asking for help 

Thanks brother! I'm sure all of us would be thankful for healthcare professionals should they take a nasty whipper!

Luke, if you want some honest answers, PM me. I got my MD and then decided to live in a van and climb full time. 

PA here. Work 3 days a week, 4 off and make a good living but not nearly what an MD would make (depending on your specialty). Pros and cons to both. More commitment to education and training will earn you a better paycheck. I think I made the right choice as I started in my 30's. You're welcome to PM me with any questions.  

Because you are asking this question you must not have a good understanding of what Med school and being a doctor will entail. 

Dave Kos wrote:

Which leads me to posing my question here.

grog m aka Greg McKee wrote:

Because you are asking this question you must not have a good understanding of what Med school and being a doctor will entail. 

Kind of a gnarly over-generalization based on just a typed words by me, but I'll take it. I have enough friends in Medical school or residency to know how hell in can be, which is why I'm in the slight predicament I'm in now.

Medicine takes over your life as an MD. If medicine is not your number 1, 2, and 3 priority, don't be an MD. There are plenty of other ways to enjoy the practice of medicine without being an MD/DO. I know MANY MDs who wish they weren't MDs. That includes junior residents through senior attending physicians. I don't know any RNs, PAs, or NPs who wish they were MDs.

I'm a 4th year medical student, you're welcome to send me a message with questions. I think the bottom line is you have to take all opinions with a grain of salt and do what is right for you. Everyone has a different perspective, but none of them are yours.  

I'd recommend against becoming a physician in the US. The cost is absurd, the hours are uncivilized. 

caesar.salad wrote:

Luke, if you want some honest answers, PM me. I got my MD and then decided to live in a van and climb full time. 

Jealous :-) 

jdejace wrote:

Jealous :-) 

Jean, we actually know each other. I did rotations at MMC and I climb at Evo.

No shit :-) Glad you're living the dream! 

Medicine would most likely take over your life, at least for the duration of Med school and residency. In Med school it will be the academic load, and in residency, crazy schedule. So 7+ years later (depending on your chosen specialty) you will be back to climbing. It does not sound like you are dying to be a physician, so PA is a better option, imo.