I'm a nurse and I originally applied for the Np program, however, I finally decided i wouldn't be happy answering to a physician forever. I'm starting prerequisites for MD school next month. Thanks for being an inspiration.

I’m an NP and have been for 24 years. I was an RN for 14 years before getting my masters in nursing. So now 38 years total of being a nurse and I am happy with my career. I’ve helped a lot of people along the way. Thank you SO much for this video. It was very respectful of NP’s and PA’s and I appreciate it. I have really never had a “problem” with having a collaborative physician. They have all been very supportive of me, my role and what I can bring to the table. We are all in this together and collaboration is a huge part of everyone’s role in healthcare.

I became a PA through the U.S. Air Force Health Professions Scholarship Program. They covered my tuition and books 100% and paid me a monthly stipend which was more than enough for living expenses. I graduated PA school debt free and with some money in my pocket. Best educational decision I ever made. I have been practicing for over 5 years and loving every minute of it.

I'm a PA and I wanted to become a PA. My message to all of you on the fence is that if you've ever seen yourself as a doctor - go to medical school and do your time. There are no shortcuts. I'm happy being a PA and I make really good money in the ER. But you'll never be happy being a PA if you want to do surgeries or call 99% of the shots (the other 1% being administrators and politicians telling you what to do).

I started medschool 6 years ago, and this year in august I will finally be done!

Wrapping up my second semester of physics, taking it one step at a time to reach my goal. I have a long way to go but I will get there no matter what. It’s a marathon not a sprint

Great video! During my 18 years of being a Critical Care RN I've only met one physician that changed their specialty mid-career. He went from internal medicine to Anesthesiology in his mid-forty's.

this is hard, I'm currently having this struggle. I know I am meant to lead and like the autonomy part of MD, but at the same time I like the freedom to learn other specialties ..

The beauty of career choices of medicine you can pick and choose wherever you want. I am FNP I do not regret my decision and proud of those who pursue being a doctor. You have to find your niche in what role you choose. It takes dedication perseverance and focus!!

Dear Dr. Antonio Webb, Thank you for this video. It has helped me decide that I want to become a MD. I have been driving myself crazy for the past few years trying to decide if I wanted to be an engineer, ibanker, CRNA, Dentist, or computer scientist, and so on. I hope your health is good and your life is great. Best

Thank you for making this. I’m still stuck between PA and med school

“I didn’t want to answer to anyone” yeah I get it, especially after being in the military following orders.

You can’t switch specialties as an NP. You have to go back to school to specialize. Only PA’s can switch specialities without any schooling.

It’s interesting to see the increasing autonomy of NP’s and PA’s over the years, especially in primary care

You’re such a badass. The way you simply described your reasons at the end of the video for becoming an MD really got me.

Pretty cool that I found your channel. I actually know a person that works at your hospital and has met you and your attending.

I just got into PA school and am starting May 18th. My dream is to work in ortho and I have shadowed several ortho PAs and MDs. I love watching your videos and can’t wait to begin my journey!

Dr. Webb I have got selected in M.S in Orthopedic Surgery residency in India and it is for 3 years. Thank you for your support 😊

I want to be a CRNA. A lot of things that Antonio says inspires me and his journey. He is an example of if you really want something and you work tooth and nail for it, it can be done.

I went to a sports medicine magnet program in high school and I’ve always been into podiatry and bones but I also want to raise a family so I think I’ll b sticking to PA and focus on ortho and sports med :)

in the rest of the medical field, it's a blend. But in the OR, it's a whole different world.

Great video. I'm a DNP. A recent study showed that DNPs who took a simplified version of the USMLE had very low pass rates (about 30%). New medical school graduates have a 98% pass rate, btw. The level/quality of training is not at all comparable. If you want to be a doctor, just go to medical school. Yes, we NPs and PAs do play an important role but...

I’ve been a registered nurse for 16 years before before becoming a nurse practitioner ...looking forward to an advancement in my career

Thank you so much for this. Even though I have near perfect grades at an Ivy League and am a good candidate for medical school, my parents keep trying to pressure me to do PA school instead specifically because they want whats best for themselves, not me. Part of the reason is that they really want me to be in a more traditionally feminine role because I am a lesbian and they hate that. They think that by forcing me into traditionally feminine roles, I’ll eventually have no choice but to eventually be so desperate for survival and have no choice but to decide to pretend I’m straight for the rest of my life. They would rather I be an elementary school teacher or a nurse than be wealthy or happy. I am not going into medicine for the money, but seriously, my mom has spent years trying to force me to become an elementary school teacher or quit school and become a manicurist- things that people just do not make a basic living doing in our modern world (at least where I’m from, teachers were so underpaid that the majority could not survive without food stamps and housing assistance and make less than the average bartender). I get that PA school is a good decision for some people, but it’s not for me and I’m sick and tired of being pressured into it, especially when they start pulling out anecdotal evidence of that one rare PA that makes more money than a doctor. This video is the first time I’ve heard someone unapologetically admit that PA is not better than MD for everyone. We should just give people the information and let them decide what’s best for them. Thank you for your great work.

I'm currently in my nursing school, but most likely going into PA school afterwards. If I were younger I would have chosen to go to medical school, but unfortunately I decided to do a career change when I was almost 40 years old... 🤦🏻 I didn't want to do 13+ years of schooling and not be able to start seeing the fruits of my labor until I was 55 years old.

MD route is just so long. You really won't start seeing the money until like 15 years later due to high debt after finishing school and the quality of life for med students and residents is just not good. With that being said I would have to say that it's worth it for the surgeon specialty. I am no surgeon but I would do all the hard, long, and exhausting work just to be a surgeon.

This guy is inspiring a lot of people. I’m starting my prequisite courses next week. I’m an EE major and my courses are complicated but I picked up an extra 6 classes to apply for med school

Great video! Also for anyone who is an aspiring MD and worried about loans, don't be! You can attend an MD school and get scholarships. Certain schools give you free education, like NYMed, or you can qualify for loan repayment programs, or other institution scholarships. I think there is a lot of misconception among minorities especially about doctors taking too much debt but that's changing. Don't give up!

Study for my MCATs now about to apply for my SMP next fall

Thanks for the very informative video Dr. Webb!

Wonderful video Dr. Webb! I'd just like to add that NP schools usually require nursing work experience before going into NP schools whereas PAs may not necessarily have any previous healthcare background.

Just a thought: Because of the extra 7-11 years (4 college + 4 med + 3-7 residency/fellowship) to become an MD/DO over a simple BSN, in the long run, it will take roughly 20 years for the doc to catch up in gross wealth. This is assuming the BSN prepared nurse works 3-4 shifts per week averaging 80-100k/year (with some OT and call), is frugal, and puts 30% of full salary into a market fund (sp500 + bonds 80/20 for example). Doing this, doctors will 100% make more money per year than a BSN nurse, however, the BSN nurse will have more money than a doc for almost their entire careers. Do what you want to do, and never choose something because something else* seems too far away.

I’m happy you became a doctor too. Black men in medicine are needed. I’m a PA for 21 years and thought about medical school but the passion wasn’t there. I’m also an Army veteran. On plan to retire in 4 years at 55. Medicine has changed and is becoming more challenging.

I am doing my PA in UK. Your videos are really interesting. Thank u

Hi doctor web, I am aspiring to be a surgeon and I am starting to shadow at hospitals. I am super excited 😊

While it may be a serious reason, saying 'In it for the higher compensation' does not seem adequate for a med school interview answer...

Love the whole idea of autonomy honestly one of the reasons I went back to school and left the navy was to not be told what to do for a bit. If I get the grades definitely will be looking into HSPS scholarships for med school. Half way through my bachelors!

There are specialty programs for NPs. I'm currently in an Acute Care DNP program. In most states, we can practice autonomously, but many choose to work as part of a care-team - which includes an MD. Entering medicine later in life (40YO) I was not interested in 12-14 yrs to become an MD. I was more interested in caring for the person and not working against the disease. I did an accelerated BSN program (1Yr) worked 4 years in different ICUs and then applied to the DNP program, which is 3yrs long. The advantage of a DNP is it's a terminal degree. I can move from bedside care to administration w/o having to go back for more formal schooling.

i’m in high school and also in a medical magnet school. i’ll be entering college next sure and not sure if i want to go the nursing or doctor route. feeling a little stressed out with this. God help me!

I'm 13 and An icu doctor told me since I wanted to go in Healthcare I should be an PA it sounds interesting and Very good I will try it if surgery dosen't go good for me

This video is awesome. I really wish that you or somebody else would do this from the patient perspective. How should a patient know when they should see a PA versus a doctor? I know people say that when it’s more complicated that you want the doctor, and of course, this is assuming that both providers are excellent providers. I am well aware that there are PAs that are better than some doctors, but this question is more if you should insist on the excellent doctor when maybe you can get in sooner to see the excellent PA or leave that appointment with the doctor for somebody who needs it more than you.

Thank you for the awesome insight!

You definitely do have to answer to your supervising physician but they don't sign off on all your notes and prescriptions. Supervision specifications vary by state but it's only a limited number of charts they have to review in sign. A lot of PA's work very closely with their supervising doc when they start out to so the level of supervision can change over time as well. When I have my own clinics I'm working totally independently with the doc available if I have something usual pop up. When I'm assisting with their clinic it depends on the doc, some will still see the patient, others will not (so can still be fairly independent). You have to get to a point where you know how each doc thinks/practices and so that they trust you judgment first though. Also most surgical PA's/NP's I know do take call and weekend rounding. At least in my area this was the case. Always a doc on backup though for surgical emergencies.

Honestly, as a nurse (RN), the rise in NPs is scary because of how their education and schooling is not regulated. I've seen RNs get straight into NP school after graduating, some with minimal experience, etc. It is not safe, especially since some have autonomy. I would never get into NP school if I want to prescribe meds, diagnose, etc because I feel that I will be not only putting patients in danger but also myself. 2 years is not enough, some only offer online schooling. I don't understand how you can learn alot in those 2 years... It's just not safe. Although the pay is attractive and the time to be allowed to practice is amazing, but is it really worth it? So risky. There is a reason why it takes a while to be a doctor and having doctors in my family, I know my nursing experience cannot be compared to their experience and vice versa. A dietician's experience is different to a physiotherapist's... even an assistant nurse's experience is different to a registered nurse's.

Great video!! Love the advice

One of the last honest voices in healthcare.

Yes, there are pros & cons to all three professions , you just have to decide what appeals to you

Hi Doc, when applying to medschool and if this question gets asked why medicine and not NP or PA, would it be appropriate to respond with that kind of answer like you mentioned comparing length, autonomy, etc.? In my opinion, it seems difficult to answer in a way that doesn’t sound as humble or altruistic... And that’s so awesome that you were prior military and have applied for the PA Program in the military, because my journey sounds similar except I’m still a premed all these years lol. I am even more inspired and I respect that you came from that background!! Thank you for sharing your journey, Doc!!!

I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life after high school. I had no guidance and 1st gen college student. Life happened, ups and downs I ended up dropping out. I decided at 25 that I wanted to become a doctor. I talked myself out of it. Was able to finish my BA in Biology at 28. 4.0 GPA. I was discouraged about my age convincing myself that I wanted to be a mother and that it would be impossible especially during residency being almost 40 by the time I finished. I went to PA school and the rest is history. I wish at 18 I had my mind made up with what I wanted with my life at the time. Hell at 18 I was still raising my hand to go to the restroom.

Dr. Webb, thank you for this video! Just to let you know NPs can either obtain a Doctor of Nursing Practice or a Ph.D not a Doctor of Nurse Practitioner

I chose the PA route for several reasons, but mainly because I have a number of specialties I want to experience. MD doesn't allow that type of flexibility. Also, I've had some MDs encourage the PA route due to be able to practice without the hassle of managerial tasks

Videos are amazing like having a video MENTOR I am in the medical field and decided to progress more in the field 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳🧐🤓💯🎯

Dr Webb NPs cant switch specialties that easily. Only PAs can change without much issue. A NP can do family or acute care. Within family you can specialize in pediatrics, internal medicine, or geriatrics. Acute care is more the ER Side of the fence

I'm just trying to become a phlebotomist. The bureaucratic hurdles are very forbidding

I wish I had the brain power to be a doctor, a PA, or an NP. I suffered pretty serious brain damage as a child. But being an MD, and particularly a surgeon means super-long hours. That wouldn't be for me.

Maybe the best path is to be RN and then go to Med school, because unexpected things happen in life and you will have a base to start again.

MD!!! if it's what you truly want. If not, don't dare. If you just want the white coat, seeing patients and having that "Doctor" feel -- NP/PA is better. MD is lifetime suffering if not for the right reason.

I chose pa for work life balance

The degree is Doctor of Nursing Practice. Not Doctor of nurse practitioner. And as a DNP provider I do not answer to an MD at any time. Just wanna make sure every one is getting the correct information.

10 years ago PA school denied me saying “I can only see you as an MD. 40 post bacc credits paid in cash at $40,000 and now at age 53 FU I’m going to be a MD

Can you speak on your time in the military, more specifically how you felt about the time it took to get where you are and your age. I’m currently 31 I did 10 years in the navy and I’m currently scheduled to get my associates In in two months I am choosing the RN route because I want to be a SRNA/ CRNA but I still feel uncomfortable about the age gap between myself and my classmates if not for the uncomfortableness I think I would try to for a MD did you experience anything like that what was the average age in your medical classes

As a African American Male, do you think I will be respected as a PA or should I just go to Medical School? I'm leaning towards a PA because I would only need 2 more years of School which means less Student loan. Another Option I'm looking into is Optometrist.

I think NPs need formal education or certifications to switch specialties. I don't think NPs can assist in surgery but PAs can. Please correct me if I am wrong

I have never heard of an np making more than an MD

Please talk about the AA profession. A lot of people are unaware it even exists.

Dr. Webb, you are my "IDOL" but I have to CORRECT you as a member of the nursing profession. NP's cannot move laterally and have to specialize within a certain area of practice. And they specialize by "population" such a women health, mental health, pediatrics, acute care, etc. Therefore, if an NP wants to change specialties, they have to go back to school and get the training. It is not as extensive as the medical route but they cannot move laterally like a PA. At the moment, the DNP is optional but by 2025 all entering CRNA's will have to attain a DNP in order to practice or sit for boards and the nursing profession is moving in this direction. Over 23 states now allow NP's to practice independently of physicians and the vast majority of the other 27 states allow for collaborative agreements. Supervision of NP's is less likely when compared to a PA. It all depends on the location and I hope this help and is not offensive.

I'm a future PA who wants to specialize in emergency medicine or anesthesiology.

Excellent choice.

If you were in the military trying for military medical programs did you think about the uniformed medical school?

Love your videos Dr. Webb!! I’ve been an LPN for 8 years and I am finally graduating with my RN in 21 days !! I’m 32 now do you think it’s to late to start the medical school route ? I likely have another year and a half of pre reqs.. thanks for all your videos !!

As a EMT, I always loved shadowing a MD or PA when I worked in the hospitals. NP were always annoying or had bad attitudes. I have yet to met a nurse who loved being a NP, besides Nurse Anesthetist

This may sound like a silly question, but if anyone has advice I would love to hear it. I wanted to be a midwife when I was 17 but followed different twists and turns. I also wanted to become a doctor because I'm fascinated with the depth of knowledge and the leadership role. . . but I didn't want (as some other females mentioned on here) to derail having a family in the near future or become a mom while in residency. I'm 33 and now in an accelerated bachelor's program for nursing. I plan on applying to grad school for a dual degree, becoming a family NP and midwife. I'm halfway through my BSN program and wishing I was learning things that excite me more, like more pathology and medical diagnoses. Half of me still wishes I went to medical school, or went the PA route because it's modeled on the medical school model. I'm still going to stick with my NP plan. . . but to become a really good future general practitioner, will I need to study a lot on my own? Will I always have gaps and 1000x less knowledge because I didn't go a more rigorous route like med school?

Got my bachelors in chemistry. Honestly I've aways wanted to be an MD but I know my grades will prevent me from getting into any school. I've decided to do the next best thing in my opinion and that is go to nursing school with the ultimate goal of becoming a CRNA.

ive always wanted to be a pediatrician but i didn't realize how hard it is too get into medical school then i thought of being a NP but i wanna be a pediatrician but im scared of failer and being in dept.

Is it true that MD’s don’t have time for family and life in general? I heard horror stories that MD’s don’t have a “balanced” work&family lifestyle as opposed to NPs who are more of a “9-5” type of job

Hello Doctor Webb, I’m a 20 year old Community college student, I am gonna go for the ADN program that my community college has, then I’ll do a ADN to BSN program, then become a Registered Nurse, but lately I been thinking about Becoming a PA, is been on my mind a lot lately. What would you say to someone in my situation?

Why I became an NP. Just cuz it’s what I did

I dont mean to be mean I generally have aquestion What I dont understand is how a PA can diagnose ,make decisions and treat a patient why half the years of university and no residency. It seems to me that it is a short cut for becoming a doctor and I am all for it!

i actually learned a lot!!

Truthfully, I want to become a MD. I'm 19 and I have a 3 month old daughter, I want to show her women can accomplish anything and I want my boyfriend to become his dream as well but I don't want to be in a situation for how many years not having an income for my daughter. Relying on my boyfriend that whole time. I do know in the long run it will be worth it. I would have a hard time becoming PA or NP and thinking that could be me, the MD. Does anyone have tips in my situation or ideas?

I want to be a physician because I believe part of being black is society's expectation that we cannot reach the top. I do not want to conform to society's messed up standards of my race so while being a PA or NP might be easier, I will push myself to go MD.

I’m 37 and I’ve been a nursing assistant for 18 years. I work in the ICU at a Hospital. I’ve always wanted to be Doctor that works in Internal medicine. But I’m just wondering am I to old now to go to medical school? If so I was just going to go for RN even though that’s not what I really want to do.

Don't compare each of these profession they are unique in their own way.

hey man, question. I will be about 42 when I would finish residency if everything goes well with school etc. Is that too old or should I not do MD school. I would have loans and all that.

I know you compared the length of schooling between the different careers but do you think you could speak to the difference in intensity? For example, we know med school is longer but how much more rigorous is the studying than PA or NP schooling?

Thanks for explaining the differentences. Sorry I can’t spell

I Love the look

Need med school to be a surgeon.

I’m an MD and there are no substitute

Sorry, what do you mean by not having to take call for NP/PA’s?

Hi. I am 30 years old mom of 3 kids. How you think is it to late to become MD? I am going to clip program now.

A NP can not switch to other specialties like you say. The NP programs are now divided by subspecialties. An Adult care nurse practitioner cannot see pediatrics or women's health. a nurse practitioner is not supervised by a physician - the physician is a collaborator - He does not have to countersign her prescription. The PA needs to be supervised and have prescription countersigned. Get your facts straight. Things have changed.

Who is the best person to get a letter of recommendation from? eg; teacher, collage president and etc.

Also I go to a healthscience and engineering magnet school also its 6-12 grade

Hello Can A PA do Neuromedicine as a speciality please.

Baam :) attractive work you have here

I go to An Magnet program that offers Healthscience and Engineering!

So…what I’m hearing is autonomy and salary? For NPs Salary can be countered by working a PRN job or taking a travel assignment as an RN since it’s so flexible. The autonomy depends on the specialty like you mentioned. Surgery being the most physician heavy but many other specialties it’s more teamwork than hierarchy at the provider level.

The thing about PA that I like the most is how you can choose to work in any specialty whenever you want without having to go back to school, can’t do that as an NP or MD from what I understand.

hello Dr webb. you are awesome. can u please talk about women in surgery. can u encourage women.