In your experience, what are some of the best ACADEMIC programs to do away electives at? I already am doing a rotation at a more clinical program (my home institution) but what are some great academic programs. Out West, and out east (UCSF, UCLA, Hopkins)? Especially in New York City thanks!

In the east, a few that pop to mind are MEEI, Hopkins, UNC, Penn. Midwest: Michigan, Iowa, WashU. West Coast: UWash, UCSF, Stanford, UCLA. Any program with a 7-year research-track spot will likely be very academic. I didn't apply in NYC, but the impression I got is that the programs there are all relatively similar in reputation.

i did one on head & neck service at pittsburgh; very busy but good experience and well known attendings (johnson, meyers)

We have away students here (Iowa) pretty frequently in the summer months. I think that its a pretty good month.