Community VS. University Aways

I can only speak from my experience, but I did two rotations at major academic centers and one at a community program. The community program was great because it was so small. I got a lot of personalized attention and teaching. I spent a great deal of time directly with the program director. By the end of my rotation, they even let me do some surgeries as the primary surgeon, so I would say that your experience at community programs will not be less than what you would get at a major academic program and may in fact be better. Of course, this all depends on the programs.
I would recommend that you try rotating at an academic program as well so that you can see what academic programs are like and make an educated decision for yourself.
As far as community programs favoring rotators, it just makes sense that it would happen that way. They may be looking more for fit than to get the top number people, so doing an away and looking good can only help you. Good luck. PM with questions.

To answer your first question, programs where you interview may not even know where you did your rotations unless they specifically ask. Programs are able to begin downloading your application at the beginning of September. If you do your home rotation in July or August, you'll be in the middle of your away when your application is in (or at least when it should be in).

Transcripts should already be uploaded by September, and the Dean's letter will be probably written and transmitted (November 1) before your registrar even gets your evaluation back from your away. So there may not be any written record of where you did your aways. I know I was asked during interviews sometimes where I did my aways, but most of the time it wasn't brought up.

I think you can get great training anywhere as long as you feel its a good fit. And if you are doing both of your rotations at community programs, maybe you are telling yourself that you feel better at a community type place, so who cares about the bigger academic places? Follow your gut.

I did both. Found I liked the academic a little more, but the community programs are great. The only drawback is getting a fellowship (but some get great ones from community programs). In contrast to the previous post, I was asked in at least six interviews where I rotated. I think the take home message is to rotate in more than one state so you do not get regionalized (at least try not to)

There are multiple ways to look at it. Most community places dont, on average, get as many rotators as some of the big uinversity places (like northwestern, etc) In my three years as a resident at a community program we have gotten b/t 2 and 6 rotators per season. You will certainly be remembered more as 1 of 6 than 1 of 30 rotators. I think if you are undecided you should rotate at one of each (I did this). I guess a potential "downside" is that some of the community attendings may not be as well known nationally should you get a letter of recommendation during your rotation. Good luck deciding and feel free to ask questions

In response to the "potential downside" that bonedoc mentioned, a good way to work the letter of rec situation is to do an academic, big name away early on and do a community rotation later in the process. I did this with one rotation in September (got a big name letter) and one in November (mostly got my name in specifically with that program). Doing a late rotation puts you closer to interview season and you are fresh in their mind. Seems to work great if you have all the letters you need and are looking at one specific program that you are interested in.