I would say Methodist is a very strong program for both academics / private practice. You get excellent clinical training and tons of research opportunities.
There are an unbelievable number of clinical trials, investigator initiated studies, bench research through the HMRI (
http://www.houstonmethodist.org/research), and seed grants available (even to fellows). Methodist is usually the leads enrollment in most trials in which it participates and the Methodist faculty are typically on the writing group / steering committee.
Most of the faculty here at Methodist are the former Baylor faculty before the split ... they didn't just stop doing research / academics or being leaders in Cardiology because they are now associated with Weill Cornell.
Yes the clinical training here is really strong and you will certainly leave being able to succeed in private practice, but if you want to do academics this is also a great place to start a career. Further, the fellowship program is set up to allow flexibility for either (program director will work hard to make sure you get levels you need for your career (ie most will leave general fellowship level 2 nuc/ct, level 2 echo, level 2 cath but you can also get level 3 echo if you want).
Good luck.