Physicians Assistant or MD?

[Anonymous]

My neighbor's daughter just started her medical residency in NYC. She did a detour before medical school and spent 2 years in the Peace Corps. She was always service focused and her joining PC was no surprise. According to her dad, her service in the PC made it easier to get into medical school. While she was a good student, she was not at the top of the class. The schools recognized her commitment of service and it made her a more desirable candidate. I believe she ended up going to University of Michigan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:But... is medicine really the only path for her? I get the pull of sticky footsteps, but there is simply no x profession or bust in life.

ThIS^.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As a physician who has taught NPs, I think being a PA/NP is a perfectly fine profession as long as you accept that there are some limits to your authority and what you can do. Just the fact that PAs are fighting to change their name from physician assistant to physician associate says a lot

Do doctors look down on PAs?

Only when PA thinks of themselves as MD.

[Anonymous]

Her overall science GPA and MCAT score are the biggest factors for med school acceptance. Once those numbers are in, she should talk to her med school advisor at her school. Some students opt for an advanced degree (masters in public health) to raise their GPA, but that takes a few years and more $$. Others, re take the MCAT and apply again in another cycle. It all depends on how motivated she is to become a physician. As an aunt, I would stay out of it.

[Anonymous]

At some schools systems with their own medical schools, post baccalaureate or grad programs are actually guaranteed pathways to those medical schools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:At some schools systems with their own medical schools, post baccalaureate or grad programs are actually guaranteed pathways to those medical schools.

True. Her SLAC does not offer any advanced programs though.

[Anonymous]

I think her parents, her college premed advisor or a private medical school admission consultant are right people to guide her. If you want yo help, you can pay for a consultation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think her parents, her college premed advisor or a private medical school admission consultant are right people to guide her. If you want yo help, you can pay for a consultation.

This.

[Anonymous]

Her old school dad should introduce her to someone in admissions, they'll have better understanding of the process and can guide her for free.

[Anonymous]

Student Doctor Network and Reddit/premed are good forums for parents and students to explore for tips but since her family is wealthy and in medical business, they should use an experienced consultant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:At some schools systems with their own medical schools, post baccalaureate or grad programs are actually guaranteed pathways to those medical schools.

True. Her SLAC does not offer any advanced programs though.

She doesn't have to do it there.

[Anonymous]

There are also nurse anesthetists.

[Anonymous]

Psychologist? If she likes helping people but not the bio part.

[Anonymous]

You’re asking whether your adult niece (whom you didn’t raise) should change her course of study and career path when your niece has not asked for your input, guidance or advice?

Is that right?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You’re asking whether your adult niece (whom you didn’t raise) should change her course of study and career path when your niece has not asked for your input, guidance or advice?

Is that right?

OP. Actually I am expecting her college, with its high medical school placement record to gently guide her. Again, I will support whatever she does but I know there will be disappointment (mainly from her dad) if she’s not an MD. I think it’s naive to say otherwise. The comments about PAs here kind of reinforces that.