Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine is designed to address the critical shortage of specialists in addiction psychiatry. This program is vital as addiction affects nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population, leading to numerous medical issues, injuries, and premature deaths. Recognized as one of fewer than 50 ACGME-accredited programs in the United States, the fellowship provides aspiring psychiatrists with comprehensive training in the neuroscience, diagnosis, and treatment of addictions, effectively preparing them for certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in Addiction Psychiatry 1.

Curriculum Overview

The Addiction Psychiatry fellowship curriculum is unique due to its incorporation of the “2 x 4 Model”, which serves as both the core reading material and operational guide. This model emphasizes the integration of mental health and addiction treatment, allowing fellows to lead multidisciplinary teams that provide comprehensive care for patients with varying degrees of addiction and mental health issues 3. Through this curriculum, fellows gain skills in diagnosis and treatment planning while learning to communicate effectively in addiction psychiatry 2.

Training Sites and Rotations

Fellows receive diverse clinical training at several venues, including community mental health centers and university hospital settings, which align with the principles of the 2 x 4 Model. The training sites include:

• Eskenazi Mental Health Center: Known as one of the largest community mental health centers in the Midwest, this facility operates an integrated adult dual-diagnosis treatment service and a Methadone treatment program 3.
• VA-Roudebush Hospital: A key training site that offers recovery support to military personnel dealing with PTSD and addiction issues. The VA integrates dual-diagnosis services and Methadone programs 3.
• Adult and Child Health: Community mental health services catering to downtown and southern Indianapolis, focusing on integration within family psychiatry 3.
• IU Neuroscience Center: The administrative and educational epicenter of the Department of Psychiatry, providing resources for research and educational activities for fellows 3.

Research Opportunities

Fellows have access to significant research opportunities with faculty funded by major institutions such as NIMH, NIDA, and NIAAA. Research scope encompasses areas like trans-species animal modeling, human studies involving neuroimaging, genetics, and various treatment approaches for addiction 1. Conducting research is encouraged, and fellows are expected to pursue projects that typically lead to peer-reviewed publications 3.

Special Application Requirements

Eligibility for the fellowship requires candidates to be General Psychiatry residents in ACGME-accredited programs, slated to graduate in good standing. Additionally, the program welcomes psychiatrists who have completed their residency some years prior but wish to gain further training in addiction psychiatry 2. Applications should be submitted through the ERAS system, with the possibility to begin inquiries at any point during residency training.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is mindful of international graduates, typically providing visa sponsorship, including J-1 and H-1B visa categories, for eligible fellows. This accommodation extends the program's accessibility to a more diverse candidate pool, embracing both US graduates and international medical graduates (IMG). The program is regarded as highly competitive and is considered friendly to both DO and IMG applicants 2.

Fellowship Structure and Support

The fellowship is structured as a full-time, one-year program that allows fellows to moonlight in the Indianapolis area while fulfilling their primary responsibilities. Importantly, there are no overnight or weekend call duties, which contributes to a balanced approach to training 2. Increased funding through federal grants has also led to enhanced stipends of $100,000 a year for fellows, reflecting the program’s commitment to attracting and preparing the next generation of addiction psychiatrists 1.