Clinica Sierra Vista - Bakersfield Program

Clinica Sierra Vista's Addiction Medicine Fellowship, in collaboration with the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program, offers a comprehensive 1-year training program designed for family medicine physicians. This fellowship aims to equip participants with specialized knowledge and skills critical for effectively addressing substance use disorders within diverse and marginalized populations. The program is located at the Physicians Plaza Community Health Clinic, a Federally Qualified Health Center in Kern County, California, and was accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Program Highlights

The fellowship provides a robust structure that combines clinical rotations and hands-on experiences. Participants will encounter a wide array of addiction cases, encompassing substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and mental health conditions that often co-occur. Fellows are exposed to both outpatient and inpatient clinical settings, and they receive extensive education in Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), including long-acting injectable Buprenorphine.

Additionally, fellows will have opportunities to apply clinical and behavioral skills while working with the chronically unsheltered populations served by Clinica Sierra Vista's street medicine teams. This engagement fosters a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced by vulnerable communities.

Collaborative Learning

Collaboration is emphasized throughout the fellowship, allowing participants to work closely with addiction specialists, therapists, and various healthcare professionals. This multidisciplinary approach is essential for providing comprehensive patient care in the complex field of addiction medicine.

Education and Research

The addiction medicine fellowship program prioritizes education and research. Fellows engage in a variety of educational activities, such as lectures, workshops, and case discussions. Furthermore, they have the chance to partake in ongoing research projects aimed at advancing addiction medicine practices and knowledge.

Recognizing the substantial impact of addiction on communities, the program encourages fellows to collaborate with external community organizations and resources. This involvement aims to create a network of community-based interventions and support mechanisms for individuals affected by addiction. Consequently, fellows develop advocacy skills to promote the needs of patients, focusing on harm reduction, improved access to treatment, and combating stigma surrounding addiction.

Program Benefits

The fellowship offers a competitive salary, which ranges from $80,000 to $100,000 per year. Additional benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; malpractice insurance; and eligibility for a retirement plan (403B retirement). Fellows can expect generous vacation and educational leave policies, comprising 120 hours of vacation and 40 hours of educational leave annually.

Application Requirements

Eligibility criteria for applicants include graduates from accredited medical schools in the United States and Canada, or graduates from international medical schools with a valid educational certification. Additionally, all candidates must have completed both steps 1 and 2 of the USMLE or COMLEX and have graduated from medical school no more than three years prior to starting the fellowship.

International Medical Graduates must present a current ECFMG certificate before commencing the fellowship, and applicants must hold a J-1 visa to be considered for acceptance into the program.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Before beginning their educational and clinical responsibilities, fellows must undergo a comprehensive medical examination that includes various tests and screenings. A criminal background check will also be conducted as part of the hiring process, ensuring all employed fellows meet the program’s standards for safety and professionalism.

Program Partners

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship collaborates with reputable institutions and organizations, including the Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program, Memorial Hospital – Dignity Health, Aegis Treatment Centers, and Bakersfield Recovery Services. These partnerships enhance the breadth of training and resources available to fellows.