case is definitely a big big big name in the ob. its program used to top the list with ones at stanford and harvard. frankly, it would be kinda reckless to look upon its reputation based solely on the huge financial crisis starting 07 at case western. its placement leads the academia. though some of the leading scholars left the program, it is working its best to get in experienced and influential researchers. what is more fascinating is that weatherland has secured generous fundings from external resources, which translates into a huge financial relief for the operations of doctoral programs.
and btw, technically, its ob program does not recruit newbies every year. they got in three guys for fall 07 and then deferred their admission till one year after with full funding support. and it is fairely expected that case will not stand firmly on its four-per-year admissions policy in the near future. instead, the department would probably extenuate its financial burden and laser its budget towards a limited number of talented candidates.