He explains that a Physician Assistant sees patients, makes diagnoses and prescribes treatment. But Physician Assistants graduate with a M.A. degree instead of an M.D. That makes it a health profession that doesn't come with the high level of student debt that medical school carries, and because there is less specialization, they work in the areas of health care with the highest demand. Asprey says about 70% of incoming PA students are women who often say they're looking for a health profession with a better work-life balance.