Jersey Shore University Medical Center Program

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of addiction medicine. This program distinguishes itself by offering a multidisciplinary approach at one of New Jersey’s premier healthcare institutions, Hackensack Meridian Health, where the focus is on delivering high-quality clinical services within a supportive educational environment.

The program offers a robust clinical experience with a variety of specialized addiction recovery services. These services include both outpatient and inpatient settings, with opportunities to engage in intensive outpatient programs (IOP), an adolescent addiction program, and an office-based addiction treatment (OBAT) program incorporating medication-assisted treatment (MAT). One significant feature is the partnership with JSAS HealthCare, Inc., where fellows can immerse themselves in the methadone treatment program and participate in psychiatric and substance abuse evaluations under expert supervision.

Fellows also gain experience in managing pain by attending the pain clinic at Hackensack Meridian JFK Medical Center, where they will treat patients with acute and chronic pain, especially in contexts complicated by addiction issues. The Carrier Foundation Clinic further enriches the fellowship experience by providing exposure to an inpatient dual diagnosis unit and the Blake Recovery Center, facilitating comprehensive training in addiction and psychiatric care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship is structured around a proactive curriculum and clinical rotations across multiple esteemed facilities. Key rotation sites include:

• Jersey Shore University Medical Center: Continuity Clinic, adolescent addiction, ambulatory addiction recovery services clinic & consult liaison services.
• Jersey Shore Addiction Services: Methadone clinic.
• Integrative Medical Center: Office-based addiction treatment.
• Carrier Clinic: Residential addiction medicine.
• JFK University Medical Center: Pain clinic, consult liaison service & dual diagnosis.
• Raritan Bay Medical Center: Dual diagnosis.

Fellows engage in various electives during their training, such as ketamine clinic, research, and additional specialized addiction medicine rotations. The core didactics curriculum addresses essential topics, integrating gender, racial, and cultural perspectives throughout the fellowship year. Fellows participate in weekly protected didactic sessions to enhance their knowledge.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes the importance of research in addiction medicine. Fellows are encouraged to explore various research avenues, deriving insights from clinical experience that may contribute to advancements in treatment methodologies and understanding addiction disorders.

Benefits and Support

The fellowship promotes the well-being of fellows through various support mechanisms. An annual retreat, comprehensive medical, dental, and life insurance, and counseling services are available to help prevent burnout. The program offers child care, a meal allowance, 20 vacation days, and dedicated wellness days per academic year. Additionally, fellows are supported with resources such as an electronic library and access to the EPIC Electronic Medical Record System, enabling a modern approach to patient management.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is committed to fostering diversity and applies inclusive practices. It offers visa sponsorship, primarily for J-1 and H-1B visa types, making it accessible to international medical graduates seeking advanced training in addiction medicine.

Application Process and Requirements

All applications are processed via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Candidates are required to submit a curriculum vitae, medical school transcript, three original letters of recommendation (one from an addiction specialist), ECFMG certification, and USMLE or COMLEX exam results. A personal statement outlining training objectives is also essential for consideration.

The selection process is competitive. The program aims to attract applications from diverse candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. A holistic review process will be employed, with an emphasis on individual potential and fit within the fellowship's educational environment. It is important to carefully review eligibility criteria as there may be specific prerequisites concerning graduation year and performance on STEP exams.