Eva Said:

which health care career is most promising?

We Answered:

Out of all of those, according to the government job outlook projections, the one most likely to grow is the PA (in the top 3 jobs, I believe). The PA & the pharmacist are the most highly paid. However, you will need to pick a career that suits your abilities, rather than income. Not everyone is cut out to be a nurse, or a PA or a pharmacist. Since you have not even started, it is hard to predict how you will do. Start off with the basic science & gen ed, as they are required for all those careers and then re-eval. You should really volunteer in a hospital to see some of this as well as talk to these careers and do some shadowing as well.

Megan Said:

The track to becoming a physician assistant?

We Answered:

In southern CA there is only (essentially) Western University of the Health Sciences (I think it's new name is--it was University of the Pacific) and USC (which is very $$$$$). I think Davis in northern CA. The degree is a masters. YOu also need to start volunteering at a hospital. CAPA is the Ca society for PAs and has info.

Lucille Said:

45 y/o FP doc who would like to change careers and apply to Vet school. Chances?

We Answered:

i would call an admissions office at a school you are interested in and talk to them. i wonder if they would waive the gap between prereqs and vet school or the GRE since your already a MD. I recently finished vet school with a few people in their 40s who wanted a change of career. I don't miss staying up all night with emergencies and sleep deprivation.
aavmc.org and avma.org have more info.

Derek Said:

Interested in pursuing career as Physician Assistant… (Degree question)?

We Answered:

No, the masters will be around for plenty of time. There is no consensus even from the profession on the doctorate and there are only 2 programs (one military).

Salvador Said:

What is the perfect plan to purse a career as a Physician Assistant?

We Answered:

I am currently in surgical PA school. I know it is getting harder and harder to get in every year, but your resume sounds good already!!
My advice:
1) be team captain of your cross country team, DON'T quit!!!
2) Work as a C.N.A. or an EMT... i was an athlete in college as well, but managed to gain medical experience at night. It was a pretty good deal, I slept and got paid for it as a home health C.N.A.
3) VOLUNTEER! The more the better, even if it is just one time at each place.
4) keep your G.P.A. above a 3.5.... they say "must have a 3.0 G.P.A. to apply", but getting in is a different story.
5) Have some good doctor friends that respect you... they will be good people to call on for letters of recommendation when you are ready to apply.
6) Have a really great personal essay on your CASPA application, and a really good score on the verbal portion of the GRE... STUDY the vocabulary!! (Even avid readers do not know most of those words)

I hope this helps, good luck to you!!!