Stanford Health Care-Sponsored Stanford University Program

The Stanford University Addiction Medicine Fellowship is a one-year advanced fellowship program designed for physicians who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency. This fellowship offers an extensive training experience in addiction medicine and is accredited by the ACGME. Successful completion of the fellowship allows physicians to apply for board certification in Addiction Medicine through two organizations: the American Board of Preventive Medicine and the American Osteopathic Association. The program encompasses a comprehensive curriculum that integrates a wide range of methodologies for treating addiction.

Program Highlights

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Stanford includes training that covers detoxification processes, pharmacotherapy for addiction, sociopsychological approaches like motivational interviewing, and 12-Step facilitation. Training in harm-reduction recovery models is also part of the curriculum, along with consultation for medical and psychiatric hospital services. The program emphasizes personalized training that takes into account the specific backgrounds and interests of each fellow, providing tailored experiences in various clinical settings.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows in this program have the opportunity to participate in diverse clinical rotations across multiple settings, including:

• Stanford Inpatient Addiction Medicine Consult Service
• Stanford Outpatient Dual Diagnosis/Addiction Clinic
• Stanford Adolescent Recovery Clinic
• Stanford Family Medicine Clinic
• Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Valley Homeless Health Program
• Veterans Administration Addiction Treatment Services
• Kaiser Santa Clara Addiction Medicine Recovery Services

Some experiences may also include a focus on scholarly research collaborations, preparing fellows for future leadership roles in addiction medicine.

Application Process and Requirements

The Stanford Addiction Medicine Fellowship participates in the NRMP Match, with six fellowship positions available for the 2025-26 academic year. Requirements for application include completion of an ACGME-accredited residency and a valid unrestricted license to practice in California. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or possess documentation permitting legal training in the U.S. Notably, the fellowship only sponsors J-1 visas and does not support H-1B visa candidates.

All applications must include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE, or Dean’s Letter)
• Medical school transcripts
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director
• USMLE transcripts
• A personal statement (approximately 500 words)

Key dates include:

• Applications begin on July 3, 2025
• Interviews will be conducted on select Thursdays from August to October 2025
• Match Day is November 20, 2025
• The fellowship will start on July 1, 2026

Stipends and Benefits

Stipends for the fellowship position beginning in July 2024 include additional bonuses such as a housing allowance, allowances for cell phone use, meals, education-related expenses, and a moving allowance for new hires. Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and disability insurance are provided in accordance with the policies outlined by the Stanford Graduate Medical Education office.

Competitiveness and Special Considerations

While the program is competitive, it is noted for being friendly toward applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG communities. Unique aspects of the program focus on fostering future leaders in the field, which underlines the importance of community involvement and academic extension related to addiction medicine.

In conclusion, the Stanford University Addiction Medicine Fellowship stands as a comprehensive program built upon rigorous training and diverse clinical experiences, offering fellows a unique opportunity to shape their expertise in addiction medicine.