I was once told that it is more difficult, and therefore more rare, for a student to do basic science research -- especially in ortho. So, it may be beneficial to go that route. However, more programs have clinical research than basic science, so you may appeal to a broaded audience in the clinical realm. If you are able to be more productive in clinical research, you then should make sure that you ARE more productive, if you go that direction.

Well, kind of vague and non-committal. In the end, do something, do it well, and be interested in it.

Everyone is more impressed by basic science research, even those who only do clinical research. However, publication in clinical research is far more valuable than no publication at all. If you are not published your research means nothing. However, you still make connections by doing research and you are better off with a letter from a well known surgeon than an obscure Ph.D. That being said, some Ph.D.'s are as well known as clinicians.

So if you think your basic science work will result in publication then go for it. If you are unsure then rather go for the clinical research - better chance of publication and higher likelihood your PI will be able to land you a spot when it comes to writing LOR's.

- grain of salt -

Howzit!