Why I Did Not Apply To Medical School

[@rickyg.3111]

"Medicine is not everything to me" - I felt that.

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Ricky G. Words to live by my man. 👌🏽

[@Youneedalex]

What intrigues me the most about nursing is the physical assessments, writing down important things, and the phlebotomy, versus doctors that has to know every medicine and its effect of their field.

[@LEXZAYful]

Your reason and mine are the exact same. The time in school to become a MD isn’t worth it The stress of having to pay back loans is not worth it The requirement of going back to school is not worth it. I will continue to go for PA

[@alexandertataryn3660]

Great points. I have thought the same about nursing over medical school. In my opinion, I chose nursing over medicine because I wanted to be at the bedside with patients. I love the hands-on skills and I actually really enjoy asking my fellow doctors and nurses for help on the floor if there is a critical patient. The fact of the matter is healthcare is a team sport and it is your decision of which role you want to play in the healthcare sector. For me, nursing is and will always be my choice and I love being a nurse. Hope to one day be an ER nurse. I did, however, toy with going to medical school just to be an ER doctor. Emergency Medicine is my passion and ER doctors are some of the most top of the line individuals who are incredibly knowledgable. But my true passion is being with the patient at the bedside because at the end of the day the patient matters the most and I can see the direct impact I make as a nurse. This is why I didn't choose to become a physician for me, however, physicians are badasses too.

[@lilkoolj577]

I decided on medical school over PA school mainly because of knowledge. With 2 years of PA school, I wouldn't understand as much as I will after 4 years of med school and residency. I don’t simply want to treat patients, I want to understand why, physiologically, they are suffering the way that they are.

[@kaynenbrown5102]

lilkoolj577 🙏🏽🙏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@toopidipoo1153]

Yes, that is a great reason. I was also thinking about that. But medical school is not a vast source of knowledge. In fact, it is all memorization and limited deduction. I think that becoming a scientist would be better. Maybe an MD/Ph.D. would be great. But this degree just incorporates research. When you go to medical school (if you have not already attended it), you will see what I mean. I am not trying to go against your stance. Nor am I trying to dissuade you from becoming an MD. I just made that same mistake and I was really frustrated in class because I had so many questions that could not be answered. Then, I realized that one will never be able to know and understand everything. And that is what is exciting about knowledge, you can never have enough of it and you have to keep on learning all the time. 😊 I think knowledge is acquired through humility, curiosity, creativity, and devotion. Whether someone is a PA or an MD, or a nurse, knowledge is always worthy to be sought. Note, people in the past learned all they had to do on their own, by making mistakes, and letting free their inquisitive nature. I would suggest that while you are in medical school, to do lots of reading (which can be very hard). Also keep a little notebook with all the questions that come in your mind. For instance, when I was learning about the cell cycle, I was able to understand so many things. But, I still had many questions that have not been asked (or at least in my knowledge, published somewhere) about cancer. And I realized that this happened all the time in the courses. MD limits imagination. To cure a disease, you have to be free to question and experiment. In medicine, you just apply what scientists have already discovered (I know doctors have to have great problem solving skills in order to manipulate their knowledge to find a great Tx for their patients). In PA degree, you have much more freedom since you can go from one speciality to another. Well, I think it all depends on the individual. I cannot say much about PA school, since I don’t know its pedagogy.

[@firstclassroadman4433]

lillie , im curious what questions you had that were not answered in med school please . dont mind hitting me with the jargon

[@toopidipoo1153]

first class roadman I asked lots of questions. It depends on the class. They teach a subject, a concept comes up, an idea pops up, and I asked it. I do not remember. But it is normal since medical school teaches the science that you need in order to heal or control a disease. However, as a researcher, you look for something new that has not been questioned. You use the information that is given in order to “speculate” about possibilities and test them. Research is different from medicine. I see it more as a math problem. It is extremely abstract and you manipulate it to make it real. Please, note that I am not saying that being a medical doctor is not good. It is great. In fact, one has to be extremely strong and resilient, disciplined, dedicated, etc... to become a doctor. The same goes for the other fields in medicine (PA, nursing, lab tech, phlebotomists, etc) but they stay within their own scope. Furthermore, the research scientist also approaches his/her field within a specific norm that differs itself from medicine. For example, if you are learning about the cell cycle (CDK/cyclin), signaling pathway, glycolysis, p53, p27, apoptosis, cell prolifération, immunology etc... you gain so much information that can be used in order to understand the concepts of cancer. And maybe along the way, while learning about cancer, a question that has not been approached yet (or in class) comes up, and you ask it. I don’t know how to explain this. Medicine is not about theories, imagination, etc... It uses what you already have and you cannot go against these rules because, if you come up with an idea, this idea has to be proven correct in order to be used. And to show the value of this idea, you have to do experiments that will make you accept or refute an hypothesis. In medical school, you don’t have time for all of this. And that is why I say that to learn about diseases and the human body, medical doctor is not the perfect field. Something in the Biomedical sciences will be better. At the same time, to understand how the science applies itself in the human body in vivo, researches in the biomedical sciences are not the perfect area. Medicine and healthcare professions will be more convenient for these issues. Also, I do not imply that the professors are bad in medical school. They are usually very smart and some of them have a great background in research. But, since you have so much to learn in medicine, questions that you might ask might not be important for this specific field. But if asked in the research area, these questions will be welcomed. Also, if you find that your professors and classmates keep on repeating that you are very inquisitive and that you need to be in research, you will know that research will be a great way to go. Either you become a MD/PhD, a researcher, or you just stay and study medicine. And all in all, this comment that I made was just to state that medicine is not the perfect (and only) way to gain knowledge about the human body.

[@Dom-lr8bq]

You’ll never know everything btw

[@snow6612]

I learn more about myself through you with each video dawg.

[@muggerb8852]

I like that point lucrative salary vs 5-8 years of extra training

[@abdi3650]

I can’t wait your PA journey videos!

[@eduardosantos-xp3iw]

My main concern is not the money, because I feel that doctors make good money to pay off their student loans in 2-5 years and still have a decent lifestyle. What really sucks is the 10-15 years that it takes to become a doctor. like you said “ medicine is not everything “but hey if that’s someones Passion then go ahead.

[@wealthautomations]

Believe it or not most doctors don’t pay off student debt until their mid 40s! They are literally taking out mortgages for their education

[@JT-tx2ns]

right. you don't make money as an attending/resident, but if I took out let's say 250k in loans for med school total. If I make 250k after all the training, It won't take long to pay that off at all! but I definitely see his point.interest rates will make it so your monthly payments can't pay that off unless you're giving in a box and riding a bike to work.

[@kaynenbrown5102]

eduardo santos They make great money.....most will not pay off their debt in 2-5 years. The certainly can, but unfortunate this is not the norm. The average is more around 15-20 years

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Yes, if it’s your passion then go for it!!!😍

[@JT-tx2ns]

Kaynen Brown, BSN, RN thank you for that honesty.

[@Dbf1339]

Yeah medical school is probably the scariest student loan debt I've ever seen hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt with no guarantee of graduation.

[@diaabnasir471]

That’s not accurate. US MD programs have a graduation rate of nearly 100%. It’s very unlikely that someone who enters medical school won’t graduate. Severely unlikely actually.

[@drdumbo9124]

@@diaabnasir471 Agreed, but nevertheless some people still do go unmatched. Or end up in a specialty they did not want to do which is a tough pill to swallow when you spend $3-400k to get there

[@SatoshiSky]

I chose nursing school rather than PA school because I wanted to start a career faster to provide faster and to be more hands on with patients. I want to eventually go to NP or PA school later down the road.

[@onehappyhomemaker]

I decided the PA route for the flexibility and cost. But hats down to the people who decide to pursue the MD/DO route. It’s such huge financial, time, emotional and energy investment. It usually demands more rigorous pre-requisites compared to nursing and PA schools. Great chunks of students get filtered within the first introductory classes. Can’t even imagine having to study for the MCAT which literally takes up half undergrad. In the end, we still need physicians and specialists.. and it really is a sacrifice.

[@wealthautomations]

Definitely agree with you on work life balance! I’m more than likely going to take the CRNA vs DO route. For me family is more important than a career. When it’s all said and done family, not your career will be there for you!

[@kaynenbrown5102]

james jones I feel the same.

[@user-rl7yr4fs1f]

Your 3rd reason is my #1 reason! You explained it perfectly 👌

[@thande5740]

I’ve just been accepted into Nursing school and I start next week Monday!😭👏🏻 just want to say a big thank you! You and many other medical youtubers have really been an inspiration and motivation support system to me!

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Thande you’re so welcome:)

[@tylerbaker4984]

Your reasoning for applying to PA school instead of Med school is the same as mine!

[@HiddenCitizen]

I’ve never met a PA that doesn’t love their job.

[@kaynenbrown5102]

ccardenas2684 truth.

[@Ipomoeas]

The Colour Green she could get her doctorate, and do research/teach.

[@adanne-vx2yn]

Hey there! I just stumbled across your video. I ended up watching a few of your other videos, and I think they are great! I will be starting medical school this fall (I am excited but not excited about the debt haha, but medicine means everything to me even though I will be starting medical school at 30 lol) but I am glad that you and other people have taken the time to share your clinical experiences and interests here on KZbin! It can be so beneficial to prospective students and non-traditional students, so thank you! :D Keep up the great work and best of luck to you in PA school!!! :)

[@RichardOneill]

I love to be a nurse , because you held the patient more closer and see the progress. Right now , I started to working on Critical Care unit ICV in Puerto Rico , and my gold is to move to United state for study Physics Assistant. Thanks for you opinion.

[@stefanieparrish4953]

Love love love the video baby !!! 💞💞💞 我愛你

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Whatttttttttt!! Rocking the old school videos??😍😍

[@myman163]

Can you do a video on what exactly are the responsibilities of a pa

[@OnlyAnimeTings]

A video on the PA position. Like a more in depth of what they do like in emergency medicine for example. Also I love the videos it keeps my mind open to more opportunities and not follow others like sheep. Lol. Favorite KZbinr ever.

[@kathyatorres3215]

I was a pre med student at my freshman year in college, then in my sophomore year I changed to nursing because I want to become a nurse Practitioner! I chose the nursing route, because it’s more flexible.

[@toopidipoo1153]

Thank you for your videos! I really appreciate the time that you have taken to make them (your discipline as well is admirable). I know that PA and NP face a lot of discrimination from patients. One day, someone told me that if I become a PA I will be a subaltern all of my life. I believe that this is one of the reason that people choose MD instead of PA. I did read online that PAs are independent; they just have to contact the doctor when they are facing a challenging case. I am not sure if that is true. I like to be independent and be given lots of freedom to be creative. What are your views on that? Thank you

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Lillie people that say that are not in healthcare. People in healthcare know that those assumptions about PA’s and NP’s are completely false! Thank you so much for your comment and I’m glad you like and appreciate the videos.☺️☺️☺️

[@toopidipoo1153]

Kaynen Brown, BSN, RN please do keep us updated when you go to PA school. It will be a lot of work, even if it is a 6 mns video that explains everything that you have done throughout the month would be great. It does not have to be perfect. It can be once a month video of wisdom and lessons one needs to know about PA school. Thank you

[@toopidipoo1153]

twistedblktrekie I think that one just have to be humble and do what they have to do. We just have to be strong.

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Lillie you know I will:)

[@itsnotgreenitsteal3535]

You made a lot of great points, I couldn't agree more. Keep up the good work x

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Its not green its teal thank you!!

[@jared1014]

Real answer Pa is 2 1/2 years md would be 7 minimum

[@CALISUPERSPORT]

I might have mentioned this on your previous videos, but these are all totally valid reasons to chose PA vs. MD. Luckily there's hundreds of other forum posts and videos on the topic so people can make an informed choice. You REALLY gotta soul search when making this choice. 4 months ago I was 100% in your shoes. Then I discovered a specialty that interests me and decided to do pre-med. As someone who wanted to be an Ortho PA, being an Ortho surgeon seemed like far too much sacrifice relative to my desire towards surgery. Physiatry, on the other hand, hit the sweet spot. If you're on the fence, research as many specialties as you can before making the choice! And like you said if all you care about is money, you may as well try to be an influencer or start your own business, because you won't last in medicine!

[@joshualaughlin2385]

PM&R is the BEST!!

[@josephraydeguzman7987]

Awesome video!

[@reboundingfromnarcissistic5386]

Thanks for this!

[@Tapintherap7238]

Medicine is everything for me either way not getting a life I get rejected all the time lmaoooooo

[@nursefleming8493]

I wanted to apply either CRNA or PA trying to decide

[@kaitlynjones6540]

Why’d you choose PA over NP?

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Kaitlyn Jones Hey, I have a video on the topic:)

[@darlenepaul2934]

Seriously Nps have much more autonomy than pa's!

[@Dee-oq5ms]

@@darlenepaul2934Paul it depends on location and facility, NP's don't always have more autonomy than PA's it's about the same.

[@JavierPerez-fn7ey]

Do you have a video on your PA application process? I am interested

[@NeuroNate24]

Wow great video! All very valid points. I especially agree with number 3 with time being the issue. I definitely resonate with this video and everything you said is exactly what I've been thinking for quite some time now. Considering I'm a non traditional applicant who wouldn't start until almost 33 and not being able to have a life and a normal salary until finishing residency isn't worth it. Being 41 and finally making a salary and paying that debt off at that point isn't worth it. How old r u if I may ask and would your opinion be different if you were 5 years younger? 8 years? 10 years?

[@Deidra.Andrews]

Did you have student loans after you graduated nursing school? If so, how long did it take you to pay them back when you started working as a nurse?

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Deidra Shanee' I did. I have a video on this topic actually. Graduated with $14,400 in student loans. Paid the off in 4.5 months.

[@hamiltonnewhart3053]

To be fair, the debt doesnt really matter when you make 500k-1 mil+ a year as an orthopedic surgeon, etc.

[@kaynenbrown5102]

Hamilton Newhart I don’t really think “debt” and “does not really matter” belong in the same sentence. Surgeons make a lot of money, but they don’t make more money that professional athletes and we have seen how “debt” ruins athlete who make millions which would make a $500,000 surgeon salary not exactly bullet proof. The fact of the matter is MOST doctors take 10-15+ years to pay their loans off.

[@fredflemisterjr.886]

lol very ignorant thing to say. do know how long it takes before you're even making that kind of money? A LONG TIME. And not all doctors make close to a million. Only a few specialties and you have to be a neurosurgeon, cardiothoracic, or high in demand orthopedic surgeon.

[@drdumbo9124]

The psychological toll the debt has is MASSIVE. I'm a physician the debt certainly matters when you spend 7-12 years of your life working towards getting that paycheck. It's a massive opportunity cost and personal cost that you incur.

[@bellefeu4933]

Why PA and not DNP?

[@Ipomoeas]

he did a video on that : )

[@rooterdevin]

Do you have to apply to Med School when your a PA ? Or can you just chose not to

[@Nick-jp4wo]

PA school and Medical school are two completely different things. While the name says Physician Assistant, modern PAs function more as a Physician Associate. They order all tests, prescribe, and do everything that a physician does with one exception. Surgery. PAs normally first assist in Surgery so that means the Physician will be carrying out the surgery and the PA will be Second per se. If the surgeon asks the PA to man the retractors and then asks them to repair a laceration on the pericardium they will do it. In the realm of surgery, everything the PA can do is mostly up to the operating physician. The more capable you are and the better of relationship you have with the operating physician the more you will be allowed to do. Outside the OR you do almost everything a doctor. Exceptions could be intubation, central lines, cricothyroidotomy, etc. With the proper training and the okay of your supervising physician and employer, you can do intubations and all other very complicated procedures. All the extremely advanced stuff is mostly up to you SP and Employer (that's why you need to cultivate relationships). If you are very passionate about meicine pursue advanced training as a PA such as "residency" normally 1 year in specialties such as Emergency medicine and then gain the CAQ for that specific specialty. This shows that you are capable in your field and certification courses such as ATLS, PALS, ACLS, CPR/BLS also help. The reason I am going so far in depth is that a PA is not going to finish "medical school soon" because they are not medical students. This is why PAs can be dismayed when people ask "when are you going to become a doctor". I highlighted what PAs can do because the public is very poorly educated on what they can do and their responsibilities and this is to no fault of their own. The profession has multiple advances to make in terms of public awareness. PA school and Medical school have nothing to do with each other. They are completely separate entities. The most that can happen between eh two is that sometimes universities will have PA and Med students in the same classes because they learn a lot of the same things. However, even when in class otgether they are under separate umbrellas due to them being in two different programs with two different schools. And no, even though I am saying Physician Associate I am not suggesting that PAs replace physicians. With all being done and said there is a reason why PAs have a supervising physician (each one has important roles).

[@rooterdevin]

Nick thank you so much I have a better understanding now.