Year off for research, no formal program, thoughts?

[Nobuo]

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What are your thoughts on taking a year off to do research during med school without being in a formal research program?

In short, I applied to formal research program months ago, but did not get accepted to it. Since most programs are closed now, my last option for taking a year off for research is to be funded by my professor directly. I talked to my school about this and they are okay with it. So, it seems like the decision whether to take the year off or not is up to me. I searched through old threads, and it seems like it is generally unfavorable to do a research year without a formal program, but I don't really understand why. From my perspective, I am still working with the same professor and on the same project, but my funding will just come from a different source. Will there any negative impact on my residency application later on if I am not in a formal program?

Does anyone have any insight or advice? Thanks in advance.

 

[bucks2010]

I've never heard that it's bad to take a research year without a formal program. If this is true, it could significantly affect my choice of schools. Would be interested in the answer to this question as well.

 

[CatFactorial]

I think what matters in the end is the publication. If you can get a first authorship out, the funding sources will matter less.

 

[sonofva]

i really don't think anyone will ask. and if they do, you can just tell them that you got offered an opportunity to research for a year through your medical school. this should allay any concerns.