Louisiana State University School of Medicine Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) in New Orleans provides extensive training focusing on the treatment of substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders. The fellowship is designed for individuals who aspire to become experts in addiction psychiatry, offering a well-rounded curriculum and diverse clinical training experiences.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at the fellowship integrates a range of educational methods to ensure comprehensive learning. Weekly didactic sessions are an integral part of the program, utilizing both textbooks and relevant scholarly publications. This didactic experience is enriched by contributions from various LSU faculty members, all of whom have specialized knowledge in different areas pertinent to addiction psychiatry. Fellows can expect to engage in an interactive learning environment that facilitates the acquisition of up-to-date information in the field.1

Clinical Training Rotations

The fellowship offers varied clinical rotations, providing exposure to multiple aspects of addiction treatment. Training occurs in various settings, including:

• Outpatient clinics
• Intensive outpatient programming
• Residential treatment facilities
• Emergency rooms
• Inpatient detoxification units

This diverse exposure allows fellows to gain the skills necessary to manage a wide range of cases, from primary substance use disorders to complex cases involving dual diagnoses and comorbid medical issues.1

Research Opportunities

Research is a significant component of the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to participate in research activities, particularly through collaboration with LSU's Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence (ADACE). This partnership aims to keep fellows informed about the latest advances in addiction treatment and research. Engaging in research enriches the fellowship experience and contributes to the body of knowledge in addiction psychiatry.1

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at LSUHSC is recognized as a competitive program. Applicants with backgrounds from diverse medical schools, including international medical graduates (IMGs) and those with degrees from Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) programs, are considered. The program values a well-rounded application that demonstrates both passion for addiction psychiatry and commitment to patient care. Special attention is given to the applicant's prior experience in psychiatry, research involvement, and any related clinical work.1

Visa Support

The fellowship program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates. The types of visas that the program can support include H-1B and J-1 visas. This support is particularly relevant for international graduates seeking to gain specialized training in addiction psychiatry within the United States.1

Goals of the Fellowship

The primary aim of the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship is to ensure that graduates are fully equipped to manage individuals with substance use and co-occurring disorders across all levels of clinical care. This is achieved by fostering a training environment that emphasizes evidence-based treatment approaches and the importance of ongoing education in the rapidly evolving field of addiction psychiatry.1