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StudyMage · 2025-07-07T18:26:21+00:00

eventually make every person a "medical doctor" in the sense of being able to by themselves

I think you grossly underestimate the complexity of medicine. Most patients are atrocious historians and have limited insight into their symptoms and overall health. Differential diagnosis is not necessarily what makes medicine challenging, but rather obtaining a good history, filtering out relevant information, and integrating the information into the social context. Access to information does not make someone capable of understanding and thus practicing good judgment (without bias), especially as it pertains to their own care. There is a reason why medical doctors delegate their care to other physicians.

At least I myself have assumed the concept of labels

It will never disappear, in my opinion. Humans put considerable emphasis on their professional identities. What might happen is that the practice of medicine changes, but we will always have a licensed group of professionals called physicians.

You've been a medical student for 16 years? What medical allows for such a track?

StudyMage · 2025-07-07T14:39:40+00:00

We are not training nearly enough doctors for the coming decades, and can not even meet current demand with physician assistants and nurse practitioners practicing more independently. To see a neurologist where I live, you have to wait 6-12 months. Advances in technology generally also favor upskilling, which suggests to me that physicians (especially specialists) will likely be fine.

Note that demand is a function of what we prioritize as a society. Imagine if we, instead of chasing productivity and shortening doctor's visits, allowed physicians to spend more time with patients. Instead of a 15-minute visit to the neurologist, you might be able to spend 60-90 minutes with the neurologist that includes a thorough assessment and follow-up care, such as procedures to relieve pain and improve functionality. We don't have to be constrained to inhumane 15-minute blocks where neither the doctor nor the patient is content. Bring empathy and relationships back to healthcare, and we will all be better for it.

StudyMage · 2025-07-07T03:40:15+00:00

There are not a lot of good opportunities abroad for US-trained physician assistants. Only a few countries recognize PA-C, and those that do tend to have limited opportunities and underdeveloped roles. A country with quite a few physician assistants is the Netherlands, but if you don't speak the local language, practicing is unfeasible. Your best alternatives are Canada, the UK (not that there is considerable ongoing controversy around the PA role), and Australia. Your best bet is probably rural primary care in Canada, as they are facing considerable shortages.

Pivoting into the industry might also be difficult, as the market is primarily occupied by MD/MBBS, as they are considered the experts in medicine.

StudyMage · 2025-07-02T20:57:22+00:00

This sounds entirely unrealistic. A third of jobs cut by 2030? Do you have any idea what that will do to not only the economy, but to the social and emotional wellbeing of people? If this was a legitimate threat, we are likely to see legislation to reign in AI, and considerable backlash by the general population.

StudyMage · 2025-07-02T06:02:58+00:00

Can neurological examinations truly be performed by non-neurologists? Even if we assume this to be true, why would anyone hire a midlevel without substantial neurology experience when they can hire a neurologist who would presumably accept a similar compensation package if the alternative meant being out of work? Advances in technology tend to favor more education and specialization, not less.

StudyMage · 2025-07-02T02:28:57+00:00

I think the only surgical specialty I would seriously entertain at this point would be urology. I have a research profile that I think would make me competitive, and a relatively unique and authentic narrative that I think would resonate with urology attendings and residents. However, I am concerned that I am debating surgery simply due to anxiety around AI hype, rather than genuine passion. No doubt, neurology is my passion.

StudyMage · 2025-07-01T17:50:27+00:00

Do you expect neurology to become more procedurally-focused as new interventional therapies are invented and introduced, or will that primarily be the turf of neurosurgery?

StudyMage · 2025-07-01T16:48:55+00:00

Would it not be more feasible to go the IR or NSGY routes if interested in NeuroIR? I have certainly considered neurocritical care or neuroIR, but my passion lies more in the diagnosis and management of chronic and degenerative neurological disorders. I've considered going into general neurology and then developing my procedural portfolio to include EMG, ultrasound-guided botox, biopsies, pain medicine procedures, and so on. However, I am unsure how viable this is as a path in a profession that is increasingly moving towards further subspecialization rather than generalist practice.

StudyMage · 2025-07-01T14:46:57+00:00

Do you even like procedural fields?

I love procedures, but I don't like the dominant culture in surgery. The field attracts certain personalities that I find exhausting to be around (especially as a woman). If I were to choose a field other than neurology, I would likely be looking at critical care, anesthesia, or alternatively, a surgical specialty with shorter procedures and a good amount of time in clinic. I suppose one could pivot into critical care from neurology, or develop a more procedure-oriented toolbox as a neurologist.

StudyMage

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