Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

Program Overview

The Interdisciplinary Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Penn State College of Medicine is a one-year ACGME-accredited program located at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. This esteemed fellowship program admits four fellows annually and offers the opportunity for a second year focused on addiction-related research for those pursuing an academic career 1.

The fellowship aims to cultivate leaders in the treatment and prevention of substance-use disorders, with a specific focus on serving medically underserved and vulnerable populations. The program envisions a substantial reduction in overdose deaths and an increase in access to quality treatment in central Pennsylvania 1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum involves hands-on training complemented by a comprehensive didactic component. Fellows gain experience through a variety of clinical rotations and educational opportunities that cover:

• Inpatient and outpatient addiction management
• Psychosocial complications related to substance-use
• Clinical ethics and physician wellness

In addition to core clinical responsibilities, a one-month research elective is integrated into the training schedule, allowing fellows to engage in scholarly activity 1.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical training takes place through various sites to provide broad exposure to addiction medicine. The program includes:

• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
• Caron Institute
• Gaudenzia in Harrisburg
• Lebanon VA Medical Center
• Various outpatient treatment facilities, including Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, Adult & Teen Challenge Pennsylvania, and others

Through these diverse clinical settings, fellows experience a wide range of outpatient and residential treatment options and learn to address the needs of patients across urban, suburban, and rural contexts 1.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this fellowship, candidates must:

• Be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or J-1 visa holders (the program does not sponsor other visa types).
• Be board-eligible or board-certified in one of the following specialties: Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or Pediatrics.
• Hold a valid Pennsylvania medical training license.

Candidates must have completed residency training from an ACGME-accredited program, and international graduates should possess a valid ECFMG certificate to be considered 1.

Application Process

All applications must be submitted through the ERAS system, with the review process beginning in mid-July each year. The program participates in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP), and applicants are encouraged to apply early. Traditionally, two to four fellowship positions are available each year. The rigorous selection process is committed to diversity and inclusion, evaluating applications without regard to race, religion, gender, or national origin 1.

Research and Scholarly Activity

An integral component of the fellowship is the emphasis on research within addiction medicine. The curriculum supports fellows in developing skills in addiction-related research, with opportunities to work alongside experienced researchers and clinicians 1.

Training Sites

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center serves as the primary training hospital. This flagship teaching and research hospital is a Level I trauma center that provides a comprehensive range of medical services and specialties. Moreover, fellows benefit from partnerships with community-based organizations, enhancing their exposure and understanding of addiction treatment in various settings 1.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, particularly for candidates with strong backgrounds in primary care specialties. The program is particularly supportive of DO and international medical graduates (IMGs), given the acceptance of J-1 visa holders for international candidates 1.

Wellness and Diversity Initiatives

Penn State Health is committed to the wellness of its fellows, integrating resources addressing physical, emotional, and mental well-being throughout the training period. The institution recognizes the importance of diversity and actively promotes inclusiveness within its programs. Various support systems, mentorship opportunities, and educational resources are available 1.