It is unlikely you can accomplish anything research-wise which will help you with many programs if you bomb step 1. That said, with appropriate time management and a realistic evaluation of your study style and abilities, you could work something in without sacrificing your score. Third year can be a busy time that can make it difficult to fit research in, but if you work with someone that is understanding you can make it work.

definitely focus on the boards. and being involved is probably better than having a research project. also, while a lot of people focus on ortho research, it doesnt really matter what type of research you do. i have all basic science research, no clinical.... if it is ever discussed (only on 2 interviews so far) it seems to go over well. in fact, theres a sort of novelty that goes along with non-ortho research. plus i can say pretty much whatever b/c most lack any knowledge on the subject... not that ive heard of it happening, but i suppose you could really get grilled on your ortho research on interviews. that said, those days in the lab are hours ill never get back and knowledge ill probably never use.

focus on step i and do stuff to make you look interesting on interviews. step i gets you interviews... youll need something to set you apart on those days. unfortunately, everyone there has research, so try to bring something else to the table.

Thanks for the replies. I'm feeling pretty good about my performance in school right now as well as my level of involvement, so I think I'm going to try to find an ortho project that fits my study schedule.