University of Minnesota Program

The University of Minnesota Addiction Medicine Fellowship is a one-year training program that is specifically tailored to address the complexities of addiction and substance use disorders. This program is designed for physicians of all specialties and offers in-depth training that prepares graduates to become leaders in academic and clinical settings related to addiction treatment. The fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Addiction Medicine.

This fellowship focuses on comprehensive care for individuals with substance use disorders, integrating clinical evaluation, treatment strategies, and ongoing care. The goal is to equip fellows with expertise in prevention, treatment, and management of diverse addiction issues informed by evidence-based practices and various therapeutic modalities, including consult/liaison, pharmacotherapy, and outpatient interventions 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum consists of a series of structured experiences throughout the fellowship year, encompassing various training sites where fellows gain practical skills and knowledge.

Core Rotations

Fellows rotate through several key training sites, including:

• University of Minnesota Medical Center: This facility serves as the primary location for pediatric and adult psychiatric care, where fellows are involved in inpatient detox, intensive outpatient programs, rapid access clinics, and adolescent outpatient care. The site emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and exposure to diverse treatment approaches.
• Hennepin Health Care: As a safety-net hospital, this center offers extensive outpatient addiction services, including an opioid treatment program, and experience managing low-income and vulnerable populations with substance use disorders.
• Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center: The VA Medical Center provides additional learning opportunities related to addiction in veterans, allowing fellows to engage with a population that may present unique clinical challenges.
• Meridian Behavioral Health Care: This facility offers residential treatment for substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions, enabling fellows to work in a more intensive intervention environment.

Weekly Didactics and Seminars

The fellowship includes weekly didactic sessions and monthly grand rounds to enrich the educational experience, which covers topics ranging from pharmacotherapies to psychotherapy techniques 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research throughout their training. The program provides a robust research foundation, allowing fellows to explore topics of interest in addiction medicine and contribute to advancing the field through publications and presentations 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the most distinctive features of the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at the University of Minnesota is its commitment to a diverse and inclusive training environment that emphasizes understanding the socio-cultural aspects of addiction. Fellows gain experience working with a wide array of patient populations, including underserved communities and those with comorbid psychiatric conditions 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The University of Minnesota supports international medical graduates by sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating the participation of qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds 1. The program is recognized as highly competitive, with a focus on attracting both MD and DO candidates, and is generally considered friendly towards international medical graduates.

Application Requirements

Applicants must meet specific criteria to be considered for the fellowship. Essential requirements include:

• A formal letter detailing the applicant's interest in the program.
• A current curriculum vitae.
• Three letters of recommendation, ideally from individuals familiar with the applicant's clinical work.
• Completion of the application materials via ERAS.

It is important to note that while there are no specific restrictions on years of graduation, candidates are encouraged to present strong clinical backgrounds, particularly in psychiatry and addiction-related fields 1.

Training Environment

The training environment within the fellowship emphasizes collaboration among a diverse faculty, including psychiatrists with varying specialties and backgrounds. This diversity enriches the educational experience, providing fellows with access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, throughout the fellowship, fellows are treated as colleagues in the learning process, encouraging open discussion and feedback 1.