Lehigh Valley Health Network (Allentown) Program

Welcome to the Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) Addiction Medicine Fellowship. The program is designed with a commitment to advancing the health of the communities served by the network, emphasizing culturally proficient, trauma-informed, and patient- and community-centered care delivery. This commitment is equally reflected in the learning environment aimed at developing future leaders in addiction medicine.

The LVHN Addiction Medicine Fellowship seeks a diverse cohort of fellows who are motivated and engaged. The fellowship offers a unique training program that integrates academia and community practice, fostering community partnerships and programming that enhances the fellows' training experience. This interconnected learning environment prepares fellows to be the innovators and leaders in community health they aspire to become. Furthermore, LVHN provides the necessary foundation for fellows to build successful careers in addiction medicine.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the LVHN Addiction Medicine Fellowship is structured to provide comprehensive training across various domains of addiction medicine. Fellows rotate through multiple clinical settings, allowing exposure to various patient populations and their unique needs. Training includes inpatient and outpatient care, harm reduction strategies, and integrated treatment approaches addressing mental health and substance use disorders. The diverse clinical rotations aim to enhance the fellows’ practical knowledge and skills, preparing them for future challenges in addiction medicine.

Unique Aspects of the Program

LVHN stands out for its commitment to creating a nurturing learning environment. The program focuses on establishing strong community ties, which is essential in addiction medicine, where recovery is deeply intertwined with community support systems. The integration of community service projects allows fellows to implement innovative solutions to pressing public health issues associated with substance use in diverse populations.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical aspect of the fellowship, encouraging fellows to engage in scholarly activities that contribute to the field of addiction medicine. Fellows have opportunities to collaborate on research projects, present findings at conferences, and publish work in reputable journals. LVHN fosters an environment where academic inquiry is valued, empowering fellows to explore new treatments, interventions, and policy changes that can enhance community health interventions.

Training Sites

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship training is primarily based at the Lehigh Valley Health Network, which boasts state-of-the-art facilities and resources. The network encompasses multiple hospitals and outpatient clinics, providing fellows with a dynamic learning environment. Throughout their training, fellows gain hands-on experience in high-volume clinical settings, which prepares them for real-world patient care.

Visa Support

LVHN supports international medical graduates (IMGs) who apply to the fellowship. The program is open to sponsoring J-1 visas for eligible fellows, ensuring that international candidates have the opportunity to train within its esteemed curriculum. This inclusivity reflects the program's commitment to fostering diversity in medical education.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship is considered competitive, welcoming both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. The selection process evaluates candidates based on various criteria, including clinical experience, academic achievements, and demonstrable commitment to addiction medicine. The program does not specify a maximum number of failed STEP exams, thereby being inclusive to a broader range of applicants.

Life in Allentown and the Lehigh Valley

Allentown, located in the Lehigh Valley, is one of the fastest-growing regions in Pennsylvania, known for its affordable cost of living compared to nearby metropolitan areas like Philadelphia and New York City. This growth, coupled with a rich array of cultural, recreational, and community resources, provides a balanced lifestyle for fellows both inside and outside their medical training.