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. 

Self-Assessment

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 of whether, from a residency application standpoint, a research year or gap year is the right move for you. 

Preparation 

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. 

Research Year Programs: How to find a program

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.

Creating a Competitive Application

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.

Check out our previous panel “Let’s Talk about Research Years” for more advice!