PA school has crossed my mind. But I really want to do surgery. Can you do surgery as a PA? As far as medicine "sucking", I hope I never feel that way. I Love medicine, and I want to be in this field because I would and will be fine finishing in my late 30's and paying for school forever. But, only time will tell what will happen, you never know.

Hi Jackie- yes PAs do surgery. As a PA you can go into all kinds of fields but you are never really your own boss. I saw alot of PAs not happy with their lack of autonomy which is what drove me more to the physician career. At the end of 15 years of training sometimes I wonder what life would have been like as a PA. Overall still happy as a physician even after debt and the time/personal sacrifices it took. Good luck!

Thank you! Not to knock the PA thing, but I really want to be a doctor, not their assistant. I am not going to write it off yet, but it is not calling me. I think by the time I start applying, I will know what to do!

Hi Jackie, I am a 33 year old mom with one child and seriously considering going into pre-med then onto med school. I want this as much as you do. For me it is confidence level. I love medical too. I worked for a hospital for 8 years and relate to the love for med and helping others, but I fear that fam will not be behind me either. I told my husband not to talk about my dream just because of that same fact that my fam will curb my appetite for the medical School. I can not help how I feel inside, I want this too. Yes it is a lot of school and a lot of work but, how can we deny how we feel. It is not about the money, it is not about the malpractice insurance that is sky rocketing, but about those that we get to help in the end when the look at you with a face that says thank you for saving my life. So please keep fighting the good fight and push, be the one stand up there on the stage with the degree that says you are now an MD

Hi Browpe! Thank you for writing to me! Its weird for people to think we would ever want to spend so much time working on a goal like this. But for us, we can't imagine any other way! Right?! Becoming a doctor is in your heart, it's in your soul, its who we are. Nothing anyone could ever say can remove that love. Medicine is a way of life and its a life I want to live. I applaud you and every mom on here that has taken their life into their own hands to make their dreams come true. Everyone is put here to do something, this is what we should do. I try to keep faith in that, especially when we have people around us who don't support or understand it.

On another note- I just wrapped up my bio class and is on to genetics next semester. Oh yes and more math. yay I love science. So fun! Being home with my daughter and niece is proving to be a challenge. The word that runs through my head all day is balance. What has to give a little today. Is it the laundry? is it playing in the snow with the girls? Finding the balance that allows me to do everything is never going to magically appear one day. Allowing for a little give allows for the time needed to study and time preciously spent with my baby. I have this fear now that I will only get to have one. Don't get me wrong, if I am going to just have one, than she is the best one to have had! But I always thought I would have more. I do love being a mom. But I really want to be a doctor. My daughter on some level will always need me, but not to the degree she needs me now. I want to make sure I feel fulfilled later in life too, when I don't have children to completely focus on. Does that sound bad? I just mean you have to live for yourself too, you know? Right?

Ok, now I just feel guilty for even saying that.

Hello! This is my first post so here goes...I am a mother of 4 and have been in family practice for 11 years. I had my first child in internship, second in residency and 2 more in practice. I have always felt guilty and work very hard to find a balance. You have to feel good about what you do, being a doctor and being a mom. I admit it is hard and I wish I had thought more about this before entering the career arena. It can be done, just find your balance. Some mothers work part time and this is a great option if you can do it financially. I have been fortunate to have my husband stay at home. This took pressure off but at the same time, there are moments I feel resentful he gets to have the time with the kids and I miss alot. Just remember, you cant take care of anyone else if you dont take care of yourself. Good luck! It is manageable and can be very fulfilling, both being a great doctor and a great mother.

Welcome, doctormom4!

Yes, Welcome doctormom4! It is always really nice to hear from a mom who has done this already. I hope to one day be in your shoes!

So, In the quest of becoming a new person in 2011. One who is studying harder and making every stride to be the best mom, wife and student. I have now decided to take on a marathon. I think I can do all of this, again, balance. Balance is the word for my 2011. That and Karma. My classes I think are manageable, so I think the running could fit in. Taking into consideration what doctormom4 said that "you cant take care of anyone else if you don't take care of yourself". I need to start stress relieving somehow. I think the running will help, and if nothing else cut down the pounds I put on from eating and studying, I've GOT to stop doing that!

jackie - congrats on the great goal of a marathon. I just ran an "urbanathlon" in chicago-an 11 mile run with obstacle course. It was so much fun, the best race I have ever done. I sign myself up for something new each year. This year its a 15mile run in May.

You are on your way and will be great at all you strive to be. I have had some tough days at work recently but when I reflect on the patient care part, it is so worth it. And my kids, well they are just amazing and I marvel at the young men they are becoming. Happy New Year to all!!