Community Health Network Program

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship, offered by Community Health Network, is a one-year fellowship designed for physicians looking to specialize in addiction medicine. Any physician who has graduated from an ACGME-accredited residency is eligible to apply. This fellowship provides a comprehensive training program that prepares fellows for a successful career in the management of substance use disorders and common comorbid conditions, establishing them as competitive candidates for various roles in addiction treatment settings.

Located in Indianapolis, this fellowship combines clinical rotations across multiple training sites, including inpatient and outpatient settings. The aim is to equip fellows with a broad array of experiences, fostering skills as clinicians, educators, and healthcare managers. Graduates will be well-versed in the complexities of addiction medicine, allowing them to provide ethical and competent care without direct supervision upon completion of the fellowship 1.

Program Overview

The fellowship encompasses multiple training locations that feature a rich variety of clinical experiences. These include inpatient addiction treatment in psychiatric settings, outpatient clinics, and specific programs for conditions such as MAT (Medication-Assisted Treatment) during pregnancy. The training is structured to produce exceptional clinicians who are aware of their strengths and limitations and are committed to lifelong learning 2.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

Fellows will rotate through several key clinical sites within the Community Health Network, providing a well-rounded experience in addiction treatment. Significant training locations include:

• Behavioral Health Pavilion: This site features a 122-bed inpatient behavioral health facility, offering specialized units for various needs including co-occurring disorders. Fellows will engage with multidisciplinary teams and participate in evaluations, treatment planning, and follow-up care 2.
• Community Fairbanks Recovery Center: For over 75 years, Fairbanks has provided evidence-based addiction treatments. The center facilitates experience in treating a diverse population and offers various treatment modalities from counseling to long-term residential programs 2.
• Community Hospital North and East: These hospitals serve as critical sites for consultations, addiction psychiatry, and elective work. Clinical exposure here includes managing acute episodes and engaging with outpatient services 2.
• Family Medicine Center: In this setting, fellows participate in comprehensive patient evaluations, integrating behavioral health with primary care practices, reinforcing the patient-centered medical home model 2.

Curriculum

The curriculum comprises core clinical rotations that build an essential foundation in addiction medicine, along with elective studies that allow fellows to cultivate specialized skills. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Consultation-Liaison Services: A required rotation involving patient assessment and treatment in diverse hospital settings 3.
• Inpatient Integrated Recovery: A rotation focused on complex detoxification processes while managing co-occurring conditions. This unit deals with both voluntary and court-mandated patients 3.
• Outpatient Addiction Medicine: Continual patient management in outpatient settings, enhancing skills in prescribing MAT and managing various substance use disorders 3.
• Electives: Options for fellows include pathways focusing on topics like pain management, substance use disorders in women's health, and emergency medicine access 3.

Application Process

Prospective fellows must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program and be eligible for licensure in Indiana. The application process requires submission through ERAS and includes:

• MyERAS application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Medical school transcript
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• USMLE/COMLEX transcript

The fellowship is competitive, welcoming various applicants, including DOs and IMGs. The program emphasizes high standards and seeks candidates who are committed to the field of addiction medicine 4.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports fellows who require visa sponsorship options, ensuring that international medical graduates can apply successfully and complete their fellowship training in addiction medicine.

Professional Development and Goals

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship prepares its fellows for the evolving landscape of addiction treatment. The aim is to cultivate leaders in the field who are equipped with the necessary skills in patient care, medical knowledge, practice-based learning, communication, professionalism, and systems-based practice. Fellows will engage in various community health initiatives, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future roles in addiction medicine 5.