Having trained in the EM residency program at Baystate Medical Center over the last year and a half, I feel at peace with my decision to train and with the EM family here.  Beyond all the typical descriptions of EM residency programs, I believe that the people here are the true draw of the program.  From the ancillary staff to the attending EM physicians, a general atmosphere of respect and camaraderie exists here that I have not witnessed at any other medical institution I have trained in my albeit limited experience.  The residents are very supportive of one another and have a great time together outside of the hospital.  The attending physicians are very easy to work with, allowing the residents a high level of autonomy with gentle guidance and great teaching.  When asked to describe the program, my response is always that one may find an equivalent group of caring, talented, respectful and laid back group of people to work with but one will not find a better group. 

Our residency also puts a stressed emphasis on the ever-elusive ideal of work-life balance.  Both my wife and I hail from Los Angeles and completed our professional education in Boston.  We now live in downtown Northampton, a small, eclectic city of a little over 28,000 people, and enjoy a high quality of life that includes very good restaurants, funky shops, outdoor activities, and easy access to picturesque New England towns and major cities such as New York City, Boston and Montreal.  In addition the cost of living to salary ratio is quite favorable, allowing the residents to enjoy all of the above.

In short my wife and I believe that our experience here thus far has been a tremendous blessing and an adventure.  I wish all of you wisdom in choosing the right program for you and your family and should that be here welcome.