University of Colorado Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Colorado is recognized as one of the oldest and most prestigious accredited addiction psychiatry fellowships in the United States. This fellowship is part of the Division of Substance Dependence within the Department of Psychiatry, which has a distinguished international reputation for its contributions to clinical practice and research in addiction psychiatry. Graduates of the fellowship are equipped with the necessary skills to provide comprehensive addiction treatment and can specialize their training toward their career aspirations and professional goals.1

Program Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship offers a structured curriculum that involves a variety of clinical rotations across multiple high-profile training sites, including UCHealth CeDAR, Denver Health Medical Center, and the Veterans Affairs (VA) Hospital. Trainees gain experience in evaluating patients with substance use disorders, managing detoxification, and providing integrated care for co-occurring psychiatric conditions. The comprehensive training model ensures fellows develop core competencies in both psychopharmacology and behavioral therapies tailored for addiction treatment.1

Clinical Rotations

The clinical training is divided among several key rotations:

• UCHealth CeDAR: This facility focuses on inpatient care, where fellows participate in medically supervised withdrawal and treatment of various co-occurring conditions.
• Denver Health Medical Center: Here, fellows engage with extensive outpatient services, including a methadone clinic with over 600 patients, and an adolescent treatment clinic.
• Denver CARES: A facility offering social detoxification services, enabling fellows to learn about integrative treatment approaches.

At each site, fellows are exposed to a wide array of treatment modalities and participate actively in both patient care and education. Furthermore, structured didactics supplements clinical exposure allowing fellows to gain theoretical insights parallel to their hands-on experience.1

Research Opportunities

Fellows in this program have the opportunity to participate in various research projects focused on addiction psychiatry, facilitating the translation of clinical knowledge into research and vice versa. Faculty members, recognized as leaders in addiction studies, collaborate with fellows on research initiatives, contributing to their academic development and future career placements in academics or clinical settings.1

Eligibility Criteria

The program emphasizes a competitive selection process, ensuring that it attracts candidates who are not only academically qualified but also demonstrate the personal qualities necessary for success in the demanding field of addiction psychiatry. Applicants must satisfy specific eligibility requirements:

1. Completion of an ACGME accredited psychiatry residency program.
2. Eligibility to sit for the ABPN Psychiatry Board.
3. Completion of all USMLE Steps or COMLEX parts prior to beginning the fellowship.

Detailed documentation relating to the completion of USMLE Steps must be provided, where candidates are required to have passed all examinations within two attempts, ensuring only those with solid foundational knowledge proceed to the fellowship.1

Application Process

The application process for the fellowship is conducted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Candidates are required to submit a comprehensive application package, which includes letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, and personal statements detailing their commitment to addiction psychiatry. Interviews, conducted virtually with faculty and current fellows, play a crucial role in the selection process. The application period typically runs from July through November of each recruitment cycle, with specifics varying from year to year.1

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, allowing for sponsorship of J-1 visas. It aims to facilitate the participation of global candidates, thus enhancing the diversity and richness of the training environment. Importantly, the program welcomes applications from graduates of medical schools outside of the United States who have obtained ECFMG certification prior to fellowship commencement.1

Program Competitiveness

The program is highly competitive, attracting applicants from diverse backgrounds, including U.S. graduates, DO candidates, and international medical graduates (IMGs). The emphasis on a thorough selection process ensures that fellows not only excel academically but also resonate with the program values of integrity, motivation, and the ability to function effectively within a team-oriented specialty.1

Funding and Stipend

All fellowship positions are funded, with a salary set at the PGY-5 level. The financial support aligns with standard stipends offered nationwide for residency training, complemented by additional resources for educational purposes.1