MD vs PA Quiz: Which Path Is Right for You?

By: Savanna Perry, PA-C

TL;DR

If you're undecided between becoming a PA or a physician (MD), the MD vs PA quiz can help you get direction. It's a 20-question quiz built on research into both careers, designed to give you insight into which path fits your goals and lifestyle. It's a starting point for reflection, not a final verdict, so pair it with shadowing and research before you decide.

Last Updated: June 12, 2026

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What is the MD vs PA quiz?

If you're going back and forth on whether to pursue PA school or medical school, the MD vs PA quiz is a quick way to gather your thoughts. It's a 20-question quiz based on research into both careers, and it's meant to give you some direction when you feel stuck between the two paths. [VERIFY]

Think of it as a reflection tool. The questions nudge you to consider what you actually want from your career and daily life, which is often clearer than trying to compare the two professions in the abstract. You can also share your results with friends and get them to take it too.

In this post:

How should you use your results?

A quiz can point you in a direction, but it shouldn't be the only thing you lean on. Use your results as a conversation starter with yourself, then back it up with real-world research: shadow both PAs and physicians, talk to people in each role, and look honestly at the training length, lifestyle, and scope you want.

If you want a more personal perspective, it can help to hear why someone chose one path over the other. There's a companion YouTube video where I talk through why I chose to become a PA instead of a doctor, which adds context the quiz alone can't give you.

In Our Experience

I get asked all the time how to decide between PA and MD, and honestly the clearest answers usually come from shadowing and real conversations, not a single quiz. The quiz is a fun nudge to start reflecting, and from there I always encourage people to go see both roles in action before committing.

Every Pre-PA Should Know...

The quiz is 20 questions built on research into both the PA and physician careers, so it's a structured starting point rather than a coin flip. [VERIFY]

Free Application Timeline → https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/free-application-timeline/

Need to Know:

The MD vs PA quiz has 20 questions [VERIFY]
It's based on research into both careers
It's designed to give direction if you're undecided
Treat results as a starting point, not a final answer
Pair the quiz with shadowing and real research
A companion video covers why Savanna chose PA over MD

Listen: MD vs. PA: An Interview with Anesthesiologist Dr. Richard Marn

MD or PA? If you're stuck on this question, this episode is for you.

Episode show notes & key takeaways

MD or PA? If you're stuck on this question, this episode is for you.

Dr. Richard Marn is an anesthesiologist and the host of the Health Careers Podcast, and he spends a lot of his time helping students figure out which healthcare path actually fits them. He didn't start out planning to do anesthesia either. He wanted to be a surgeon, and he talks about what changed his mind.

I get this question constantly, and my answer is always the same: don't pick based on prestige or on what your family expects. Pick based on the day-to-day life you want and how you want to spend the next decade. Richard says something similar, just from the other side of the table.

We also talk about the fact that there are way more healthcare careers than the two everyone argues about.

What we cover

Why Richard switched from surgery to anesthesiology
How to actually compare MD and PA instead of guessing
The training, time, and cost differences that matter most
Why shadowing both is non-negotiable before you decide
Other healthcare careers people overlook entirely
How to tell if you're choosing a path for the wrong reasons

Resources

Follow The Pre-PA Club: Apple Podcasts · Spotify · All episodes

FAQ

How many questions are in the MD vs PA quiz?

The quiz has 20 questions based on research into both careers. [VERIFY]

Is the quiz a definitive answer on PA vs MD?

No. It's meant to give you direction and prompt reflection, not to make the decision for you. Pair it with shadowing and research.

How do I decide between PA and MD?

Beyond the quiz, shadow both PAs and physicians, talk to people in each role, and weigh the training length, lifestyle, and scope of practice you want.

Is there more info on why someone chose PA over MD?

Yes. There's a companion YouTube video where Savanna explains why she chose to become a PA instead of a doctor.

CLOSING

The MD vs PA quiz is a low-pressure way to start sorting out which path fits you, but the real decision comes from getting out and experiencing both roles. Take the quiz, watch the companion video, and keep shadowing. When you're ready to move forward as a pre-PA, our resources are here to guide you.

Pre-PA Counseling → https://www.thepaplatform.com/services/pre-pa-counseling/

MD vs PA Quiz: Which Path Is Right for You?