Thanks for all the comments!!!
Personally I think all 3 programs are excellent, both in terms of clinical training and research opportunities. Quality of life is another issue and it depends on so many factors, so lets not go there.
I like all 3 programs, and I have a hard time to decide. However, I don't really how/why the internal medicine training program at Cleveland Clinic has not been popular, I was quite impressed when I visited this program. The people were very nice, and overall fellowship placement over the last 3 years has become better and better. It is quite competitive, with average USMLE step 1CK 92 and step 2 CK 94 this year. Yes, they get some DOs and IMGs, but while many see as a weakness I personally feel this is one of the things I like most about CCF. If they want to, I think with such a name they can intentionally fill all spots with AMGs. However, I really admire them for giving opportunity to DOs and IMGs.
Some people seem to use internal cardiology fellowship placement at CCF as the main reason why they feel CCF is not great for internal medicine training. I think they have a point, but I also think they focus on a small point and fail to look at the whole picture. CCF cards is probably the one of the most competitive programs in the US, and people there want and receive the best of the best applicants. Of the 10-12 CCF internal medicine residents, per year, who match for cards, about 2 get in at CCF. Obviously, many programs in general tend to take more from their internal pool, and I personally would want to see them taking more. However, it is not too bad since CCF medicine residents also go to other highly respected programs. Also, consider the high number of DOs and IMGs, since many cards progarms, including CCF, tend to favor AMGs, the overall high percentage of CCF medicine residents who match for cards is quite impressive.
Speaking of academics and research, CCF is not that bad. CCF has the Lerner Research Institute with significant research productivity. It is not MGH or Hopkins, but its funding is not too bad, around 120-150 millions per year for basic science alone, I believe. Obviously, CCF is doing lot of clincial and population research projects. Recently, CCF opened its own medical school with a unique 5-year MD program to train physician scientists.
So CCF overall is not that bad, isn't it?