MD PhD programs is the extra 3 4 years actually worth it? I'm currently deciding between straight MD programs and MD PhD (MSTP) programs and I genuinely can't tell if the dual degree is worth the extra time. The pitch is always "you'll be a physician scientist who can do both clinical work and research" but I've talked to some MD PhDs who say the reality is more complicated. The pros seem clear: full funding (huge deal), research training, more competitive for academic medicine positions. But the cons are real too: 7 8 years minimum, you're in your mid 30s before you start earning a real salary, and apparently a lot of MD PhDs end up doing mostly clinical work anyway? Anyone here gone through an MSTP or considered it seriously? I'd love to hear honest takes.