In the increasingly competitive field of residency and fellowship training, research productivity has become a key differentiator for applicants. This heightened emphasis on scholarly activity has led some to describe the process as a "research arms race," with residents feeling pressured to boost their research output to stand out. This article explores the challenges dermatology residents face in conducting meaningful research across diverse program environments, emphasizing the crucial role of mentorship. It also highlights systematic reviews as a valuable and feasible option for residents seeking to contribute to the medical literature. A streamlined framework for conducting these reviews also is provided, offering a practical pathway to meaningful scholarly activity amid the demands of residency training and the competitive nature of specialty matching.