Medical School after NP?

Specialties NP

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Does anyone know, or know of anyone who's gone to medical school after becomming a NP? DO or MD?

What was their speciality that they saught after medical school?

What are your thoughts on the whole matter?

Although I absolutely LOVE being a NP, lately medical school has been comming to mind. My wife and I will likely move from our small town to a much larger city and this will greatly restrict my practice as a NP. Very unlikely I could do Family Medicine and have admitting privilages or do anything in the hospital, unless I was an employee of the hospital and did ONLY hospital work.

The doc I work with has also spoken of making the move to the larger city and has pondered the idea of doing another residency in a more specialized field. Frankly, if I DID go back to medical school, I would probably residency in Ob/Gyn. I would also ONLY consider a DO program.

The biggest problem I have with advancing is it would seem like I am abdoning everything I am about. I have faught so hard to advance Np's in my area and based alot of my arguments on the fact that NP's are just a trained and knowledage as a physician. Then, there's the whole idea that I could be a stronger advocate for NP's as a "Doctor". Confusing isn't it? :D

Please don't take this as anything negative towards NPs. I am, and always will be a NP. It's just that in the end... I wonder if I might could be more. (And I'm not sure that being more, would be a good thing... this is just something that is crossing my mind).

You comments are greatly appreciated!

Dave, future DO ? (doesn't that just sound weird :confused: )

I guess since time is an issue this might not be an option, but I believe that Columbia is in the process of developing a DrNP (Doctor of nursing practice) program in which a graduate will have admitting and discharge privledges and will be able to bill at the same rate as primary care physician. There is information on their website about this program and it is pending approval. I would guess that the autnomy that this degree would grant may vary from state to state (much like a NP), but this might be another option since for those who are already a NP the program would be two years with a one year residency.

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As another poster alluded to, obtaining may be an issue so check this out in the area where you intend to practice beforehand. Otherwise, best wishes in your endeavours. :)

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Hi. Long time..

I say if you need to scratch that itch go for it. My words of wisdom here...look now at your transcripts from college. Do you need any sciences/labs/etc. If so do it now and get good grades. the competition is ridiculous. If you are an average white guy you need a strong MCAT score. Look at the websites for post-bac programs too.

What ever you do....have fun. I understand your motivation completely.

Have no regrets.

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I was just wondering what the real difference in education and philosophy is between MD and DO. Are they both equally respected and do they have the same job oportunities? Just wondering.

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DO's spend a good amount of thier training doing 'osteopathic' medicine. For instance., One of our DO's will often be consulted just to do joint manipulation. In the ordinary day to day i have seen no difference in the internal medicine care. However, ask some MD's about DO's and no different from our BSN and ADN problems there is that i'm better than you attitude.

Foolishness.

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I agree with Rapheal and think he/she had a very valid point - medical school is such a huge sacrifice (which I'm sure you know since if I'm not mistaken your wife is an MD?) and if you don't want it with every bone in your body, I think you'd be doing yourself and your family a disservice by going that route.

Good luck, Dave, in making your decision. :)

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DO's spend a good amount of thier training doing 'osteopathic' medicine. For instance., One of our DO's will often be consulted just to do joint manipulation.

Most of the DOs I've encountered say they don't get the chance to use OMM that often in their practice. That's a shame, really. :o

In my experience MDs are an elitist bunch, so it's no surprise they have the squabbles over DOs "invading their turf." :)

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Thank you all for your comments.

I am still very torn on this issue. Part of me says yes, part of me says no.

Guess only time will tell.

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Thank you all for your comments.

I am still very torn on this issue. Part of me says yes, part of me says no.

Guess only time will tell.

Dave, you know how I feel about this. I know that whatever you decide will be the best decision for YOU. Don't worry, it will come to you when you least expect an answer. :)

Kacy

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Most of the DOs I've encountered say they don't get the chance to use OMM that often in their practice. That's a shame, really. :o

In my experience MDs are an elitist bunch, so it's no surprise they have the squabbles over DOs "invading their turf." :)

Everybody protects their turf. Quit pretending that its only the MDs doing it.

If there was a new state regulation to allow PAs full scope as NPs, you guys would be outraged about it. Quit your "holier than thou" routine cause you and I both know that everybody is primarily interested in protecting turf, and that includes both NPs and MDs and everybody else.

Everybody is watching after their own job... the rest is just excuses.

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I guess since time is an issue this might not be an option, but I believe that Columbia is in the process of developing a DrNP (Doctor of nursing practice) program in which a graduate will have admitting and discharge privledges and will be able to bill at the same rate as primary care physician. There is information on their website about this program and it is pending approval. I would guess that the autnomy that this degree would grant may vary from state to state (much like a NP), but this might be another option since for those who are already a NP the program would be two years with a one year residency.

That program is nowhere close to doing anything yet. The state boards still have to chagne the regs, and they havent done that either. Rigth now its a total guess if that program will go thru at all.

There is going to be a huge fight over that, similar to the bill in Pennsylvania that was shot down by doctors. Every MD and DO in teh state of new york is going to organize to prevent that columbia thing from taking hold.

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Specializes in ICU/CCU (PCCN); Heme/Onc/BMT.

warning! do not feed the trolls!

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