Being a resident, I have insider info I'll share (unbiased, of course). Everyone always mentions the storm, Ike, that hit the Gulf some years ago. UTMB was hit hard and unfortunately many people were laid off. Residents were shipped off to other programs and the patient population decreased for some time afterwards. As of now, UTMB is back. I'll highlight some of the strengths of AP. Faculty, faculty, facultry. Dr. Campbell is director of AP and is one of the nicest guys you will meet. Outstanding neuropathologist. Surgpath is back to pre-Ike numbers. Faculty are strong and personable, have diverse cases, faculty have ties to UTMB and trained at institutions such as Sloan Kettering and MD Anderson, ample time to read, nice equipment (flat screens, scopes, etc). Autopsy, one of the best in the nation.
Current residents wanted UTMB. I know for a fact some residents chose UTMB over institutions such as Stanford, Southwestern, Baylor, Methodist, etc (not saying they aren't good programs, they are very good). The program doesn't have the big name recognition and island living is not for everyone (even then, commuting from south Houston is a 30 minute drive).
All in all the strengths include strong faculty, fellowship placement, research opportunity, friendly/fun atmosphere, island living (to most).
UTMB is expanding, new hospitals are being built on campus as I type.