SIU has a very tight group of residents (3/yr) who are very happy with the program and are there because they wanted to be there. The residents operate early and often. There are no services and instead everything is one-on-one with faculty. Residents get outstanding training for bread and butter ortho. If you want to do general ortho practice, you would be well prepared by this program. Research is light (plus or minus depending on your perspective).
SIU is in Springfield which is the capital of Illinois and is a standard midwest town with a great cost of living, cheap housing, and overall is a great place to raise a family. However, for those interested in a night life this is not your place (although it is about 3 hours to Chicago or St Louis for those cherished golden weekends). Single life is probably not the best, but keep in mind that in places like this orthopaedic residents are probably one of the best catches around.
In summary: tight group of residents with early operative experience but little research in a small midwest town that is good for raising a family--not everyone would like this program, but some people would love it.
I dont know much about UK other than I hear it is a nice college town which obviously does have its advantages.
