University of California (San Francisco) Program

The UCSF Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive one-year, ACGME-accredited training aimed at equipping fellows with state-of-the-art knowledge and skills in addiction medicine. This multidisciplinary program is set in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, providing exposure to a variety of clinical and research experiences specific to addiction psychiatry.

Curriculum Overview: The program emphasizes evidence-based treatments, integrating psychosocial therapies, behavioral therapies, and psychopharmacology tailored for different substance use disorders. Participants gain diverse clinical experiences through sub-specialty clinics under the supervision of UCSF faculty and have the opportunity to engage in meaningful training such as:

• Clinical research projects focusing on innovative treatments for addictions, including buprenorphine and cannabis.
• Elective rotations at notable institutions, such as Alta Mira and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.
• Group psychotherapy opportunities along with consultation services across major San Francisco hospitals.

Training Sites and Rotations: The program’s training occurs across multiple sites, each offering a unique aspect of addiction treatment, including:

• San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC): Serving veterans with a range of addiction issues, including the trauma-informed Substance Use and PTSD (SUPT) program.
• Kaiser Permanente Addiction Medicine & Recovery Services (AMRS): Providing in-depth addiction care with a focus on patients requiring psychiatric treatment alongside their addiction.
• Electives: Opportunities exist for fellows to experience various outpatient settings, including community programs that address substance use among specific populations such as adolescents or the homeless.

Research Opportunities: The program encourages fellows to engage in clinical research, facilitating research design and execution within addiction psychiatry. The focus remains on pressing issues such as addiction treatment efficacy and the interplay between addiction and broader mental health responses.

Didactics: Each Wednesday afternoon is allocated for dedicated didactic sessions, contributing to the fellows' academic development. Educational offerings include:

• Weekly addiction seminars covering fundamental topics.
• Monthly interaction sessions with experts in addiction therapy and research.
• Structured supervision and mentorship for skill enhancement, particularly in psychopharmacology and psychotherapy.

Diversity Commitment: The UCSF Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship places an emphasis on diversity within its cohort, actively seeking candidates from varied backgrounds to better serve the multifaceted needs of patients. This goal is supported by numerous initiatives aimed at fostering an inclusive atmosphere.

Visa Sponsorship: The program offers sponsorship for J1 (Exchange Visitor) and H1B (Specialty Occupations) visas. This facilitates international medical graduates' participation in the fellowship, enhancing the global perspectives within the training program.

Competitiveness: The UCSF Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship program is regarded as highly competitive due to its comprehensive training structure, diverse clinical experiences, and the caliber of faculty leading the program. Both DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and IMG (International Medical Graduates) applicants are welcome, with particular encouragement for those representing underrepresented communities.

Application Requirements: Applicants must have completed a residency in psychiatry accredited by ACGME, possess a valid and unrestricted California medical license, and obtain a DEA license for buprenorphine prescribing prior to starting the fellowship. Consistent with best practices, maximum limits are placed on failed STEP exams, ensuring a robust applicant field.