Good evening, mhe.
Congratulations on joining one of my favorite past-times of all time - neurology! Honestly, I do not know very much about the programs that you list; I hope that others from this forum can also help you. As mentioned by myself and others: one person's list is simply their opinion, and it can radically very from person to person - and still be 'true' in all cases (depending on the context and individuals). Here is what I know of your list:
Loyola - Brazis was a graduate of Loyola, and - apparently - "Localization" co-author Biller is joining their staff. The program is located at a rather up-to-date medical center about 10 miles west of Chicago.
LIJMC - Is a program for clinically-minded in the New York area. From what I have heard, it is a relatively easy-going program and is a decent program for one interested in staying in the general NYC-area.
Loma Linda - It's a Seventh Day Adventist school located about 1-2 hours east of LA. I have heard from a friend at UCLA that they have had trouble keeping their program full; I am not sure what this truly means.
SUNY-Upstate - Whether you are refering to Buffalo or Syracuse, I am not very knowledgible on these programs. However, I have met one resident at Syracuse who seemed non-plus on his experience there. I had also met a resident from Buffalo at a conference, and he seemed to be happy with his program - located right near Niagara Falls, right?
New Mexico, U Vermont, Med C of Ohio - I do not have information on these programs.
If you keep in mind that I have an East Coast-bent, I would probably rank your list as follows: LIJ, Loyola, SUNY-Buffalo/Syracuse, Loma Linda, New Mexico, Vermont, Medical College of Ohio.
However, please keep in mind that I am not an expert on these programs, and you probably know these programs better than me. If anything, try to think of (1) which location you prefer, (2) how much you enjoyed your interviews, (3) your impression of the program directors and chairmen and whether or not there is stability at the top, (4) strength of fellowships/jobs that graduates enter, and (5) happiness of the residents that you met on interview day. Best of luck, and let us know how things turn out.
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