thoughts on PEMRAP program and/or research?

I am intrigued by this opportunity to do clinical research and shadow, but I’m not sure how to make time for it if I plan on doing my own research as well. I am a rising sophomore and debating if I should start research (via Bio 200) this fall or if I should wait until junior year and try the PEMRAP program this spring (I missed the fall registration).

Any thoughts on the best ways to get research experience and clinical exposure will be appreciated.
I’m also wondering if it would be possible to start research this year, and take one semester off to do PEMRAP junior year. Is it seen as unprofessional or unrealistic to take a semester off from a research team with the intention of joining the same lab again later?
Thanks!