Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program at Emory University is tailored to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to emerge as leaders in the field of addiction psychiatry. This ACGME-accredited fellowship emphasizes comprehensive training that supports fellows in preparing for the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) certification in Addiction Psychiatry.1

The training is divided between hands-on clinical experiences and didactic learning, where fellows spend two-thirds of the fellowship year at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Atlanta VA Healthcare System and the remaining time at various affiliated training sites including Emory University, Grady Hospital, the Dekalb County Drug Court Program, and Talbott Recovery Campus.2

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship offers substantial exposure to addiction psychiatry through diverse clinical rotations. At the Atlanta VA Healthcare System, fellows engage with several key programs:

• The Evaluation, Stabilization and Placement (ESP) outpatient clinic, where fellows assess individuals for substance use disorders and implement ambulatory detoxification.2
• The Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP), which provides comprehensive treatment for veterans coping with substance use disorders.2
• Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs, which teach fellows about pharmacotherapy in managing substance use disorders.

Fellows will also work closely with experienced addiction psychiatrists and multidisciplinary teams at various locations, including Grady Memorial Hospital's outpatient care services and unique programs like the DeKalb County Drug Court which emphasizes integrated approaches to addiction treatment in level 1 and level 2 care settings.2

Didactics and Scholarly Activities

Didactic sessions occur every Wednesday morning, comprising lectures, case discussions, and journal clubs where fellows review significant literature pertaining to substance use treatment practices.7 Fellows are required to complete a scholarly activity such as developing a lecture or conducting a research paper, enhancing their academic and clinical knowledge.7

Faculty and Support

The program's strength lies in its dedicated faculty members, many of whom are alumni of the fellowship. Faculty includes board-certified addiction psychiatrists and clinical psychologists who provide rigorous clinical supervision and mentorship throughout all aspects of training.6

Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited General Psychiatry residency, with a requirement for a valid Georgia Medical License prior to training commencement. The application process includes submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and includes required materials such as a curriculum vitae, three letters of reference (one from the training director), and copies of medical school transcripts, among others.3

Visa and Competitiveness

The program supports various visa types for international medical graduates (IMGs), ensuring that candidates have the opportunity to apply regardless of their citizenship status. The program is competitive; applicants are encouraged to present strong academic records, relevant clinical experience, and compelling letters of recommendation to enhance their candidacy.3

Evaluation and Competency

Throughout the fellowship, fellows undergo evaluations at the beginning and end of each rotation, assessing their growth in addiction-specific competencies and general physician skills. Feedback mechanisms are utilized including mock boards and procedure logs to ensure comprehensive evaluation of each fellow’s development.5

Research Opportunities

Emory’s program offers fellows a chance to engage in research across a spectrum of addiction-related fields, supported by a diverse faculty involved in cutting-edge research initiatives.7