Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Program

The Oklahoma State University Addiction Medicine Fellowship is a comprehensive one-year fellowship opportunity designed for physicians who have completed an ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency program. This fellowship, accredited by The American College of Academic Addiction Medicine, aims to address the increasing public health concern related to addictive disorders by developing leaders in addiction medicine. The program is committed to enhancing access to treatment for individuals seeking help for substance use disorders.

Curriculum and Training Experience

The fellowship includes a robust curriculum consisting of diverse training experiences, weekly didactic seminars, and one-on-one faculty mentorship. Fellows are provided with individualized guidance to enhance their skills in addiction medicine through ongoing faculty supervision. The training encompasses both clinical responsibilities and educational opportunities that empower fellows to make meaningful contributions to the field of addiction medicine 1.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will engage in patient care through the NCWR Addiction Recovery Clinic, a free-standing clinic in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This site offers a full range of recovery services, including medication-assisted treatment, ambulatory detoxification, buprenorphine induction, and individual counseling sessions for substance use disorders. Moreover, fellows will provide addiction medicine consultation and liaison services at the OSU Medical Center, a prominent academic medical facility with various medical specialties 1.

Unique Training Opportunities

A distinctive aspect of the fellowship is the participation in the Addiction Medicine Project ECHO. This program creates a platform for educational outreach and treatment recommendations to clinicians in remote or underserved communities, thereby impacting several regions across Oklahoma 1. Such initiatives enhance fellows’ exposure to different health care delivery systems and broaden their understanding of the challenges in providing addiction treatment.

Research Involvement

Research opportunities form an essential component of the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical inquiry-driven research activities that contribute to advancements in addiction medicine. This engagement fosters critical thinking and equips fellows with the skills to critically evaluate existing literature while developing their own research questions. The program actively supports fellows in their pursuits of innovative research endeavors 1.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The Oklahoma State University Addiction Medicine Fellowship requires applicants to have completed an accredited residency in one of the following specialties: anesthesiology, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, preventive medicine, or psychiatry. Applicants need to be board certified or board eligible (planning to become board certified) during the fellowship year. For those with allopathic training (M.D. degree), additional training in osteopathic manipulative medicine is required 1.

International applicants must hold an active H-1B visa or be eligible for it. They must also be qualify for Oklahoma medical licensure and obtain necessary controlled substance prescribing certificates. Furthermore, a clean record with no failed STEP exams is mandatory to ensure a smooth application process 1.

Visa Support

The program is highly accommodating for international medical graduates, providing visa sponsorship for H-1B visas. This support enhances the accessibility of the fellowship for candidates from various backgrounds and enhances the diverse learning environment of the program 1.

Competitiveness and Applicant Profile

The program maintains a competitive nature, attracting a diverse range of students, including those trained in osteopathic medicine and international medical graduates (IMGs). Candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to addiction medicine and a willingness to serve underserved populations are highly regarded. The OSU Addiction Medicine Fellowship values diversity among fellows, aiming to craft a rich educational environment where varying perspectives can contribute to the field's advancement 1.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship offers several benefits, including paid sick leave, vacation leave, and medical/dental insurance options. There is also the opportunity for moonlighting for fully-licensed residents as per the program’s policy. This structure allows fellows to balance their professional responsibilities while also accommodating personal health and well-being needs 1.

Overall, the Oklahoma State University Addiction Medicine Fellowship presents a structured and comprehensive program designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead in the field of addiction medicine, positively impacting community health through effective training and access to treatment resources.