University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Program

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix offers a specialized Addiction Medicine Fellowship designed to address the fragmented approach to the treatment of substance use disorders within the healthcare system. This program is crucial in responding to the significant shortage of healthcare professionals equipped to treat patients suffering from substance use disorders. The fellowship, in collaboration with Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix and the Phoenix VA Health Care System, is committed to training the next generation of dedicated Addiction Medicine physicians capable of becoming leaders and change agents in this vital field of medicine.

The fellowship spans one year and features two positions available annually. This program is geared towards applicants from diverse medical backgrounds, including but not limited to Psychiatry, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Anesthesiology, Pediatrics, and Preventative Medicine. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring a consistent and rigorous standard of training for all fellows enrolled in this program 1.

Curriculum

The fellowship's curriculum is composed of a combination of didactics and clinical experience. Fellows participate in intensive weekly didactic sessions, held on Wednesdays at the VA, which encompass topics elaborated in the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Principles of Addiction Medicine chapters. These lectures not only prepare fellows for board examinations but also integrate evidence-based practices relevant to addiction medicine. In addition to theoretical knowledge, fellows gain valuable hands-on experience through clinical rotations at multiple sites within the Banner Health and the Phoenix VA Medical Center.

Among the various clinical sites available, fellows will experience the Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix Addiction Recovery Center, the VA Co-Occurring Clinic, and more specialized services like the Medical Toxicology Service and Residential Treatment programs. The majority of rotations occur within the downtown Phoenix area, with only two locations extending to nearby Scottsdale, Arizona 4.

Application Process

For prospective fellows, the application process is highly structured, requiring submission of specific documents through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). To apply, candidates must submit a Curriculum Vitae, a personal statement detailing their interest in Addiction Medicine, and letters of recommendation. A minimum of one letter must come from the Residency Program Director, while two additional references are encouraged, preferably from mentors experienced in substance use disorder treatment. Additionally, applicants are required to provide their USMLE scores and, if applicable, an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate. Before commencing the fellowship, fellows must also present a residency certificate, Arizona medical license, and appropriate waivers 3.

Training Sites

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship provides extensive training across multiple renowned clinical settings. Fellows will receive clinical exposure at facilities such as the Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, the Phoenix VA Medical Center, the Banner Behavioral Health Clinic in Scottsdale, and the Banner Behavioral Health Hospital. These diverse training environments serve to enhance the fellows' understanding of addiction medicine and broaden their clinical skills 6.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship stands out due to its multidisciplinary approach, allowing candidates from varied specialties to apply. The faculty involved in the program includes professionals from various medical fields, including but not limited to family medicine, psychiatry, obstetrics and gynecology, and internal medicine. This diversity enriches the learning experience and promotes interdisciplinary care, particularly for patients with co-occurring mental health disorders and substance use issues. Fellows are encouraged to approach addiction treatment holistically, considering the biopsychosocial aspects of care 5.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers support for fellows requiring visa sponsorship. It is important for applicants seeking such sponsorship to verify the types of visas the program can accommodate, generally including J-1 visas which are commonly used for international medical graduates in fellowship training.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

This fellowship is highly competitive, attracting candidates from various medical disciplines, which may present challenges for applicants from more limited backgrounds. Specific requirements, such as the possession of a valid Arizona medical license prior to the fellowship start, and meeting specific timelines for application submissions, are also noteworthy. The program typically emphasizes recruiting fellows who exhibit strong candidacy through previous training and recommendations 2.