MS3, Advice/Chances?

Thank you for taking the time to respond!

I just started MS3 and want to do ortho. Recently got my Step 1 scores back so wanted input on what my chances are/advice going forward.

Step 1: 241
AOA: No (mostly Passes for preclinicals)
Have only completed IM thus far but honored it, surgery rotation in the Fall
Research: One Urology publication (2nd author), now starting some ortho projects (do NOT enjoy research but forcing myself to do it)

If I bust it the rest of the year (esp during surgery), get some ortho pubs along with LORs and apply broadly do I stand a reasonable chance of matching somewhere without a year off? Any advice going forward?

Yes of course you have a chance but you will need to check off all the boxes for a good application. Clinical grades, research, LOR's, away rotations, Step 2CK all can improve your application. Away rotations and LOR's will be especially important since some programs may use your step 1 score to screen you out if you haven't rotated there. Recent yellow journal article on this topic: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28459711