Baptist Memorial Medical Education Program

The Baptist Memorial Medical Education offers a one-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship in Addiction Medicine designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to specialize in treating substance use disorders (SUDs) and related health issues. This program emphasizes comprehensive clinical and educational experiences, and fellows will learn to provide evidence-based addiction care tailored to diverse patient populations.

Program Overview

In this fellowship, the primary objective is to train leaders adept in both clinical and academic addiction medicine. The program incorporates intensive training focusing on the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of individuals suffering from addictions to substances such as nicotine, alcohol, and both licit and illicit drugs. A total of five fellowship positions are available each academic year, ensuring a focused and personalized training experience for each fellow. The fellowship not only fosters clinical expertise but also prepares graduates to sit for the American Board of Preventive Medicine's addiction medicine certification examination, thereby enhancing their professional credentials and career opportunities 3.

Curriculum and Clinical Rotations

The curriculum consists of various clinical rotations that provide a broad range of experiences:

1. Addiction Medicine Consult Service (3 months): This critical component involves fellows providing around-the-clock telemedicine consultation services to 16 hospitals under the Baptist Health System. The service focuses on delivering timely and effective treatment plans for hospitalized patients with substance use disorders, honing fellows' abilities to function under pressure.
2. Outpatient Substance Use Clinic (4 months): This rotation immerses fellows in outpatient settings, allowing them to support patients on their recovery journeys, conduct assessments, and deliver comprehensive follow-up care to diverse patient populations.
3. Psychiatry (1 month): This rotation explores the intersection of psychiatric disorders and substance use, enabling fellows to care for patients with co-morbid mental health issues.
4. Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program (2 months): Fellows gain expertise in managing opioid dependence through medication-assisted treatments, supporting their understanding of co-occurring disorders.
5. Sickle Cell Clinic (1 month): This unique rotation allows fellows to work with patients suffering from chronic pain and gain insights into the complexities of pain management.
6. Elective Rotation (1 month): Fellows have the option to customize one month of their training to focus on particular interests or subspecialties not covered in required rotations.

This structured blend of rotations ensures that fellows emerge as well-rounded professionals in addiction medicine 6.

Training Sites and Collaborative Learning

Fellows participate in a collaborative learning environment, engaging with community partners and healthcare professionals across various settings in the Midsouth. This exposure helps improve evidence-based SUD care and address health disparities impacted by social determinants of health. The opportunity to work with diverse populations equips fellows with essential skills in cultural competency and patient-centered care 4.

Application Process and Requirements

For admission into the fellowship, candidates must have completed residency training in any ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties) recognized specialty or be board eligible. The program employs the ERAS system for application submissions, which should include:

• A personal statement outlining interests and career goals in addiction medicine.
• A current CV.
• USMLE or COMLEX scores.
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency Program Director.

While no maximum limit on failed STEP exams is specified, successfully passing all board exams is essential for a competitive application. Those requiring visa sponsorship should be informed that the program can assist with visa types pertinent to international medical graduates 10.

Competitiveness and Support for International Medical Graduates

The fellowship program is deemed highly competitive, welcoming applications from both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). The commitment to diversity ensures that a wide range of backgrounds and experiences can contribute to the learning environment. The selection committee seeks candidates who display a strong commitment to addiction medicine, demonstrated through academic achievements, clinical experiences, and professional integrity 9.

Location and Community Engagement

Situated in Memphis, Tennessee, the program offers a vibrant urban environment rich in culture and history, including local music and culinary traditions. The city's unique atmosphere enhances the learning experience, providing fellows with access to diverse patient populations and community resources that can further springboard their careers in addiction medicine 5.