I echo the last reply about Vandy, and I feel good knowing I'm not the only one that has been seeking last minute advice (hence my post about "UAB, Vandy, and Louisville")
I too cancelled my UNC interview as it was one of my last ones and I figured I'd seen enough "really good university programs" to think that I needed to look at another one. (Though I've heard great things and have a friend from my program thats an intern there this past year).
My experience of Vandy was positive. I grew up 60 miles south of Nashville, and didn't appreciate what an awesome city it is till I lived in cities like Jackson Ms, and Memphis. Most people interviewing at Vandy get the impression that it is for married folks only. Though I'm not married, I know that they (including the PD who is awesome) are very in tuned to tending to not only the life of their residents, but also significant others. This may or not be important to you as it isn't for me, but at the same time if I do marry one day (God forbid...j/k) I would consider it a plus to have a program like Vandy. The PD actually emailed me personally requesting info about my fiance at that time (we've since parted ways...hence the bitterness above towards marriage) and I was impressed that he cared enough to inquire not only about me, but also her.
The operative experience is likely as good as any other academic program, though my biggest concern was the trend toward less and less time at St. Thomas...I've heard rumors they may lose the surgical opportunities all together. Though I don't know how much it might affect the operative experience, my hesitation with the program largely focused on that fact. I think the interns actually get into the OR possibly moreso than some of the other academic programs that I'm interested in. Great ICU experience (interns rotate through ICU which is a plus in my opinion)
Otherwise, cost of living is decent and property value seems to continue to increase each year, meaning when you sell your house, you will pull a significant profit (from what the residents told me).
Surplus of things to do in and around Nashville, single or married.
Overall, one can't go wrong at Vandy. Great reputation, having Vandy on your Diploma/CV is certainly going to be a plus for you. I will be ranking them very highly, though not number one for personal reasons.
Hope this helps.
