Medical University of South Carolina Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) has been at the forefront of training psychiatrists in the specialization of addiction psychiatry since 1996. With a robust curriculum and ample clinical experience, the program supports fellows in diagnosing and treating addictive disorders, including co-occurring psychiatric conditions. The fellowship is ACGME-accredited and spans one year, concluding with eligibility for certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) in addiction psychiatry.1

MUSC's Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship provides an immersive training experience across three prominent clinical settings. These include the Charleston Center, focused on substance use education and treatment; the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, which caters to a vast veteran population; and the MUSC Medical Center, which offers extensive inpatient and outpatient services.1

Curriculum and Training

The fellowship’s curriculum is meticulously designed, incorporating didactic series that cover essential topics relevant to addiction psychiatry. Fellows participate in a weekly one-hour meeting that involves discussions on literature and the opportunity to lead discussions on board-style questions, encouraging both collaborative learning and independent thought.1

Key topics covered in the didactic series include:

• Neurobiology of Addiction
• Neuroimaging
• Motivational Interviewing
• Adolescent Substance Use
• Epidemiology
• Research Literacy
• Multiple Pathways of Recovery

In addition to these topics, fellows are invited to participate in the Psychiatry Grand Rounds and ECHO Series, ensuring that they remain informed about the latest breakthroughs and best practices in the field of addiction psychiatry.1

Research Opportunities

Fellows at MUSC benefit from access to leading experts in addiction research, participating in various research projects that focus on innovative treatment methods and the neurobiology of substance use disorders. This engagement allows participants to deepen their understanding of addiction and its multifaceted nature, preparing them for future roles as clinician-researchers.1

Program Faculty and Administration

The program boasts an experienced faculty involved in clinical practice, research, and education. Mentorship opportunities abound, with faculty members from diverse backgrounds supporting fellows in both clinical and research endeavors. Faculty members have extensive clinical experience, having worked on various grants and studies targeted at treatment efficacy for substance use disorders.1

Application Process and Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited psychiatry residency. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are welcomed, but they must submit additional documentation, including a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate and proof of visa status or U.S. citizenship.1

The fellowship recruitment process follows the National Resident Matching Program and requires the following documents submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS):

• Completed universal application
• Personal Statement
• Curriculum Vitae
• USMLE Step 1, 2, & 3 scores
• Letter from the Psychiatry Residency Training Director
• Two letters of reference

Visa Support

The program offers sponsorship for H-1B and J-1 visa types. This support is essential for international applicants seeking to complete their fellowship training in the United States.1

Competitiveness

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at MUSC is known for its competitive nature, attracting applicants from a variety of backgrounds, including D.O. and international medical graduates. Prospective fellows should prepare a strong application to increase their chances of selection.1