the vascular programs are a bit like the MLB teams. there are many big names with good tradition of winning but their qualities fluctuate every few years (when they lose key free agents and many actually rebuild). the fellows only stay for two years and interview a year ahead of time. it's important to keep that in mind while ranking the programs - things change.
the list is large accurate and IMHO:
1. emory has lost quite a few "free agents" in recent years. it would have been a top 10 lock but i'm not sure about it at this point. same is true for vanderbilt - a traditional winner but its faculty stability is in question (as of a few months ago). columbia/cornell program is also having a lot of changes as we speak. baylor is nowhere near the baylor 5 years ago. they divorced methodist but only got a car out of it while methodist kept the house, it seems...
2. on the other hand, wisconsin is definitely on its way up. it didn't match a fellow just a few years ago but now with matsumora and kent, it's becoming a major player. same can be said about university of florida. since dr. seeger's passing, they have rebuilt their program very well - they have three graduates from darthmouth; they certainly know what they're doing. chicago is on its way up with their expansion and hiring of ross milner.
3. mayo az is a relatively new program (so are minnesota and uc davis) so there is always special considerations paid to when it comes to new programs.
4. NYU remains a strong player with a good reputation. it probably belongs to the 2nd tier. LIJ is a busy program with many big cases but doesn't carry the same name. cleveland clinic probably belongs to the first tier given its prowess but i don't know their training experience for fellows. loyola lost ross milner and unless they make a major move, they'd be in a lower tier. u of arizona is a powerhouse for those that enjoy limb salvaging and i'm a fan of joe mills. they probably belong a tier higher. USC has a very strong clinical training program probably just as good as UCLA but doesn't have the academic recognition.
