University of Kansas School of Medicine Program

The Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine offers comprehensive training for psychiatrists specializing in addiction disorders. The program emphasizes a robust curriculum aimed at equipping fellows with the necessary skills for effective patient care in this evolving field.

Curriculum

The fellowship's curriculum includes both clinical training and didactic learning, covering a range of topics essential for understanding and managing addiction. Fellows are exposed to various treatment modalities, including psychopharmacology, individual and group therapies, and motivational interviewing styles. The training extends to managing comorbid psychiatric disorders, providing fellows with a holistic view of patient care in addiction settings. The didactic curriculum touches on various aspects, including the epidemiology of addictive disorders, detoxification, harm reduction techniques, and the neurobiology of addiction. Special emphasis is placed on evidence-based practices in psychopharmacology related to addiction treatment and managing dual diagnosis patients 1.

Rotations

The Addiction Psychiatry fellowship offers diverse clinical training experiences across multiple settings, allowing fellows to gain hands-on experience with a broad spectrum of cases. Key training sites include:

• **The University of Kansas Health System Main Campus** (6 months): This facility includes an addiction treatment center specializing in various modalities of care, including buprenorphine and methadone for opioid use disorders.
• **Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center** (5 months): Fellows work with veterans, enhancing their understanding of substance use issues specific to this population.
• **Johnson County Mental Health Center—Adolescent Center for Treatment** (1 month): This site focuses on treating adolescent patients struggling with addiction.

There are no overnight or weekend calls, ensuring a balanced and focused educational experience 1.

Research Opportunities

The program supports exposure to addiction-related research, encouraging fellows to engage with faculty involved in ongoing research projects. This connection not only enriches the training but also fosters a culture of inquiry and evidence-based practice. Interest in research is appreciated, and opportunities can be tailored based on fellows' pursuits 1.

Training Sites

The Addiction Psychiatry fellowship benefits from a variety of training facilities, enhancing its educational offerings. These sites include a university hospital, a state-of-the-art addiction treatment center, and a VA medical center, providing a wealth of clinical experiences with diverse patient populations. Each site is equipped to facilitate comprehensive training in addiction psychiatry

Application Process

To apply, physicians must have completed a four-year accredited psychiatry residency and should be eligible for licensure in Kansas. The program seeks candidates who are committed to practicing addiction psychiatry post-fellowship. Key application requirements include:

• Graduation from an accredited medical school.
• Completion of all USMLE or COMLEX steps.
• Active Kansas and Missouri medical licenses.

Additionally, residents are expected to pass all required examinations within two attempts. The program is particularly competitive; however, it is friendly towards both DO and IMG candidates 2.

Visa Support

The program provides support for visa sponsorship, enabling international medical graduates to obtain the necessary documentation to participate in the fellowship. It typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring that qualified international candidates can pursue their training without undue barriers 1.

Salary and Benefits

Residents enjoy a competitive salary accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package. This includes medical and dental coverage, an educational fund, paid parental leave, and time off for professional development. Other advantages encompass subscriptions to peer organizations, liability insurance, and access to training resources, thereby facilitating a conducive learning environment for fellows 3.

Faculty

The fellowship is backed by a dedicated group of faculty, each specializing in various facets of addiction psychiatry and associated medical fields. This multidisciplinary team includes experts in emergency medicine and pain management, which enriches the fellowship's educational landscape 4.

By participating in the Addiction Psychiatry fellowship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, fellows gain critical exposure and training in one of the most impactful fields within psychiatry, all while being supported by a collaborative and resourceful faculty.