Struggling on if I need a RY
Current M3 at a mid/low tier MD school with no home derm program. I have 29 total research "experiences"— 10 peer-reviewed publications (all first author), 3 completed projects submitted, and 8 ongoing projects which will be submitted in the next 6 months. 8 poster presentations (presenting at AAD and SID this year). 4 years of clinical experience as an MA. On the board of the DIG at my med school for the past 3 years. Volunteer at a free derm clinic a few times a semester and have been involved in fundraising events for NPF and MRF for the past 2 years. My Step 1 is P/F and I passed, have not yet taken Step 2 but took a practice exam and did very well (expecting to do even better after dedicated). My school does not do class rank. I am not AOA for preclinical but have honored all rotations except 1 HP so expecting an invite this spring.
I am not sure if I need a research year...I have publications but I would like to match at a residency program out of state I don't have any strong ties other than going to college there are some family who lives there. Is the research year worth it to help open up more options for residencies since I'm coming from a mid/low tier school?