What are the disadvantages to applying to both MD and MD/PhD?

[doctorrr-t]

I'm currently unsure if I want to do solely medicine via MD or both research and medicine via MD/PhD. I was planning to prepare myself as best as I can for the MD/PhD path (mainly by doing a lot of research, trying to publish papers, etc.) so that at least when the time for applications comes around, I will be able to apply to both MD and MD/Phd. I'm thinking that by preparing myself for MD/Phd, I will also be preparing a competitive application for MD. However, I don't know if there are any disadvantages to this though process that I should be considering. Will I be putting myself in an unfavorable light to adcoms from MD and MD/PhD because I can't fully decide what I want to do, so neither of them would think I am a good fit? I would love to hear any advice yall may have.

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[Lucca]

Although many people choose to apply to both, personally the advice that I give everyone is pick a path and prepare and application best suited to that path. Before you are set on either, you should be doing all the things to be competitive for medical school. The only and most important distinguishing factor for MD/PhD is research experience. If you end up wanting to do MD only you will need to be more "well-rounded" in the sense that while research will still be helpful, it won't be the most important element of your app and service, clinical experience will be equally if not often more important.

So my advice depends on where you are in your path. If you're early on in undergrad I'd say dont worry about it at all and work on exploring now and defining yourself as an applicant later.

 

[KnightDoc]

Although many people choose to apply to both, personally the advice that I give everyone is pick a path and prepare and application best suited to that path. Before you are set on either, you should be doing all the things to be competitive for medical school. The only and most important distinguishing factor for MD/PhD is research experience. If you end up wanting to do MD only you will need to be more "well-rounded" in the sense that while research will still be helpful, it won't be the most important element of your app and service, clinical experience will be equally if not often more important.

So my advice depends on where you are in your path. If you're early on in undergrad I'd say dont worry about it at all and work on exploring now and defining yourself as an applicant later.

This^^^. The potential downside to pursuing both, especially at the same school, is that if the MD/PhD program doesn't want you, the MD-only program might not give you a fair look because they will assume that you will choose another MD/PhD program over them, since that's apparently what you would prefer. This is yet another reason why picking one and focusing on it is generally the best strategy.