The discussion explores the growing pressure on medical students pursuing orthopedic surgery, highlighting how research productivity has shifted from an asset to an expectation. Both speakers note that early specialization is now essential, with students often feeling compelled to produce numerous orthopedic-focused papers despite varying career interests. They emphasize that poorly structured “enrichment years” can exploit vulnerable trainees, offering little mentorship or skill development while serving faculty interests more than students’. The conversation calls for ethical oversight, meaningful curricula, and mentorship that prepares students not only for competitive residency matching but also for long-term careers—whether or not they ultimately enter orthopedics.