Student needs advice from WHNPs!

[studentkm]

Hi everyone!

I apologize if this is a redundant thread, and I definitely don't want to start a flame war over different professions, but I need a little advice.

I am a senior in college who has been pre-med for all 4 years. I had planned to take a year or two off before med school to do something public health related, and am now having second thoughts about a career as a physician. I am extremely interested and passionate about reproductive and women's health, and really feel it is my calling in life. That being said, I am more interested in family planning, STI prevention, public health (I want to get my mph down the line), well-woman exams, and pre/post natal care as opposed to gynecological surgery. After doing a lot of research, I've realized that OB/GYN tends to focus highly on surgery and that the lifestyle/malpractice is simply awful. Having a good lifestyle where I am able to spend time with my family is extremely important to me. Therefore, I have been looking at becoming a P.A. or WHNP as an alternative, but wanted to hear some opinions on the best route to primary women's health. It seems as though the field is dominated by WHNPs as opposed to OB/GYN P.A.'s, but I'm not sure if this is the truth or just a bias in my research. I am very familiar with the roles/duties/limitations of the WHNP and OB/GYN, but the OB/GYN P.A. limitations seem a little unclear. I have also heard of a women's health fellowship after FM residency, but am not sure how much one can limit their patient population after doing so.

So ultimately I am looking for a career where I can combine my interest in public health and women's health into a family-friendly career.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!!