<p>MD/PhDs do not get automatic free tuition at medical school. Many (most?) are funded either through a NIH fellowship program or through local state or university programs. </p>
<p>The NIH fellowships do pay medical school tuition as well providing funding for the candidates doctoral research. (This is important because the candidate brings his own funding to his thesis advisor’s group. Research professors love to get extra hands they don’t have to pay for.)</p>
<p>Not all medical schools participate in the NIH fellowship programs. NIH fellowships pay a living expenses stipend over and above tuition & fees. </p>
<p>Our state program pays medical school tuition and funds the MD/PhD candidate’s graduate research; however the state program is not “free” money. Candidates are expected to work as a teaching fellow in the medical school for 2 years while they complete their final 2 years of medical school. However, each state will have their own rules and guidelines and they can vary alot.</p>
<p>BTW, our state fellowship program does support the candidate for up to 7 years and pays a living expense stipend over an above tuition & fees.</p>
<p>Some MD/PhDs are not funded by state or federal fellowships or grants. These folk pay for their own medical education but usually are supported for their PhD research through their thesis advisor. (As a RA.)</p>
<p>Lots possible configurations… and needless to say all the MD/PhD programs are extremely competitive. They require the candidate to be accepted independently into both medical school and graduate school.</p>