Well, I would disagree with certain points.
Lets talk about the data from American Community Survey 2009-2013 estimates.
This is publicly disclosed information and is available on resources like Wikipedia for all to verify and also made available on public databases.
The per-capita income for the state of Massachusetts is $35,763, for United States it is $28,155, for Hampden County itself it is $25,817 and for Springfield this figure is $18,133.
Now based on this, I would not jump to conclusions about Western Mass being a " depressed area" but the figures do appear quite concerning to me. Again, these are relatively concrete numbers and not "opinions".
In my experience, Baystate did have some commendable faculty in the past, many have left the institution and have moved on to better positions. Currently, some of the faculty tend to be verbally abusive and have harassed residents on occasion. One faculty proudly exclaims in front of the staff, " You know what reputation I have in this institute".
It is quite sad that such stories are not discussed openly in the Medical Community. It would help eliminate such obnoxious behavior from among the medical staff. Unfortunately, the hierarchical system and the chain of command protects these people.
This institution serves a population that does not contribute back to the society but have care needs. Medicaid reimbursements are poor and the institution is struggling financially.
Baystate: Hospital profitability report only shows part of the picture
I would describe all of this as a " learning experience", may be not the best one but it did teach me to think and put the bigger picture into perspective. I would refrain from any generalized opinions about any institutions and communities but my concerns are based on concrete numbers, direct experience and facts.