HCA Healthcare Sunrise Health GME/Southern Hills Program

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program at Southern Hills Hospital, as part of the HCA Healthcare Sunrise Health GME Consortium, represents Nevada’s first initiative in this specialty. The program is dedicated to training future leaders in addiction medicine, driven by a commitment to enhancing the care and quality of life for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. The fellowship aims to produce knowledgeable and compassionate physicians who can navigate the complexities of addiction treatment in diverse settings.

Program Mission and Objectives

The mission of the HCA Sunrise Health GME Addiction Medicine Program is to address the critical need for addiction medicine specialists in Nevada and beyond. The state ranks low in the availability of healthcare professionals, particularly in addiction and psychiatric services, which underlines the need for well-trained physicians in this field. The program emphasizes comprehensive, evidence-based, and compassionate care tailored to the needs of the community, aligning with HCA's broader mission of improving human life1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum provides fellows with extensive exposure to various facets of addiction medicine, ensuring a broad-spectrum clinical experience. Clinical rotations include:

• Southern Hills Hospital: A 262+ bed hospital where fellows engage in both adult inpatient psychiatry and addiction psychiatry services.
• Behavioral Health Group: This rotation involves comprehensive training in outpatient treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD), encompassing methadone maintenance and various addiction treatment methodologies.
• VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System: Fellows rotate through inpatient psychiatric services and a unique gambling addiction program for veterans, gaining insights into complex co-occurring disorders.
• Continuity Clinic: Located at Partida Corona Medical Center, this clinic allows fellows to manage patients with substance use disorders in an outpatient setting, fostering continuity of care.

This multi-faceted training structure ensures that fellows graduate with the skills needed for clinical excellence in addiction medicine2.

Elective Opportunities

Fellows also have the option to partake in electives that enhance their expertise in specialized areas of addiction medicine, such as:

• Non-Interventional Pain Management
• HIV/Hepatitis C Care
• Correctional Medicine
• Adolescent Psychiatry

These electives are designed to complement core training by addressing the nuances of addiction in different demographic and clinical contexts2.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Research is a pivotal component of the fellowship, with active engagement in scholarly projects. Notably, fellows partake in the pilot Nevada-Bridge program that seeks to enhance the continuum of care for patients transitioning from emergency departments to community-based support systems. This involvement not only enriches their experiences but also contributes to a broader understanding of systemic challenges in addiction care1.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive stipend along with several benefits:

• A $950 on-call meal stipend
• $1,000 stipend for orientation
• Comprehensive health benefits covering medical, vision, and dental
• Life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan
• Membership in the American College of Academic Addiction Medicine (ACAAM), including participation in national educational activities

Moonlighting opportunities are available on certain rotations following approval from the program director, providing further financial and experiential advantages1.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet specific criteria:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Have successfully completed an ACGME or AOA residency
• Be eligible for Nevada licensure
• Demonstrated commitment to serving underserved populations is also highly regarded

Each application is reviewed on an individual merit basis, allowing for the inclusion of exceptional candidates who may not meet all listed qualifications. Applicants must submit their materials exclusively through ERAS, which includes a personal statement, CV, letters of recommendation, and transcripts1.