So let me get this straight...you went out and interviewed at all these places, met the residents, saw the cities, saw the facilities, talked to the faculty and you're going to do your rank list based on "... students who heard rumors from their advisors..." about "the reputation of the programs and how strong the programs are?" Are you serious? What did you do at your interviews? If you want my 0.02 (actual cash value 0.09) it's to not listen to the rumors and/or comments this thread will inevitably attract, and go with your gut and what you saw while you were there. The time to listen to the rumor mill is 5 months ago, when you were deciding where to apply and or interview, not now that you're actually deciding where you're going to live. You're the only one who knows exactly what you want and you are the best person to evaluate the programs from that point of view. But if you really want to do your rank list like that, here's my schpiel:
Michigan--Good rep, 4 years. Nuff said.
Maryland--Baltimore? You're kidding. Don't have to worry about your trauma volume though.
UC-Davis--Good rep, cool residents. Prepare to work very, very hard. Did the fact that the program doesn't have the money to buy you dinner the night before make any bells go off in your head? (Don't listen to me though, I ranked em # 2.)
Johns Hopkins--See above comments about Baltimore. The hospital's reputation doesn't come from the EM program (not that the EM program is bad or anything, just keep in mind that a no-name county hospital in Minneapolis is considered to have a "better rep," than The Johns Hopkins.)
USC--The ultimate Big County Experience. You will have seen everything by the time you leave (including a lot you didn't want to,) but will you be prepared to work anywhere besides a big county place? Be sure if you choose to go there that you don't mind pushing wheelchairs, starting IVs, and treating patients without very much supervision. Again, a pretty good reputation.
I wouldn't say that any one of those programs has a poor reputation or that you would get poor training at any of them. You're choosing from some very good programs. It just comes down to what YOU want from the next 3-4 years.
