is doing research better than clinical exp??

ok. i'm applying for residency this year. i was told by someone that if i dropped a year and did research with someone it would open sooooo many more doors for me, even in the future it would help with fellowships knowing that research experience was there. my question is, should i go for research and start it now and continue it till next year even if i dont get a residency now? will this research experience be a better benefit than doing externships or something else? what will get me a better program that has fellowship opportunities in the future? there was a point when i thought maybe doing a prelim if i didnt get a match into a good program would be a good way to get experience but now i heard research would be better and less painstaking.

ideas? i'm confused. i do have a research position possibly available. not sure to take it or not.

hmm... help! if any new interns or older residents or even PDs here, let me know... need insight.