PA or MA after MD degree

[Dr.MK]

DOes anyone know anything about getting a PA, MA, MD/PhD or MPH degree after an MD degree. It sucks that I didnt match this year, and I have no choice but wait and apply again starting sept. But I need to keep my options opened, incase, god forbid, i do not match nxt yr either. Rather waiting n hoping to get residency I would like to "do something with my life". Was thinking of getting another degree. Does anyone know what I need to do if i wanted to get a PA degree? or any of the above mentioned degrees?
Thank you for your reply.

[ayastona]

just curious... i apologize for the barage of questions.....

why didnt you match? does this happen often to carib MDs? what school did you get your degree from?.... i hesitate to ask this one (maybe you can PM me instead of posting it here) what were your scores?

thanks!

[Andrew21]

I would figure that you could get some advanced standing with PA programs, another thought would be applying to an accelerated nursing program. they make good money and there are certain opportunities (np, crna) that can give greater autonomy and pay

BUT

Hang in there and assume you'll match next year!! Can you study and ake step 3 without being in a residency? That would look great for programs to see when you apply (i don't know that this can be done though).

Keep your options open, earn some cash so you can pay for all the apps, and you'll get there.

[gellerf]

My friend had to sit out one year because he did not match. What he did was apply to the university of new england MPH program, the majority of which is online. That improved his resume, and kept him from having to make sallie mae payments for 1 year, until he got a residency. The upside is that it is a real degree from the same school that gives a DO degree, not some diploma mill, and the knowledge is usefull. the downside is that it plunges you into further debt, and the program that you match in may expect you to finish the degree since you are indicating it on your application.

[leadsled]

Originally Posted by Andrew21

I would figure that you could get some advanced standing with PA programs, another thought would be applying to an accelerated nursing program. they make good money and there are certain opportunities (np, crna) that can give greater autonomy and pay

BUT

Hang in there and assume you'll match next year!! Can you study and ake step 3 without being in a residency? That would look great for programs to see when you apply (i don't know that this can be done though).

Keep your options open, earn some cash so you can pay for all the apps, and you'll get there.

You may want to call www.excelsior.edu phone number and see if you can challenge the RN. Usually they require you to be licensed in the country you got your MD. Is getting a license where you graduated an option?
Also, I've mentioned the SA route (Surgical Assistant). Illinois has a license and you can become an associate member of the American College of Surgeons.

see
Welcome to the National Surgical Assistant Association Online

or

Physicians

[guitarheroMD2B]

Originally Posted by Dr.MK

DOes anyone know anything about getting a PA, MA, MD/PhD or MPH degree after an MD degree. It sucks that I didnt match this year, and I have no choice but wait and apply again starting sept. But I need to keep my options opened, incase, god forbid, i do not match nxt yr either. Rather waiting n hoping to get residency I would like to "do something with my life". Was thinking of getting another degree. Does anyone know what I need to do if i wanted to get a PA degree? or any of the above mentioned degrees?
Thank you for your reply.

I have a friend that decided to pursue PA school after 2 yrs of med school. She has to do 2 yrs of PA training (1 basic science and 1 clinical). Then she is all done and ready to work.

[Dr.MK]

Thank you all for your reply. I appreciate it. I checked out a few PA schools, and they require full 2-3 year training to get a degree. I decided to put that option on hold for now, as I will apply for the match again and hope something works out. However, I will definitely look into the new england MPH program, thanks!
I am not too sure why I did not match this year. I guess maybe because I failed step2ck the first time. But i improved on the 2nd attempt (83). Passed step 1 and step2cs on 1st attempt. I know I do not have great scores, but I was hoping Family medicine would work out for me.
Once again thanks for the help/advice and encouragement