Charles R Drew University of Medicine and Science, College of Medicine Program
Location:
Los Angeles, CASpecialty:
Addiction medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
4040540014The Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science offers a comprehensive Program in Addiction Medicine, which is a multidisciplinary clinical fellowship aimed at addressing the complex needs of individuals suffering from addiction. This fellowship program is designed to prepare graduates for effective clinical practice, research, and leadership in addiction medicine.
Curriculum and Structure
The curriculum of the Addiction Medicine fellowship integrates various dimensions of addiction treatment, including evidence-based interventions, cultural competence, and multidisciplinary approaches to care. The program emphasizes a holistic understanding of addiction, offering training in pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and psychosocial support systems.
Fellows will engage in a mixture of didactic training and clinical practice. This includes participation in seminars, workshops, and rounds that cover the latest advancements in addiction medicine. The fellowship is designed to foster the development of critical thinking and analytical skills essential for diagnosing and managing addiction disorders.
Clinical Rotations
Clinical training takes place across multiple sites, offering diverse experiences in varied settings, including:
- Martin Luther King Jr. Outpatient Center
- VA Long Beach Health Center, Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center
- Department of Mental Health, Los Angeles County
- LAC-Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center
- Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
- Watts Health Center
- Kedren Community Health Center
These rotations provide fellows with the opportunity to engage with a rich and diverse patient population, honing their skills in a real-world context and addressing the unique challenges presented by underserved communities, particularly in South Los Angeles. This exposure is crucial for developing the competencies needed for independent practice in addiction medicine.
Research Opportunities
The fellowship program encourages academic engagement and research initiatives, inviting fellows to participate in ongoing projects related to addiction. Fellows will have the opportunity to work on community-based interventions and research aimed at understanding and mitigating the impact of addiction in diverse populations.
Moreover, the program promotes collaboration with faculty members who are dedicated to research in addiction medicine, providing fellows with access to mentorship and guidance throughout their research endeavors.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the distinguishing features of the Addiction Medicine fellowship is its commitment to addressing health disparities among marginalized populations. The program aligns with the mission of Charles R. Drew University, which emphasizes community engagement and the promotion of health equity.
Fellows are also trained in advocacy and public health approaches, equipping them to become leaders in the field of addiction medicine, capable of contributing to systemic change and improving access to care for affected individuals.
Visa Support and Application Requirements
The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. Primarily, the fellowship can support J-1 and H-1B visas, enabling a broader range of candidates to apply and pursue their training in addiction medicine.
In terms of competitiveness, the program actively seeks applications from diverse backgrounds, including a strong emphasis on inviting candidates from underrepresented groups in medicine. Highly competitive candidates should ideally have completed their residency in a relevant field and possess a demonstrated commitment to working in underserved communities.
Specific application requirements may include limits on the number of failed STEP examinations, which are typically a maximum of two attempts. Candidates are encouraged to meet directly relevant prerequisites, such as educational background and clinical experience, further enhancing the caliber of applicants.1
Website
Director
Dragos Serseni, MD, MBA, MPAProgram Director Appointed Since September 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
80hrsFirst Year Salary:
$90,019First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Los Angeles, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Crime rate and safety: Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
- Fun activities: Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
- Climate: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
- Races and population: Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
- Pros: Exciting cultural opportunities, diverse culinary experiences, access to beautiful beaches, great weather, and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing affordability challenges.
Interview Questions
