Jul 1, 2008
Overview
Overview of the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program
The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program at UMass Chan Medical School, part of the UMass Memorial Health Care system, is designed to equip fellows with both advanced clinical skills and an extensive knowledge base in the treatment of substance use disorders. The program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to addiction psychiatry, focusing on the interplay between addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
The services provided by the addiction division include consultation, evaluation, and induction onto buprenorphine, treatment stabilization, and brief treatment for patients struggling with a variety of substance addictions such as alcohol, opiates, cocaine, and cannabis. Through this fellowship, participants learn from a diverse range of clinical settings that address acute and chronic substance use issues, further establishing their expertise in addiction medicine.
Curriculum and Rotations
The curriculum includes comprehensive training modules that cover a variety of foundational aspects of addiction psychiatry. Rotations are structured to provide hands-on clinical experience at several key facilities, including AdCare Hospital and the Addiction and Comorbidity Treatment Service (ACTS). Fellows engage with patients in diverse settings, including inpatient, outpatient, and rehabilitation programs, thereby gaining insight into different levels of treatment intensity and approaches to managing withdrawal, relapse prevention, and ongoing recovery.
Research Opportunities
The program also places a strong emphasis on research, allowing fellows to participate in ongoing addiction-related projects. Research initiatives cover a wide range of topics including opioid dependence, psychosocial treatment efficacy, and innovative approaches to recovery using technology. Collaborations with faculty conducting significant research will enhance the fellows' ability to contribute to the field of addiction psychiatry through novel treatment methodologies and evidence-based practices.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the distinctive features of the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at UMass is the integration of care that emphasizes the role of community health services and interdisciplinary collaboration. The partnership with local organizations such as Community Healthlink and Spectrum Health Systems enables fellows to experience a broad range of community-based treatment approaches and enhances access to care for underserved populations. Additionally, the program focuses on special populations, including veterans and individuals experiencing homelessness, using evidence-informed strategies to address specific challenges these groups face in obtaining treatment.
Training Sites
The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship leverages multiple renowned training sites, which include:
- AdCare Hospital: A large, accredited inpatient facility specializing in the treatment of substance-related disorders.
- Motivational Youth Rehabilitation: This site serves young individuals working towards recovery and emphasizes motivational interviewing techniques.
- Addiction and Comorbidity Treatment Service (ACTS): Focusing on integrated care for patients with mental health disorders alongside substance abuse.
These diverse training opportunities not only enrich the educational experience of the fellows but also enhance their adaptability in different patient care contexts.
Visa Support and Application Requirements
The program is open to international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorship options, primarily for J-1 and H-1B visa types. This facilitates a diverse applicant pool, further enriching the program's educational and cultural fabric. Competitive candidates typically possess robust clinical backgrounds and demonstrate a strong commitment to the field of addiction psychiatry.
Special application requirements may include a maximum number of failed Step exams; candidates should review specific criteria during the application process to ensure their eligibility.
Competitiveness and Selection Process
The fellowship program is noted for being competitive, attracting candidates with strong training backgrounds in psychiatric care. The fellowship continues to welcome applications from both U.S. and international medical graduates, fostering a diverse and enriching learning environment.
Overall, the UMass Chan Medical School's Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program provides a multifaceted educational experience designed for those committed to advancing their careers in addiction psychiatry and improving patient outcomes in this critical area of mental health.
Web sources
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Program data
ACGME History [2]
Program
Program Size
-- (1 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: February 12, 2026)
Composition
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:6X [1]
Residents Career Path
--
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $84,050 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 40 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Publications
1 Publication (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
1 Publication (5 yr)
Perceptions on wearable sensor-based interventions for monitoring of opioid therapy: A qualitative study.
Location
Worcester, MA [4]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [5]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [6]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like:
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4012413063
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=050XX00US25027
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr