What are the advantages of an combined MD/PhD degree?

Question

What are the advantages of pursuing a combined MD/PhD degree? I have been told that in the end you will have to devote about 70% to either research or clinical work anyways. I am thinking about getting this but I'm not completely sold on the idea...

Answer 1

You are better prepared for research if that's what you want to do.  Otherwise the usual MD will be just fine.

Thanks

Bill

Answer 2

By doing MD/PHD, you will have the clinical know-how of an MD in addition to the analytical skills of a PHD.  To get into one of these programs is pretty competitive, especially if you want one of the NIH-funded MSTP programs.  It's definitely a good option for someone who's really into research and/or academia, but if you're more interested in being a "regular" doctor, it's unnecessary to go through all that extra hassle.  Even if you're into research, you can still do it with an MD alone.  Scientific research funding is getting harder and harder to come by nowadays, so I would think very carefully if being that invested in research is the right thing for you.