for ortho, i think research is more important, just b/c it's more competetive than general surgery right now. Probably don't need to do research for general surgery, especially if your grades and board scores are strong anyway.
If you're deciding what to do with your summer...I'd say only do research if you can find something you think you'd enjoy. If you like research, go for it, and try to find a cool project you will be interested in. However, if you will dread every day of the summer b/c you hate research, dont' do it - it's not worth it.
