From what I understand, the IM program as well as many of the other programs suffer from somewhat of a drought in local patients (continuity of care is a nightmare) made worse by being in a not so great location....despite the image of living by the gulf. UTMB is a referral center for indigent care throughout the state and has the TDCJ prison hospital. However, many of the more interesting cases end up at the Texas Medical Center. Trauma and acute illnesses...end up at TMC. The IM program has a fairly progressive night float system however, which may appeal to some (UT-San Antonio's is similar). As for why it might not fill......Galveston is not a star destination by any means. It is hot...sweltering hot. Lotsa mosquitos. Devoid of social activities except for watersports and a few bars and a tame Mardi Gras in February. Houston is about an hour away....on a good day with little traffic...but for some people like me, Houston is equivalent to the gateway to hell- filthy hot, flat, violent city with no soul to speak of.
Just opinions and observations which may explain why UTMB may not be so popular.