I think one reason the Colorado program developed a bad reputation on SDN is because, at least as of a few years ago, the word on the street was that residents there were unhappy with the program director.
Full disclosure: I don't remember having any particularly bad interactions with the PD myself (I really don't remember much about meeting her at all, since it has been years, but I think I'd remember if something really bad happened). It's also definitely possible that even IF there were problems then, things may be different now.
I remember one resident who I met there did say something about how the PD was "not the kind of person who will coddle you or be warm and fuzzy". That may be the extent of the "problem" (which I don't think is really problem)...or it may be that was just a diplomatic way of saying she was hard to work with. I don't know since I didn't end up there.
However, there was enough of a rumor mill about it that it did seem concerning at the time (for example, one of the residents who took me out to dinner at a different residency made a comment about the PD when someone mentioned Denver at dinner).
It also probably did not help its reputation here on SDN when a well known poster on this message board matched there and seemed unhappy. He apparently had to work extremely long hours. That person ultimately ended up resigning from the program. However, in fairness, I do recall that he went on to defend the program from some of the criticism it received on here, so he may indeed think it is still a good program in spite of having issues.
I mention all this just because I think applicants should know that you do have a little skeptical about what programs present to you on interview day. You really can't be sure what a program is really like just based on interview day.
It is pretty rare that residents will be completely honest with you on interview day, quite frankly. The residency program will generally only send residents who are happy and doing well in the program to meet applicants in the first place.
If someone WAS telling applicants, "Oh man, this program is awful. I regret matching here" then obviously the program administration will not be happy with them. Why would anyone risk getting in trouble with their residency administration over something like that?
That's why it is smart to try to find out what people really think by using places like SDN where people tend to feel comfortable speaking more openly.
