Question

Will it looks bad for residency applications to have done research in another field of medicine?

Answer 1

Academic tendencies are a good thing to display regardless of the field of the research. It will not look bad, residencies know that people change their minds. I would rather have research in the specialty that I am applying to, particularly if it is a competitive one, but mostly just because it will make you more familiar with people who are likely able to help you and who will be familiar to adcoms.

Answer 2

Agree with mmmcdowe 100%. It's great if you have research in the specialty of your choice (helps with contacts, get to go to meetings and network, shows PDs you have a strong and demonstrated interest in the field).

That being said, you don't HAVE to do research in said field. PDs like to see any type of research... As stated before, displaying academic initiative and success is always favorable.

Best advice is to try to and pick projects that are applicable to your field in addition to whatever the lab is doing. Here's what I mean: If you're working with plastics but like neurosurgery, hop on a project dealing with peripheral nerves. That way you are being productive for the lab, but you can also tailor the paper towards the field you want (without detriment, if any, to the original project). As always, run EVERYTHING by your PI before flying off the handle on your own.