University of Louisville School of Medicine Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Louisville School of Medicine is designed to address the growing demand for specialized training in addiction psychiatry amidst a widespread epidemic. The program is situated within the UofL Department of Psychiatry, which is committed to equipping future clinicians with skills necessary to manage complex addiction issues effectively.

Program Overview

This fellowship aims to build proficiency in various essential areas concerning addiction psychiatry. Trainees will be exposed to a broad spectrum of clinical experiences where they will gain expertise in:

• Understanding and diagnosing substance abuse disorders.
• Recognizing symptoms of intoxication, withdrawal, and overdose along with their management.
• Exploring the epidemiology and prevention strategies of substance use disorders, factoring in social, cultural, genetic, economic, and pharmacological influences.
• Utilizing various therapeutic modalities, including group therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, cognitive therapies, 12-step facilitation, and pharmacotherapy.
• Engaging in current research interests in addiction psychiatry, along with conceptualizing a personal research project.

These learning experiences are vital for developing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for a successful career in addiction psychiatry 1.

Clinical Training Sites

The program includes diverse clinical training sites. Key locations where fellows will gain hands-on experience include:

• The Veterans Administration Medical Center, where fellows engage with veterans undergoing various stages of addiction treatment.
• Central State Hospital, providing additional inpatient treatment experience.
• A traditional community treatment facility, which offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient treatment services.

Each site provides a unique environment that enhances the fellow's learning experience, fostering a holistic understanding of addiction treatment across different settings 2.

Didactic Curriculum

The didactic components of the fellowship are robust and structured. They include:

• Regular seminars and conferences led by faculty members with specialized knowledge in addiction psychiatry.
• Active participation in journal clubs to discuss current literature and advancements.
• Grand Rounds presentations aimed at exploring complex clinical cases.
• Case conferences that allow for collaborative learning and discussion of real patient scenarios.

This comprehensive curriculum ensures that fellows develop not only clinical skills but also critical thinking and communication skills that are essential for their future careers

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship must have completed their general psychiatry residency. The fellowship seeks candidates who are committed to pursuing further specialization in addiction psychiatry. The program does not stipulate a maximum number of failed STEP exams, making it somewhat more accessible to various candidates, including those with different backgrounds.

Applications for the 2024-2025 academic year will be accepted until November 1, 2024, with interviews scheduled between October 1 and December 31, 2024. Prospective fellows are encouraged to contact the program for the complete application checklist

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates. The specific types of visas that can be sponsored by the fellowship include J-1 and H-1B visas, providing essential pathways for non-U.S. citizens seeking training opportunities in this specialized field.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Louisville is considered competitive but is also friendly towards DO and international medical graduates (IMGs). This inclusivity broadens the program's diversity and enhances the training environment, fostering learning from various cultural perspectives in medicine.