Hey guys,
Sorry for the long absence. I don't know if people are actually stopping by anymore. Frankly, I probably would have stopped too. I am often times really busy, and even when I do "have time" to get on here I either want to sleep, or I actually should be studying. Either way, I finally made it to the second year!!!! Woo Hoo!! -- For all those just not starting the 1st year some words of advice: 1) Remember that it is only temporary, 2) Study as much as you can but realize that realistically you can't learn it all in the short period of time you have - get the just and move on, 3) Stay away from negativity - it truly will only bring you down as well and God knows you won't need any help, 4) Try to remember your health - as hard as it will be to do that, 5) You won't like every professor and chances are you will find something about each one that you don't like - do what you can with what they give you and then be a big boy or girl and find out what you need to do to get the information you need to pass, 6) Probably most importantly - if you have a significant other/bestfriend/close family member(s) DONT FORGET ABOUT THEM - set aside one night a week where you spend time with that person and carve that time out early!!, 7) Remember, you aren't going to get an A on every test/assignment/check-off, get over that quickly and save yourself the stress, do the best you can and move on, 8) If you aren't getting the grades you think you deserve figure out why and change whatever it is that you need to change in order to get what you think you deserve - whatever that means for you.
Those are just a few things that come to mind at the moment. I don't mean to sound harsh but this is the reality of PA school. A lot of the time it is going to suck, and it is going to be really hard. But honestly ask yourself, "What did I expect?" Now I will agree that you most likely did not expect this. But if you sit down and analyze the situation for a second it may make sense. You are in an accelerated "medical school" program. Of course it is going to be difficult, and of course it is going to seem like there is no way you can learn it all, because you can't! To be perfectly honest, no one expects you to know it all right now; that would be impossible. However, you will learn. You will learn more than you think you are. Just when it seems as though your brain can't hold another single fact about the cardiac system, low and behold it gets in there somehow.
It's an intense ride, but it is a worthwhile one (see blog title above). As long as you can keep that perspective you will be able to get through it. God speed and happy reading!
M-R
P.S. - My internet access is limited at my current rotation so it may be another while before I can get back on here. However, I will do my best to update you guys on my rotations so far. See ya then!
2 comments:
I just happened to run across your blog and was hoping to ask you a few questions about PA job prospects.
I am currently a law school student and actually have a pretty decent job lined up, but am really, really thinking about completely switching gears and getting into the health care profession (my sister is a pharmacist and my bro has worked in the health care industry).
I really am only wondering about job prospects, however. Now, please don't think I am only in it for the money, but to be honest, if I am to make a total career change like this I need to know the cold, hard facts.
When I went into law school, I had been told repeatedly that law would provide me with a stable and lucrative career. I now know that such is simply not the truth (see abovethelaw.com, bigdebtsmalllaw.wordpress.com, etc.).
I am still young (25), did very well in undergrad (3.97 GPA) and received As in the only science classes I took (A in Biology and Physics).
I realize I need to go back and do some prereqs, but would only need about 16-20 hours of extra credits (I could know those out in a year and a bit max). I would also need some hands-on experience as I have read that such experience is necessary to be accepted into many/most PA schools. I also realize that it is very competitive to get into many/most PA schools.
I simply am now interested in job prospects. Mostly, I do not want to invest 60K and 2-3 years of my life switching careers only to face the same job instability and job prospects that I face now as a soon-to-be lawyer.
So, how much do you know about job prospects as second year PA student? For example, if you don't get absolutely stellar grades (ie ~top 25%), will you still be guaranteed a job? Just as a reference, about half of my law school class currently has NO job prospects.
What are the starting salaries on the low end for those that can't get killer jobs? As a reference, half of my class will make 40-50K their first year with little to no benefits.
Please don't point me towards government websites that purport to give you salaries for different professions. They are sadly quite inaccurate for the legal profession, and are likely inaccurate for others. I need some real perspective from those that are trying to get jobs, or who recently got jobs. In short, I'd like the worst-case scenario.
For a lawyer, the worst-case scenario is incurring 150K of debt over three years (all while not working), and then facing having to accept an offer worth 35K with NO benefits (ie no health benefits, professional fees, etc.) working 50 raw hours a week.
What's the worst case scenario for PA students at your school (or at other PA schools)?
I'd appreciate any insight you can provide me, or to other avenues that may be able to give me answers to my questions. Thanks!
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