1. How competitive is this program for someone who does not go to medschool in Texas?
I think you'll find that although there are on average more residents from Texas or have ties to Texas in some way, it's by no means exclusive. This past match for example, we had no one from Texas.
2. Do you know what Step I score is important?
As with most other PM&R programs, the STEP 1 score is not so much as an issue. That is not to say that you shouldn't have a competitive score however. Over the last few years, PM&R in general has experienced an increase in applications. The nationwide match rate when I applied was in the 70's. This past year, it was in the 90's. With a more competitive score, you'll have more options, making it more easier for you to go where you want to go.
3. How "good" of outpatient pain management exposure is there?
I'd like to say that I had more info on this, but I don't as I haven't done my pain mgmt rotations yet. However, from talking to the upperclassmen, there is plenty of exposure. We work closely with ANES, and actually do a few rotations with them in their Pain Mgmt clinic. One of our residents is seriously pursuing the ANES pain mgmt fellowship here. Our Chairman, Nick Walsh, is well known and respected in the areas of acute and chronic pain. Writing numerous papers in the area. If there is anybody who knows about pain mgmt, it's him...
this is of course not an all inclusive list of his publications, as our web page hasn't been updated in a couple of years(something I have to work on I see)
http://daffodil.uthscsa.edu/faculty/walsh/pub.html
4. Is an outside rotation at UTHSCSA very helpful?
Only a few of our residents actually did a rotation here before coming. Doing a "dress rehearsal" rotation can sometimes work in your favor or against you, depending on your experience. And that's for any program. I think doing a rotation here, may be helpful to find out if
1. You like the residents that you would be working with
2. You like the city you would be living in
any other questions you have, I'd be happy to answer.