It is rolling up on 2 years, but I did one of my externships at DVA ATL: (so don't go on everything I say as may have changed)
program emphasis - I would say mostly wound care, there is a complex care clinic with the director with larger cases they have for surgery.
research - Not sure/Can't remember.
ability to get surgical numbers - You will get your surgery numbers, but may not be as extensive as some programs. A lot of cases come from surgery centers
hours worked - its a VA so usual 8-5 ish
lifestyle in general - The residents are all really great, laid back. The work is hard though, you will see ALOT of wounds during clinic so have to be on top of your clinic game; The attendings are also very nice. When i rotated they offered RF/FF for all spots, but during interviews found out that they only had one RF and others were FF only so it swayed my ranking a bit. But overall was a very nice place to work and down to earth. Depends on if you are looking to be in cases all day or you want a more clinic/case combo lifestyl.
climate/surroundings - I think I included above. I love the area the hospital is in.