I started research in nov of 3rd year. It's tough, but do-able. I was lucky in that I started during my psych rotation, and even though it was 2 hours from my home institution, I found ways to cut out early (without neglecting duties) to get back there and put in whatever time I could - evenings, weekends, etc. It takes some craftiness & a little sacrifice - i.e. can't always hit happy hour when ya wanna. I'm looking at finishing up data collection this month and hopefully publishing by the time interviews roll around. I'm sure it could've taken less time if I tried this 1st or 2nd year, but better late than never. Also, make sure you still rock your clerkships - don't let your research take away from your grades. Good luck.

i did research during the summer between first and second year than continued it throughout second year.
Third year ws way rough for me to squeeze in any work - so i actually had to go back towards the begininng of this year and finish off a project.

I was thankfully able to put together a nice publication which i was first author before third year. but remember - its more the experience of it; and also the letter you can get out of it. if you don't publish its not the end of the world.

also i was told even though i had ortho research - that any research woudl do...i don't know how much this is true.

peace.