As an undergrad I was published as the first author of a microbiology paper. It ended up not counting for much since it was published too late for medical schools to take it into account. What I want to know is, was that paper a waste? Do residencies look into your research experience as an undergrad? I ask because I'm not sure which field I want to go into yet, but if I do decide to go into a competitive residency like the ROAD's or ent etc...will this paper help much? I also would like to know if it is necessary that I research the summer after my MS1 if my undergrad research makes a difference.