Eisenhower Medical Center Program

The Eisenhower Medical Center Program in Addiction Medicine offers a unique opportunity for fellows to engage in a comprehensive and multidisciplinary training environment. This one-year fellowship is accredited by the ACGME and aims to prepare physicians for addressing all facets of addiction medicine through diverse clinical experiences. The program collaboration includes the Eisenhower Health campus in Rancho Mirage, CA, and the UCLA Health at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, providing fellows with varied training settings.

The fellowship encompasses varied clinical rotations and practical experiences. These rotations include inpatient acute care, emergency treatment, outpatient services, and specialized addiction treatments such as medication-assisted treatment via the Methadone Clinic. Fellows will be exposed to a wide range of cases including but not limited to addiction among the elderly, co-occurring HIV, and complex pain management, enabling them to develop a robust understanding of the multifaceted aspects of addiction medicine 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is strategically designed to ensure comprehensive learning and understanding of addiction and its broader implications on healthcare. The core components include seminars on neuroscience, psychopharmacology, and evidence-based behavioral treatments tailored to meet the diverse needs of patients in the Coachella Valley and Los Angeles. Among the educational offerings are:

• Annual Addiction Medicine Conferences
• Motivational Interviewing and Behavioral Therapy Seminars
• Psychopharmacology and Clinical Case Discussions
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workshops

Through this curriculum, fellows are trained to effectively assess, diagnose, and treat patients suffering from substance use disorders across various healthcare settings, equipping them with skills for individualized care 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive feature of the Eisenhower Medical Center program is its commitment to interdisciplinary training. Fellows form part of a multidisciplinary treatment team that includes addiction specialists, psychologists, and social workers, fostering a collaborative learning environment. This integration is critical as fellows learn to deliver individualized care based on comprehensive assessments

Fellows also have opportunities to engage in scholarly activities, participating in academic journal clubs, and presentations at grand rounds. The fellowship emphasizes research and quality improvement initiatives, encouraging fellows to conduct projects and share findings at both local and national conferences 3.

Training Sites

The training sites for the fellowship encompass a variety of settings. Key locations include:

• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation facilities in Rancho Mirage
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
• LA County Department of Mental Health
• Clare Matrix and Venice Family Clinic

This variety allows fellows to gain rich, hands-on experience treating patients from diverse demographics and backgrounds, preparing them for real-world challenges in addiction medicine 1.

Application Process

Applicants to the Eisenhower Medical Center Addiction Medicine Fellowship must demonstrate strong qualifications. The program accepts universal applications through ERAS and requires:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement (maximum 550 words)
• Three letters of recommendation
• Official copy of USMLE or COMLEX transcript
• Official ECFMG certificate (for international medical graduates)

Notably, the program does not sponsor visas, which may affect international applicants 4.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The fellowship is competitive, primarily favoring candidates who are board certified or eligible, preferably having completed clinical training in an ACGME or AOA accredited internal medicine program. Candidates must also be eligible for a medical license in California. The program requires all residents and fellows to be vaccinated against COVID-19 due to the service of high-risk populations 4.

Fellows and Faculty

The Eisenhower Medical Center Program promotes a supportive community among its fellows and faculty. Current fellows come from a range of backgrounds and have diverse interests within addiction medicine, highlighting a vibrant academic culture. Faculty members, who include specialists from various backgrounds, provide mentorship and guidance, enhancing the learning experience for fellows 3.