Hello everyone, this is my first post.
Last year, I interviewed at both programs, among 14 total PM&R interviews I went to last year around the country. Hopefully I can provide some insight.
1. How do these 2 stand on a national level?
They both are outstanding programs. In and of itself, I believe that Baylor has a bigger name (a lot to do with its size). As far as I classify it, Baylor is one of the big five in the PM&R. The others being RIC, Kessler, Mayo, and UW. (I'm not saying these are the best programs, but they have a lot of influence in academics and research). When I went to other programs, a lot of the other program directors knew of Baylor.
As mentioned before in another program, though UTHSCSA is a smaller program, it has two big shots in PM&R. Dr. Dimitru (sp?), the program director, wrote the book on EMG. I believe he is or will be president of the AAPMR, or at least one of its leaders. Dr. Walsh is also a big shot who is involved nationally. Having them in your corner I am sure can open doors.
2. Which one is stronger in which areas?
Baylor is top-notch in spinal cord, TBI, and in general strong in inpatient (peds, etc.) areas. A lot of this is because of TIRR, the rehab hospital, is one of the best in the country (ranked 2 according to reputation in US News and World Report). Apparently, the program has been envolving, like the rest of the country, to include more outpatient exposure.
San Antonio is great in EMG and pain for sure. It appears solid in other areas also.
What is a strong Step I score for each program?
Who knows. Impossible to tell. I had a good score on step 1, but I felt that step 1 scores were not that big of a deal.
How competitive is each program?
I would guess similiarly not too competive. Evaluating the numbers, I would guess that Baylor gets more applications, but has a lot more slots to give. From memory, Baylor interviewed around 96 for 14 slots (including UT-Houston); whereas San Antonio interviews 35 or so for 4-6 slots (not really sure). I know that some of Baylor's previous residents were FMGs, but both programs filled last year and will in the future.
Here is my break-down of the differences. Size: Baylor is a big program with a big-name. SA is smaller yet more personable. Length: SA is a four-year program, Baylor a three-year (a discussion in and of itself). San Antonio is in a smaller city, yet in a nice part of Texas (hill country, close to Austin). Baylor is in the 4th largest city in the US. Baylor: strong tradition in inpatient with well know free standing rehab center. SA: strong in outpatient, with strong medical school ties.
Compared to other programs, residents work harder during residency.
Hope this helps. These are only my observations, I am still learning about the field myself.