Do undergrad publications outside my intended specialty still help for competitive surgical residency applications?

Hi everyone!

I’m a rising junior in undergrad and currently involved in research across three different fields. So far, I have three publications and two posters, with several additional projects either in progress or submitted and in the review stage. Based on my current trajectory, I confidently expect to have at least 6-8+ publications by the time I apply to medical school next cycle (not planning to gap), and more by graduation.

I’m interested in pursuing a competitive surgical specialty, but most of my current research is not directly related to that field. I had two questions:

1. Would these publications from undergrad still be valuable for residency applications if they are outside the specialty I eventually pursue?
2. Should I start looking for research specifically related to that specialty now, or would it make more sense to wait until medical school?

I understand that interests can change, but I’m trying to think strategically about how to build on my current research experience without spreading myself too thin. Idk am I worrying about this too early?

Thanks!