Doctor vs. Physicians Assistant

Today I met with a Dr. that I esteem very highly (in fact he was my physician growing up). I wanted to talk to him about my desire to get into med school and become a doctor. He mentioned to me that I should look at what exactly my reasons for wanting to become a doctor and maybe it might make more sense to become a PA instead. So now I am going to look into just what the difference is between the two. I have got alot to learn, but I feel I will be able to make a more educated decision as to what is best for me and my family.