Tulane University Program

The Tulane University Addiction Medicine Fellowship offers a comprehensive, one-year ACGME accredited and ABMS sponsored program in Addiction Medicine through the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Designed to provide an integrated educational and clinical experience, the program focuses on the prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for individuals struggling with addiction and related health conditions. Trainees will acquire skills to address a spectrum of substance-related issues, including the pathological use of legal substances such as alcohol and prescription medications, as well as illicit drugs.

The curriculum aims to produce leaders in the field of Addiction Medicine, equipping fellows with the expertise necessary to advance evidence-based practice. The program prepares trainees for professional opportunities in clinical care, teaching, research, and healthcare leadership, culminating in eligibility for the certification examination by the American Board of Preventive Medicine.1

Program Structure and Experience

The fellowship consists of a rigorous 12-month clinical training period for physicians who are board certified or board eligible in various specializations, including Anesthesiology, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Psychiatry. Fellows will engage in patient care during clinical rotations at multiple treatment sites such as the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Healthcare System, East Jefferson General Hospital, and various regional addiction treatment facilities affiliated with Tulane. This allows for a diverse patient demographic and offers fellows exposure to a comprehensive range of complex cases related to addiction.1

Training will commence with an introductory orientation, followed by clinical supervision and a structured didactic schedule that includes weekly evidence-based sessions and a monthly journal club. Additionally, fellows will attend Psychiatry Grand Rounds and selected American College of Academic Addiction Medicine didactics, providing a rich academic environment for learning and professional development. Teaching opportunities are integrated into the program to foster leadership skills among fellows, enabling them to instruct diverse audiences throughout the fellowship year.2

Clinical Focus Areas

The clinical training received by fellows is multifaceted, focusing on inpatient, outpatient, and residential care. Inpatient training will encompass consult services, detoxification, and treatment for comorbid medical and psychiatric disorders associated with substance use disorders. Outpatient programs emphasize both intensive treatment options in a multidisciplinary setting and continuity of care through virtual and in-person visits, enhancing the flexibility of treatment modalities available to patients.1

Residential training is designed to support behavioral and cognitive changes, utilizing a team approach integrating different specialties to create a holistic treatment environment.2

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the standout features of the Tulane Addiction Medicine Fellowship is its commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The program fosters an environment where all members feel respected and valued, appealing to a broad array of candidates, including those from international backgrounds.3

Moreover, the fellowship integrates social justice discussions throughout its educational framework, ensuring that issues related to diversity and inclusion are woven into clinical care, research, and didactic components. A dedicated EDI Steering Committee works toward creating a culturally attuned and welcoming environment, emphasizing the importance of representation in both education and care delivery.3

Application and Competitiveness

The fellowship program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from physicians who have completed residency training in various specialties. It is particularly considerate of DO and IMG applicants, reflecting the program's inclusive stance towards individuals from diverse educational backgrounds.1

Applicants should be aware that the program has specific application requirements, including board certification or eligibility, and may have limitations regarding years since graduation and the number of failed STEP exams.1

Visa Support and Sponsorship

For international medical graduates, the Tulane Addiction Medicine Fellowship provides visa support, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible candidates. This offers a pathway for foreign nationals to participate in this intensive training program, expanding their opportunities within the field of addiction medicine in the United States.2

Training Sites

The fellowship includes multiple training sites, which are integral to the fellows' education. Notable institutions and facilities involved in the training consortium include Longbranch Recovery and NOLA Detox and Recovery Center, which are established for providing extensive addiction treatment, showcasing a commitment to excellence in addiction care.4