Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus Program

The Addiction Medicine fellowship program at Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus provides specialized training in treating substance use disorders across a continuum of care. The program aims to prepare fellows to conduct comprehensive evaluations and develop treatment plans tailored to meet the needs of individuals facing substance use issues.

Program Goals and Curriculum

The primary objective of the program is to equip fellows with the necessary knowledge and skills to evaluate and manage substance use disorders. This includes addressing the biological, psychological, and social factors affecting recovery. The curriculum integrates a didactic component related to etiology, neurobiology, and evidence-based practices, allowing for optimized treatment methods in clinical scenarios1.

Fellows will engage in various clinical rotations spanning different settings, such as:

• Medical Stabilization/Detoxification Rotation: Fellows will work on inpatient units focusing on withdrawal management and medical complications linked to substance use disorders.
• Residential Treatment Program Rotation: This involves intensive treatment for patients, where fellows can observe long-term progress towards recovery goals.
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment Rotation: Fellows will work to assist patients who need less intensive support while receiving care to manage sobriety and co-occurring conditions.
• Psychiatry Dual Diagnosis Rotation: In this rotation, fellows will evaluate and treat patients suffering from co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders.
• Outpatient Clinic Experience: Available throughout the year, this experience allows fellows to manage patients with opioid use disorder and apply evidence-based treatment strategies.
• Electives and Research Opportunities: Fellows can choose elective rotations and engage in research projects, enhancing their clinical experience and academic portfolio2.

Research and Quality Improvement

Research is an integral facet of the fellowship, with fellows required to complete both a research project and a Quality Improvement project during their training. This emphasis on research fosters a culture of critical inquiry and contribution to the field3.

Application Process and Competitive Nature

Applicants to the program must have completed a residency in either Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, or Family Medicine. Additionally, candidates from foreign medical schools need to provide verification of their diploma and training, as well as a recommendation letter from their residency program director. The program accepts applications exclusively through ERAS, and candidates are evaluated based on their qualifications and suitability for the fellowship4.

The program acknowledges a diverse range of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds, contributing to its reputation as a DO/IMG-friendly program. Due to the robust training it offers, the Addiction Medicine fellowship is considered competitive. Typical candidates demonstrate a strong foundation in the field of addiction medicine and mental health.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible candidates. Common types of visas supported include J-1 and H-1B visas as per program needs, making it accessible for international medical graduates who meet the eligibility criteria5.

Stipend and Benefits

Fellows are compensated with a competitive salary, and the benefits package often includes health insurance, malpractice coverage, and access to professional development resources, including opportunities for attending national conferences and seminars related to addiction medicine6.

Living in Miami

The Larkin Community Hospital Palm Springs Campus is located in Hialeah, near Miami, offering an enriching lifestyle with a diverse cultural environment, a variety of recreational activities, and access to extensive clinical resources. Miami is known for its vibrant community, year-round sunshine, and no state income tax, contributing to an overall high quality of life for residents and fellows alike7.