Tufts University at Cambridge Health Alliance Program

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship program at Cambridge Health Alliance, affiliated with Tufts University, provides a comprehensive training experience designed for physicians seeking to specialize in addiction medicine. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs) and emphasizes health equity, advocacy, and integrated care.

Overview of the Fellowship

This 12-month fellowship prepares its fellows for board certification in Addiction Medicine. The program encourages applicants from various specialties, including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, and Emergency Medicine, to apply, fostering a diverse educational environment 1.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum consists of both outpatient and inpatient rotations across multiple settings. The outpatient experience lasts for six months, with fellows engaging in clinical care at SUD clinics, Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration, and providing e-consultations in collaboration with psychiatrists. The outpatient clinic includes working with patients experiencing complex mental health comorbidities 3.

Inpatient rotations are interleaved throughout the year, allowing fellows to manage patients directly in hospitals and assess those with acute needs. Training includes exposure to the Interdisciplinary Consult Service for complex cases that involve pain and addiction management. Electives tailored to individual interests enhance the fellowship experience 3.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in independent quality improvement and research projects. There are numerous academic and networking opportunities available, with the program maintaining a close partnership with local academic institutions and research entities to foster innovative projects in addiction treatment 3.

Mentorship and Teaching

Fellows receive direct mentorship tailored to their individual skills and interests. Teaching opportunities abound, as fellows have the chance to lead learning sessions and collaborate with residents and medical students. The program also emphasizes the importance of integrating teaching into daily practices, reinforcing learning and providing invaluable skills in medical education 3.

Benefits and Support

The fellowship provides competitive salary and benefits that include a professional education stipend of $2,200, comprehensive health and dental insurance, and various other stipends intended to support educational activities and well-being 2. Childcare support services are also available for fellows with family responsibilities, enhancing the program’s family-friendly environment 2.

Application Requirements

Applicants should be board-certified or board-eligible physicians who will have completed residency training before the fellowship begins. Candidates must hold a full independent Massachusetts State Medical license and must submit a completed ERAS application with three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and additional required information concerning their interests in addiction medicine 4.

Competitiveness and Visa Policies

The fellowship is considered highly competitive and is open to DO and IMG candidates. The program provides visa support for international medical graduates and typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the application process for eligible non-U.S. citizen applicants.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Cambridge Health Alliance focuses on vulnerable populations, with services designed to break down barriers in accessing addiction treatment. The fellowship integrates primary care with behavioral health and offers unique initiatives such as group-based treatments. Fellows receive training in motivational interviewing and are immersed in community engagement activities that support recovery and health equity 5.

Community Engagement

Fellows actively participate in community outreach programs, allowing them to work directly with populations affected by substance use disorders. This engagement includes partnerships with local schools and recovery centers, ensuring that fellows can make meaningful contributions to the communities they serve 3.