How important is research?

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Hi,

I'm a second-year medical student aiming to apply for some competitive residency programs in internal medicine. Because of unfortunate events in my family I was not able to do research like most people between the M1 and M2 years. Now I feel that I need to have research experience in medical school, yet I doubt that I would be able to study for the second-year curriculum and the boards at the same time. Does anyone have advice for me? Should I manage my time and squeeze research in as best as I can, or focus on doing well in exams this year? Do I even have a chance at the ultra-competitive hospitals without research or significant leadership positions?

Thanks!

Research will help but Board Scores, Third Year grades, and the reputation of the faculty writing your letters are all more important. Focus on doing well on the boards, but to be honest if you've got over a 235, you're foot will be in the door at pretty much any program, and a higher score won't necessarily help you much. Try to squeeze some research in during 4th year, and make sure its with a well known attending who will write you a letter.

Thanks!