University of Rochester Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center is a 12-month ACGME-accredited program that provides advanced training in addiction psychiatry. The program focuses on equipping fellows with the necessary clinical skills to provide comprehensive and evidence-based care to patients with substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Upon completing the fellowship, fellows are eligible to take the subspecialty board exam in addiction psychiatry 1.

Program Highlights

The fellowship emphasizes a rich training experience through exposure to various clinical settings within the UR Medicine hospital system, offering fellows the opportunity to develop their diagnostic, treatment planning, and psychotherapeutic skills. Training includes specialized experience in prescribing all FDA-approved Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), including methadone. Additionally, fellows are involved in interdisciplinary consultations, enhancing their capability to manage addiction across healthcare systems and collaborate with both inpatient and outpatient teams 1.

Curriculum

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship provides a wide range of training experiences. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Comprehensive education in addiction psychiatry through didactics, journal clubs, and interdisciplinary rounds.
• Hands-on experience in prescribing and managing MAT, including medications for opioid use disorder such as methadone and buprenorphine.
• Active involvement in scholarly activities leading to opportunities for presentations at the Annual Poster Day organized by the Department.
• Lectures delivered by fellows to junior residents, enhancing both teaching skills and knowledge dissemination 2.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship includes diverse and intensive clinical rotations:

• Strong Recovery: This is the primary clinic site for fellows, focusing on outpatient addiction psychiatry services. Comprehensive treatment plans are developed in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams that emphasize individualized patient care.
• Inpatient Addiction Medicine Consultation Service: Fellows assess and recommend treatment for hospitalized patients with acute addiction issues, under the guidance of specialists in addiction medicine.
• Norris Addiction Treatment Center: Specializes in inpatient treatment for addiction, providing an environment tailored for recovery, including services for deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.
• SUMMITS Unit: A unique clinical setting dedicated to providing medical care for patients with substance use disorders during lengthy hospital stays.
• Electives: Fellows can choose from various elective experiences, including adolescent treatments, pain management, and substance use disorders in primary care 2.

Didactics and Supervision

The didactic component includes a structured lecture series focusing on various aspects of addiction psychiatry, allowing fellows to delve into topics such as neurobiology of addiction, treatment principles, and addressing co-occurring disorders. Weekly Grand Rounds sessions facilitate continued learning and professional growth 3.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research that can contribute significantly to the field of addiction psychiatry. Through required scholarly activities, fellows work on projects suitable for presentation at professional conferences, thereby gaining valuable experience in academic research 3.

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty comprises a diverse group of addiction specialists from various medical disciplines, offering fellows substantial mentorship and support throughout their training. Regular one-on-one supervision enhances learning through feedback and guidance in clinical and academic pursuits 4.

Living in Rochester

Rochester, NY, is recognized as a vibrant city that balances affordable living with rich cultural and recreational opportunities. The city's supportive community enables fellows to thrive both personally and professionally. Residential areas around the University offer convenient and cost-effective housing options suitable for medical trainees 5.

Visa Support

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Rochester offers sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates who wish to apply 3.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application via ERAS, including a personal statement, CV, letters of recommendation (one must be from a previous residency director), medical school Dean’s letter, transcript, USMLE scores, and any relevant ECFMG certificates. The program favors candidates demonstrating a strong interest in the biopsychosocial model of care 3.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is regarded as highly competitive. It welcomes applications from both U.S. and international medical graduates, and recognizes the potential of diverse backgrounds in enriching the fellowship experience 2.