This thread is a pretty good summation and has my thoughts on some of the better programs out there...
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?p=6091105#post6091105
The Inova thread PADPM mentions is solid also.
Remember, a highly competitive residency does not necessarily equal best training. The two often go hand in hand, but it's not a direct correlation. Not every student wants a ~80hr/wk program when a 60-70hr/wk program will give simlar skills and experience in the end. Competition will be based on number of spots, geographic location/climate, perceived "brand name" value and attending DPM notoriety, etc... as well as training quality. Some of the the MN, WI, and northwest ones are highly competitive since they have few spots. Similarly, some of the Fla, Tex, etc programs are competitive since the weather is nice and many students are from those areas and/or want to practice there. Hospitals which offer core rotations also tend to be more popular since more students rotate through, and hospitals which don't even offer a clerkship rotations are less visible to many students for obvious reasoning.
Some of the mediocre programs in highly desired locations get fiercely competitive. Conversely, some of the high quality programs in less popular locations get under-applied to IMO. Off the top of my head, I'd say it might go something like this:
Top 10 training: Dekalb, Kaiser SF, PSL, DMC, Inova, UPMC, West Houston, Grant, Oakwood, Jewish
Top 10 competitiveness: PSL, Orlando, Kaiser SF, Dekalb, Inova, Swedish, West Penn, Regions, DMC, Westside (FL)
...can't go wrong with any of those, but some just get more/less apps per spot based on how many spots they have, where in the country they are, how much they publish, clerk/core offerings, etc. There are dozens and dozens of high quality pod surg residencies out there these days, and we're fortunate.
After clerkships and visits, you just have to consider what you want from a program, what you are willing to put in, and where you felt you fit in well in terms of attending and resident personalities, program emphasis, hours, etc. I don't really put my own program on these lists since I'm obviously biased, but it's quite solid with high volume and good balance (elective, trauma, diabetic limb, etc)... it was my top choice for reasons stated. GL