Soul Searching and Final Decision

Ever since I found out I didn't get into KU I have been debating about applying to PA school.  I eventually decided that I would go ahead and apply to both programs, and hopefully get into KU.  The reasoning for applying to PA as well was if I didn't get into KU, I would then focus my efforts on PA school. Well, after a lot of debating and agonizing, I have decided to pursue PA school over medical school. I know that I am very close to getting an acceptance to medical school, but if I had both offers on the table and had to choose one today, I would choose PA school.  It is two years versus SEVEN at a fraction of the cost and I will be able to do the same things a doctor does, with a few exceptions.  The initials behind my name are not the reasons I am going into medicine, so really, the decision wasn't a hard one after all. Plus, being a PA-C will actually allow me more freedom in the area and field I want to practice, and I will still make a very decent living. If my circumstances were a little different - if I was younger or single, then I would stick with the medical school track, but I have a family and that changes things.  It limits the schools I can apply to and most importantly, I want to be able to take vacations and spend time with them sooner, rather than later. I don't feel as if I'm "settling" on a career because I will still be practicing medicine and I know I will love it.  I am a little sad I won't be "Dr. White," but the name isn't important, it just sounds cool.  :o) I feel as if a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.  I am at peace with my decision. 


Now I get to go home and burn sell my MCAT review books.