Taking a research year is a deliberate choice to step off the path and allow yourself the luxury of time and space to delve into academia and exploration. A research year isn't just a pause; it's a decision to invest in personal and intellectual growth. Whether you are a recent graduate contemplating your next move or a student seeking to deepen your understanding in a particular field, the allure of a research year lies in its promise of unbridled curiosity, unrestricted by the constraints of a traditional academic calendar. We'll discuss the motivations behind taking a research year, how to land a research year position, how to navigate this year, and more. 

Deciding to take a gap year can be a multifactorial decision and one that should be made after discussing with your clinical and research mentors, medical school, and people who have been through the process recently. Deciding your reasons for taking a gap year are crucial in also determining the personal and professional goals you have during your gap year and how you want your year to look and what you get out of it. This is a great time to consider the skills you currently have or want to develop whether it be related to research e.g. coding, data analysis, writing or clinical. Finally, stop to truly consider your future application and goals when applying to residency and if and how a research year will help you achieve those. Speaking to home program leadership, attendings, and mentors can give you an early idea whether, from a residency application standpoint, a research year or gap year is the right move for you. 

If, after due consideration, you decide a research year is the right choice for you, there are some immediate considerations as you go about applying for a position and transitioning to your gap year. The first and not to be underestimated are the logistics of the process. Start discussing with your mentors and school administrators early that you are considering taking the gap year and communicate the need for letters of recommendation/references, financial aid planning, and any necessary paperwork. All of these things can take time, particularly the bureaucratic aspects, and make sure they are not a hindrance for you. Another important logistical aspect that cannot be stressed enough is the financial aspect of a research year. The harsh reality is that many research positions do not pay anywhere in the ballpark of a living wage, and it behooves you to be aggressive about applying for internal and external fellowships, grants, and other funding sources in addition to using medical school loans if necessary. 

All of the above logistics are things to think about before even getting to the search, application and choosing a research/gap year position. When searching for positions, be very proactive as many positions start recruiting in October-November of the year prior with Orthogate, Twitter, and the MSOS website (https://www.msosortho.com/research-year-positions) being a great resource to find positions. When considering positions, look at the track record of previous fellows, the reputation of the mentors/institution, and your own geographical preferences. Be sure to ask about mentorship, productivity, expectations. As you interview and start choosing a position, consider your own needs in terms of whether your application needs more networking, sheer productivity and how these positions match your research interests. Be up front with potential mentors about your goals, timelines, and expectations for the year. Once you have chosen a position, be proactive about setting up and getting up to speed on projects so that you can hit the ground running. Lastly, I would highly recommend taking the USMLE Step 2 prior to or at the start of your research year to ensure your highest score and productivity during your year. Your clinical knowledge will be best after clerkships and your research effort will be better without the cloud of Step 2 hanging over your head.

In preparation for starting the application process for a research year, compiling a comprehensive list of orthopedic research year programs is advisable. Understanding the unique requirements and deadlines for each program is crucial. An effective method to manage this information is by creating a spreadsheet and meticulously tracking deadlines and due dates, similar to what is found on the MSOS website. Develop a thorough checklist encompassing all necessary documents, deadlines, and submission procedures for each program. When crafting your CV/resume, emphasize pertinent research experiences by speaking to your role, contributions, and achieved outcomes. Showcase any prior research engagements, making sure to underscore your impactful contributions. If applicable, incorporate clinical experiences that may also be related to the area of research you are applying for. Additionally, feature any relevant skills and software proficiencies applicable to research.

For programs mandating references, carefully select individuals capable of attesting to your academic and research capabilities. The most important thing to creating a competitive and strong application and/or resume is to adhere to the guidelines provided by each program. Some programs may want unique details on your CV, such as your USMLE Step score, so be sure to read the requirements. Failure to follow instructions may negatively impact your application.

The research year experience itself will vary significantly based on the position, subspecialty, and types of projects you get to engage in. Regardless, I’ve found it a good rule of thumb to have a couple short-term projects (database, chart reviews etc.) ongoing while plugging away at larger longer-term projects (clinical trials, biomechanical studies, bench research etc.) to ensure you maintain productivity. Further, while its great to have 20 projects going at once, ensure that you are making strides and have something concrete to show (presentation or paper) for at least a few of them as it can be a very short timeline from research year to ERAS deadline. It is a great time to network at all the conferences you go to, and meet people who are passionate about the field you are working in. Lastly, it makes your life much easier to consistently document your productivity (up to date CV) and your general experiences as you think about applying in the fall. A great way to reflect on your research year is to have an ongoing journal to document the experience. 

Another important aspect is thinking of your research year in phases of getting started, getting into a rhythm, and then gearing up for applying. In the first two phases, it is great to take on new projects and really get involved. The first phase will be a huge learning curve, and giving yourself some grace can be really helpful as you come from a clinical MS3 environment into a very niche orthopedic research environment. After a few months, you will certainly get the hang of things and be in a great spot to churn out some great work. As you approach the last phase of gearing up for applying however, really be careful about your time. As much as we all love taking on new and exciting projects, this is also a time to spend finishing up what you have started and having some concrete achievements to show for your year. Lastly, make sure you prioritize applying to your sub-internships and finishing a personal statement draft early in the year. 

Undertaking a research year requires a strategic and dedicated approach. It involves a journey from self-assessment to program selection, crafting a competitive CV, and engaging in the research experience itself. Success in a research year hinges on the ability to adapt, learn, and collaborate effectively with mentors and fellow researchers. It is a period of substantial growth, both academically and personally. To make the most of this intensive period, one needs to stay organized, adhere to deadlines, maintain a resilient spirit and focus on the journey of discovery and growth. Apart from contributing to the field, a research year offers a great opportunity to delve into one's passion, hone skills, expand networks, and prepare for future opportunities. The importance of setting clear goals, developing a well-structured plan, seeking guidance and collaboration, embracing challenges, and staying focused cannot be overstated. With careful planning, organization, and a supportive network, one can leave a lasting impact on their field of study. Best of luck!