<p>We have a son who is pursuing an MD/PHD through the MSTP (Medical Scientist Training Program) at UC-San Diego. What a wonderful program...we felt like he won the lottery when he was accepted to this as it is a fully funded program including a living stipend and insurance etc. More importantly, however, is the fact that it's exactly what he wants professionally. </p>
<p>If this is what you're after, I'd definitely say "GO FOR IT!" Our son attended Stanford as an undergraduate and then went on to do a year of research at Cancer Research UK. Like you, he is interested in the neurosciences and will most likely be doing his PHD work in this area. I would say that the MSTP seems to me to be geared to students who first and foremost are interested in the research end of medicine but want the clinical part to further compliment their lab work. Each program is different though, and there are some who's emphasis is PHYSICIAN/SCIENTIST(I think Duke is one) rather than SCIENTIST/PHYSICIAN. </p>
<p>I'm not sure about other ways to accomplish this, but if you have specific questions about the MSTP route, I'd be glad to help.</p>