HonorHealth Program

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship at HonorHealth is a one-year program established to cultivate expertise among physicians in handling substance use disorders alongside co-occurring psychiatric and medical conditions. As one of the pioneering programs accredited by the ACGME in Arizona and the United States, the fellowship began in October 2018 and offers four positions annually, following an increase in spots in April 2023. This multidisciplinary fellowship combines clinical education, research, and scholarly activities to prepare fellows for effective practice in addiction medicine, addressing societal needs for quality care.

Training is delivered in collaboration with Community Bridges Inc., focusing on providing care to individuals with substance use disorders throughout Maricopa County and Arizona. Fellows participate in a comprehensive educational experience across various clinical settings, including ambulatory services, inpatient management, crisis care, and specialized pain management. This structure enables a deep understanding of addiction criteria and patient placement in accordance with ASAM guidelines.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship provides exposure to a diverse patient population including adolescents, pregnant individuals in high-risk situations, and patients with serious mental illnesses. Fellows are trained in both pharmacological and psychotherapeutic treatment modalities, participated under the guidance of experienced multidisciplinary faculty. The clinical training encompasses core rotations in addiction-free pain management, hospital consultations, inpatient withdrawal management, and outpatient substance abuse treatment, alongside elective options like women’s addiction treatment and physician health programs, enhancing both breadth and depth of knowledge.

Application Requirements

Applicants must have completed a three-year ACGME-accredited residency in a core medical specialty such as Anesthesiology, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Emergency Medicine, Preventive Medicine, or Psychiatry. It is mandatory that candidates are able to practice independently in their specified field with either MD or DO certification. To maintain a competitive standing, the program adheres to specific application criteria, considering graduation year, and does not favor any particular applicant background, including both US and International Medical Graduates (IMGs).

Visa Sponsorship

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship offers sponsorship exclusively for J-1 visas, made available through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The program does not sponsor H-1B visas, and all incoming fellows must secure their J-1 visa prior to the commencement of the training.

Training Sites and Clinical Environment

Fellows will engage in clinical practice at multiple HonorHealth facilities and Community Bridges sites, including: Community Bridges Inc. Central City Addiction and Recovery Center, HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center, HonorHealth John C. Lincoln Medical Center, and others. This broad-based training across various clinical environments contributes to a well-rounded fellowship experience.

Competitiveness

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship program is regarded as highly competitive, fostering a diverse array of applicants, including those from osteopathic backgrounds and international medical graduates. It places emphasis on a holistic approach to candidate evaluation, ensuring an inclusive selection of fellows who possess a passion for substance use disorder treatment.

Scholarly Activities and Research Engagement

Active participation in research, quality improvement projects, and relevant scholarly activities is integral in the fellowship curriculum. Fellows are encouraged to engage in hospital-based research initiatives and community outreach programs, emphasizing the necessity for evidence-based practice in addition to clinical training.