There will be a couple of changes for me in 2012. I changed majors at the end of the semester, from Biological and Physical Sciences to Psychology. BPS was dragging on forEVER because of scheduling problems. Every semester, I've tried to fit in some of the science classes with labs, and every semester the classes have been scheduled at times I can't take them. It wasn't a huge deal in previous semesters, because I had enough basic requirements left to fill my schedule, but I'm done with that now and still couldn't make the labs work. They seem to only schedule them during the kids' dismissal time or at the time Josh gets home from work...meaning I'd have to leave before he was home since campus is an hour away. It just isn't workable. Nontraditional undergrads with two kids and one income can't afford medically savvy nannies to cover gaps like these. Sooo, I looked at my transcripts and reevaluated things and discovered that I'd actually be closer to graduation if I switched, so I did it. Also, the classes are at normal times and many are offered online, too, which is an added bonus.
The other big thing is that I'm almost certain that I'm switching tracks from premed to pre-PA. It has been of those long torturous decision-making processes, so I'm going to spare you all of that agonizing hemming and hawing...I've pretty much had my fill of it already. The bottom line is that this year, we saw possible disease progression in KayTar and that has made me reevaluate my priorities. I love medicine, that hasn't changed...but if there is ANY chance our time with KayTar could be limited in any way, I cannot/will not sacrifice 7 years of time with her. PA programs are shorter in duration and I could still work in a field I love. My end goal is primary peds anyway. I don't think I will ever look back and wish I had spent less time with the kids and more time in school/training (even if KayTar does go on to have a happy, mostly healthy, full life, which is our fervent hope)...but I can definitely imagine wishing the opposite. I don't want to set myself up for big regrets. While I never think we should live our lives in fear of what might be, I also think God sometimes uses circumstances in our lives to nudge us in the right direction...and this year has been one of those nudges. So this next semester, I'm not taking any prereqs for either program, I'm just going to sit on this decision (even though I'm pretty sure about it) for the semester and maybe through the summer too, and then move forward with a certain direction in the fall...so I'm not straddling the fence and wasting time by completing two sets of prereqs. For now, I'm just going to keep working towards finishing undergrad and keep taking things one day at a time with KayTar.
KayTar celebrating at 9:30. I love how she says, "It's midnight!"
10 comments:
Never ever give up hope. PA might be right decision for now, but there is nothing that says in 10 years time you can't retrain!
Thanks! That is definitely something I've thought of as well...just because now doesn't seem like the right time to pursue it full force, that doesn't mean it us ruled out forever.
What does PA stand for?
There's no shame in being a PA. It's really flexible as far as career choices and time commitment. I'm glad you're not giving up - a weaker person easily would have shelved it all. Good luck!
The PA program sounds great, but that is because I have loved every PA that we have ever worked with. The PA at our ENT's office is wonderful - I love when we get to work with her (Nolan is such an ENT nightmare that we usually see the doc, but the PA is a lot nicer to work with)!
You already know this of course, but I think you are such a fantastic mama. You and Josh are showing both KayTar and BubTar what it looks like to pursue your dreams, but you're not about to sacrifice quality time with your family to achieve it. I know whatever decision you make will be the right one and like others have said, you can always work towards other goals/dreams in the future if you wish.
When we were about to graduate from college I had a job offer at St Jude (my absolute DREAM job!), but Matt had a much better opportunity at the UofA for his masters and it was the best program for his field. We had the HARDEST time deciding what to do and whether to plan our roots in Memphis or Fayetteville. I'll never forget when Matt's granddad told us to not worry so much about making the right decision, but to instead make a decision and then make it right. He said sometimes there really is a right and wrong way to do things, but sometimes it's just about choosing a path and then making the best of it. As long as God is #1, then everything else will all fall into place. Some of the best advice we ever received. :)
Had to de-lurk to say that we LOVE our PA! I love our doctor and we see him for anything very serious, but our PA has become a lifeline for me! She's more accessible, less intimidating and as an added bonus to me, has a special needs son like I do. I have her cell phone number, permission to text at any time and she's even on my Facebook. All of which means that she is invaluable to our family. Which is all probably due to her PA rather than Primary Physician status. She's become a very trusted friend. :)
the PA thing sounds like a really good, balanced plan. much luck to you.
You know that's what I wanted to be at first. Kyla if you ever need advice I'd love to talk over the phone. I've watched you all of this time and would/ could offer some perspective. Not to say that PA wouldn't be a good option for you, it just might be. I went to George Washington Medical School in Washington DC and they had a big PA program. Email me at Sheila@drcason.org and we can talk! I'm back in the states so it should be easier.
PA is a good alternative- I think a lot of the day to day things are similar when you're in primary care. All of the PAs I've interacted with have been wonderful. As a sidenote, a 4th yr at my med school went to college to be a PA and now moonlights as a PA on her lighter rotations- she's going into family practice, I believe. So, even if you decide to do PA and wanted to go back to school later on, the PA degree is still useful :)
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