University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Overview

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine is a 1-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to offer a comprehensive approach to addiction medicine. This program intricately combines cutting-edge research, exhaustive didactics, and a variety of clinical experiences, making it a robust choice for those aspiring to specialize in mental health and addiction.

New Mexico presents a unique environment for training, enhancing your capability to deliver healthcare to diverse and historically underserved populations. The fellowship equips participants with the skills necessary to become proficient clinicians, scientists, and leaders within the sphere of Addiction Psychiatry.

Curriculum and Rotations

Fellows in the program engage in various clinical placements that facilitate experience with a complete range of co-occurring substance use disorders and psychopathologies in both adult and adolescent populations. Significant components of this curriculum include:

• University of New Mexico Addiction and Substance Abuse Programs (ASAP): This outpatient program provides comprehensive treatment options including primary care, psychiatric treatment, and evidence-based psychotherapies. Unique to New Mexico, this clinic is the only one that offers care for pregnant women with opioid use disorders.
• Truman Health Services: This facility specifically provides care for individuals with HIV/AIDS, allowing fellows to integrate psychiatric consultations within a multidisciplinary behavioral health team.
• New Mexico VA Healthcare System: Fellows will rotate through various essential clinical experiences, including a residential unit dedicated to veterans struggling with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders.
• UNM Pain Consultation and Treatment Center: This center offers an interdisciplinary approach to chronic pain management, emphasizing opioid stewardship and alternative non-pharmacological treatment modalities.

Participating in these diverse clinical environments ensures that fellows are prepared to handle complexities associated with substance use disorders in various patient demographics.

Research Opportunities

The University of New Mexico plays a pivotal role as the Southwest Node for the NIDA Clinical Trials Network. Fellows are encouraged to engage in ongoing research activities, including:

• Involvement in major clinical trials focused on addiction treatment.
• Designing and implementing quality improvement projects.
• Collaboration with faculty to develop research presentations for local and national meetings.

This engagement not only enhances the educational experience but also contributes to significant advances in addiction treatment protocols.

Didactics and Learning Environment

Fellows participate in weekly didactics led by experienced faculty certified in Addiction Psychiatry and/or Addiction Medicine. These sessions are designed to cover essential topics relevant for board examinations and clinical practice. Additionally, fellows take part in journal clubs and contribute to case consultations through the ECHO clinics.

The didactic experience aims to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering a strong foundation in addiction medicine.

Unique Program Features

The fellowship program showcases several distinctive features:

• Training in motivational interviewing by experts in the field.
• Experience in multidisciplinary treatment approaches for pregnant women with substance use disorders.
• Opportunities to co-train with fellows in Addiction Medicine.
• Engagement with the Indian Health Service for broadening clinical outreach.

Visa Support and Eligibility

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship is compatible with both US citizens and international candidates. Physicians who are not US citizens must possess a valid work permit or be eligible for a J-1 visa, as H-1 visas are not sponsored by the program.

Application Process

The program accepts up to two qualified fellows each year. Applicants are required to have completed an ACGME accredited general adult residency program in psychiatry. Additionally, candidates must:

• Have board certification or be on track for certification before the fellowship starts.
• Be eligible for licensure in New Mexico and hold a Federal DEA.
• Be eligible for Medicaid and Medicare Provider status.

Applications are accepted via the ERAS system and should contain a comprehensive CV, a one-page personal statement, and three letters of recommendation among other documents. The application review process is ongoing, and interviews are conducted from July to November each year.