University of California (San Francisco) Program
Location:
San Francisco, CASpecialty:
Addiction psychiatryACGME Code:
4010513067The UCSF Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive one-year training designed for medical professionals seeking to specialize in addiction psychiatry. This ACGME-accredited fellowship provides robust education and clinical training in various aspects of addiction and substance use disorders. Located in the vibrant San Francisco Bay Area, the program emphasizes evidence-based treatments, including psychosocial therapies, behavioral therapies, and psychopharmacology, to aid individuals with substance use disorders.
Program Structure and Rotations
During the fellowship, participants undergo diverse rotations that enrich their clinical experience. Prominent training sites for the program include the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC) and the Kaiser Permanente Addiction Medicine & Recovery Services. A variety of rotations are available, such as:
- Drug and Alcohol Treatment (DAT): Treating a spectrum of non-opioid addictions.
- Opiate Treatment Program (OTP): Focus on treatments involving buprenorphine, methadone, and Vivitrol.
- Substance Use and PTSD (SUPT): Specializing in combat-related PTSD and simultaneous addictions.
- Prescription Opioid Safety Team (POST): Providing consultation on patients misusing pain medications.
- Addiction Consultation (AddCon): Offering consultation for general addiction-related cases.
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Delivering higher-level treatment three days a week.
- Tobacco Cessation Clinic: Implementing behavioral and pharmacologic strategies for cessation.
Elective Opportunities
Fellows have opportunities to engage in elective rotations at various centers, including private residential addiction treatment facilities and community-based programs. Recent electives have involved participation in the San Francisco County Jail Buprenorphine Program and the San Francisco Syringe Access Program, showcasing the diverse treatment frameworks available in the region.
Didactic Training
The fellowship integrates didactic learning into its curriculum, offering fellows protected time every Wednesday afternoon dedicated to educational experiences. This immersive training often includes:
- Addiction Seminars: Weekly sessions covering fundamental topics in addiction psychiatry.
- Addiction Board Review: Monthly meetings focusing on high-yield content pertaining to board exams.
- Advanced Psychotherapy Curriculum: Developed with a collaborative effort from leading institutions, focusing on advanced addiction psychotherapy techniques.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Substance Use Disorders: Led by experts in the field to enhance the fellows' therapeutic approaches.
- Motivational Interviewing Training: Courses designed to improve fellows' interviewing and counseling skills.
Research Opportunities
Research plays an integral role in the UCSF Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship. The program engages fellows in clinical research, and activities can include innovative studies involving buprenorphine and cannabis. Fellows are encouraged to present their findings and partake in mentorship programs within esteemed organizations such as the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP) and the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).
Diversity and Inclusion
The UCSF Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship embraces a commitment to diversity in its training environment. The program actively seeks applicants from varied backgrounds, guaranteeing a rich learning environment conducive to addressing the challenges faced by diverse patient populations. Importantly, the fellowship nurtures the development of fellows' advocacy and teaching skills, empowering them to contribute positively to medical education and practice.
Application Process and Requirements
Applicants for the fellowship must have completed an ACGME-accredited general adult psychiatry residency and hold a valid, unrestricted California medical license along with the necessary certifications to prescribe buprenorphine. The program utilizes the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for processing applications, with recruitment conducted virtually and interviews offered on a rolling basis.
Visa Sponsorship
The program supports international medical graduates and can sponsor J1 visas for eligible candidates. Interested applicants not only gain exposure to advanced clinical practices but also integrate into a diverse environment committed to medical education and research.
Competitiveness and Selection Criteria
This fellowship is competitive and looks favorably upon candidates with robust clinical backgrounds and leadership experiences. The program does not set a maximum limit on failed examinations for applicants, making it accessible for medical graduates from diverse educational backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs.
The UCSF Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship provides a uniquely enriching environment for fellows pursuing advanced training in addiction psychiatry, balancing intensive clinical exposure, didactic learning, and research opportunities—all in a culturally vibrant and diverse city.
Website
Director
Tauheed Zaman, MDDirector, UCSF Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Appointed Since July 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
9hrsFirst Year Salary:
$104,453First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
San Francisco, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in San Francisco, CA
- Crime Rate and Safety: San Francisco has a higher crime rate compared to many other cities in the country. However, certain neighborhoods are safer than others. It's essential to research the safety of the specific area where you plan to live.
- Fun Activities: San Francisco offers a vibrant cultural scene, numerous restaurants, art museums, parks, and beautiful beaches. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and water sports.
- Climate: San Francisco has a mild climate with cool summers and rainy winters. The city is known for its foggy weather, especially during the summer months.
- Races and Population: San Francisco is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities. It is known for its open-mindedness and acceptance of all cultures.
- Education: The city is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering opportunities for learning and research.
- Cost of Living: San Francisco has a high cost of living, especially in terms of housing. It's important to consider this when planning your budget.
- Proximity to Other Cities: San Francisco is close to other major cities like Oakland, Berkeley, and San Jose. Driving times to these cities vary but are generally within an hour's range.
- Pros: Rich cultural scene, diverse population, opportunities for outdoor activities, and renowned educational institutions.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, and certain areas may have safety concerns.
Interview Questions
