I interviewed at UCSD and Northwestern for general surgery and I agree, these are definitely awesome programs (unfortunately I had to cancel my Mayo-Arizona). If you're trying to do surgonc I would think UCSD simply by their track record for matching people in the best surgonc places. Plus, Dr. Cleary (the new chairmen) is an academic heavy-weight and his recommendation is going to go far when it comes time to apply for fellowships. Not to diminish Northwestern though since they are a phenomenal program with great people. I'm pretty sure San Diego and Chicago have similar costs of living too so you'll only have to figure it out based on weather.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
