dear dreamchaser,
if you can AFFORD big $$ than of course do PA; I think from your confusion it does not look like you have an idea how much it cost to do PA.. well tuition goes upwards of 100k, and don't expect in-state tuition and or scholarship. Residence or immigration should not be a problem in case if you do go for either.

Better yet; you can do your MD in Caribbeans; there are lots of Medical school there catering to students from US/Canada - those who did not get admission in US medical institution as its much tougher here. Fees are relatively cheap also. You can come out of school with MD and spent only around $50k for 4-5 years. http://www.studentdoc.com/caribbean-medical-schools.html

There you go; hope it helps, hit the road... and do consult other people as I am no expert either this is what I know from fact.