In response to your question:
the programs here in Chicago include Rush (my program), University of Illinois Chicago, Loyola, Northwestern, University of Chicago, and Chicago Med. These are all university based programs. There are a few private hospital programs, e.g. the St. Joseph's program as well. The best place to look up all programs in all states is in your student affairs office. There should be a book with all this information (including addresses and contact persons for these programs) there for medical student applicants.
The university programs have affiliated hospitals. Rush's includes Cook County and North Shore, UIC has a VA, as does Northwestern and Loyola. I'm not sure about UC or Chicago Med.
I am biased towards my program, but each program listed has strengths/weaknesses. You should request info/brochures from all you may be interested in, not just Chicago, but everywhere.
BTW, I am a 5th year surgery resident here at Rush. Also "ER" on TV is nothing like County.
Also research is +/- depending on the program. However, most would agree that if you've done it, you should be able to discuss it intelligently - otherwise if it shows up on your CV and it turns out that your inteviewer just happens to be an expert on it you will be shark chum. This sounds obvious, but I remember some med student applicant horror stories from when I was applying years ago. I did not do any serious research prior to applying and it did not hurt me.
Bottom line on each program:
Rush: Excellent training for becoming a well-rounded surgeon; great operative experience, and with the new County opening up, will get even better
U of C: Great if you want to be Dept. Chair someday; emphasis on academics/research, including 2 years mandatory research during residency
Northwestern: Private Ritzie hospital with VIP's so it may be hands off in the OR
Loyola: Rep for being malignant but a strong program
UIC: ??
Chicago Med: ?? - very small
Keep in mind that a) I am from Rush and can only speak accurately about my program and b) these are only reputations - any resident from these other programs can tell it like it really is with their respective programs.