University at Buffalo Program

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship at the University at Buffalo represents a comprehensive and innovative training program designed to prepare physicians for leadership roles in the management of substance use disorders. This one-year fellowship is accredited by the American Board of Addiction Medicine and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, ensuring high standards in training and competencies. The impactful training equips fellows to provide compassionate, evidence-based care to patients suffering from addiction while advocating for this often-marginalized population.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship offers an extensive curriculum that immerses fellows in both clinical experience and didactic education. Fellows are expected to accumulate over 1,900 hours of clinical training across various settings, including inpatient and outpatient programs. The training begins in the chemical dependency unit at the Erie County Medical Center, a leading academic facility in the region, where fellows manage patient care in a multidisciplinary environment alongside counseling specialists in various departments 1.

Furthermore, fellows will undergo a series of rotations, which include:

• Adolescent Residential Treatment: Engaging in all facets of addiction care for young patients, this rotation involves comprehensive treatment planning and collaboration with various professionals in the field 4.
• Continuity Clinics: Supervised by faculty, fellows establish their identities as practicing addiction medicine physicians, gaining experience in community addiction treatment agencies 5.
• Hepatitis C Clinic: Working under the guidance of leading experts, fellows comprehend the intersection of substance use and liver diseases, focusing on patient-centered approaches to treatment 10.
• Criminal Justice: This rotation places fellows directly in the drug court system, emphasizing the significant relationship between addiction and legal issues 7.
• Emergency Room Interventions: Engaging in critical assessment and treatment of patients in acute distress, fellows learn to implement public health initiatives and preventive measures in emergency settings 9.
• Palliative Care: Through collaboration with the Palliative Medicine fellowship, fellows understand the complexities of chronic pain management in patients with substance use disorders 12.

Additionally, flexible electives allow fellows to explore their interests in depth, accommodating individualized training needs and preferences, further enhancing their skills and abilities 13.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship at the University at Buffalo. The program is embedded in a rich academic setting with access to the Primary Care Research Institute and the Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions, providing ample research opportunities in addiction medicine. With the guidance of experienced faculty, fellows can engage in research projects, focusing on diverse topics such as community interventions targeting opioid overdose mortality and integration of treatment modalities for substance use disorders 8.

Community Outreach

The fellowship heavily emphasizes community engagement, providing fellows with the opportunity to participate in outreach programs such as the Well Health Clinic at PATH, which serves vulnerable populations including survivors of human trafficking. Moreover, initiatives like UB HEALS enable fellows to provide street medicine solutions to the homeless 16.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, admitting only two fellows each year, aiming to provide intensive mentorship and hands-on training. Prospective fellows can apply with J-1 visa status, promoting a diverse group of applicants from various medical backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG pathways 18.

Application Requirements

Applicants must have graduated from an ACGME-accredited residency program and should be board-certified or expected to complete their primary boards before the commencement of the fellowship. The application process requires several documents, including a dean’s letter and professional references, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for the challenges of fellowship training 20.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows at the University at Buffalo receive not only a competitive salary but also extensive benefits. The program allows for generous sick leave, vacation allowances, and access to various university resources that enhance their training experience 25.