Can't speak for any of the other programs, but I did a month as a student and interviewed at Conroe 3 years ago. If McKernan is still there, you may seriously want to rank that one highest.
So, based on my month -- no toxicity, period. Attendings were nice, interested in getting good people, interested in teaching, high speed/low drag. There was a husband/wife team there that had gone to Baylor Medical School and they were really cool and great teachers who jumped at the chance to help an intern. Good people.
McKernan - DO program director - definitely a no BS kinda guy -- he wants to and is capable of training full scope FM docs. He definitely knows his stuff in all aspects of Family Medicine, is approachable and practices what he preaches to his patients and residents regarding diet/exercise.
They have their own inpatient service that allows 2nd years to follow them into the ICU.
Great little hospital to work at and the clinic was nice. Residents had their own work area in the precepting rooms - kinda like wanna be cubicles.
Downsides:
Conroe itself is split down the middle by Interstate 45. Makes driving a pain, housing was a bit expensive for me on the projected resident's salary to get better schools. For me, it was too doggone muggy and I don't like Houston nor do I want to be that close to it.
Some of the resident's were upset when I was there - mainly the one's who wanted to match something else and didn't get it...otherwise, a good helpful atmosphere with no real problems amongst the group.
Again, this was 3 years ago so your mileage may vary, no warranties expressed or implied.
Also - have you considered the FM program in Tyler? That was like a JPS light in a nice, small town -- the schools were kinda iffy but I found out too late that the private schools offer scholarships and adjusted payment plans -- otherwise, I'd be there...almost changed my rank list the night before the match to put Tyler first -- that program is real badass...
Pathology was good, lots of procedures and if I understood correctly - When Katrina hit, the PD went to a skeleton crew to cover clinic/hospital responsibilities and told his people to saddle up, loaded a bunch of ready equipment bags into a van and went down, set up shop and starting seeing patients....
Again, YMMV, no warranties expressed or implied, this advice is worth what you're paying for it.
