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I think it should depend on what you want out of your career. If you want to do a bunch of research at a big academic place, then sure, do a research year. But if you are doing the research strictly as a means of trying to get into a residency with a bigger name, then I’d question the logic of spending a year of your life doing research just at the chance of maybe getting into a more prestigious program. Doesn’t seem worth it to me, unless research is truly your interest.
I know this wasn’t directed at me, but thought I should give my input. I interviewed at the EM program that reportedly receives the most NIH research dollars of any EM program in the country. I’m a DO. I did two aways in that state, but otherwise have no ties there: not from there, medical school isn’t there, no family there. Those SLOEs were apparently quite strong (lots of comments on my SLOEs’ strength) and I had a total of four aways. All Honors, i believe at least one was a top 10%. I had a summer research program with a poster presentation and one other research project on my application and got the interview. I did above average on Step 1 and did very well on Step 2.
As gamerEMdoc said, unless you want to be a big name researcher, I don’t think an entire year is necessary. If it is at a place with a good EM program that is known to take DOs on occasion, then it could be worthwhile. Otherwise, I’d focus on rocking your aways for strong SLOEs (this is how I got interviews) and rocking Step 1 and 2 (this is how you get past their filters). Doing a little bit of research somewhere along the way will be needed, but a month or two should be fine. Of note: I got rejected at several DO unfriendly programs, so scores and SLOEs alone will not open those up to you as a DO. If they’re biased against DOs, they will never look at you no matter your scores.
Thank you both for your responses. While I'm not sure what I want out of my career long-term, I had a career in research prior to med school so it's something I'm open to.
Does your advice change at all with these other caveats? I'm at the end of my 3rd year and I have multiple away/audition rotations set up in a surgical subspecialty. I'm realizing that it may not be for me. I also have a family so I'd like to maximize my chances of matching/staying in California. So with away season (and Step 2) just around the corner, I feel like I'm going to have a tough time securing aways in California. I also haven't done an EM rotation yet so along with doing research, I'd spend time shadowing in the ED.
Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks for your time!