How far can one email take you? For a 14-year-old, a single message sparked an MD/PhD journey into medicine, research, and the world of preterm brain development. In this episode, guest Madelyn Nance helps us explore the twists, challenges, and rewards of becoming a physician-scientist—what it really takes to make it through the application process, the realities of training in a dual-degree program, and why anyone would choose to spend 8+ years earning two degrees instead of one. Whether you’re dreaming of science, medicine, or both, this story will inspire you to take your own bold first step. Perfect for premeds, early trainees weighing medicine vs. research, or anyone who cares about our youngest generation.