University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics offers a comprehensive one-year clinical training program aimed at developing clinical skills for managing substance use disorders alongside co-morbid medical and psychiatric conditions. The program is ACGME-accredited and accepts two fellows annually who have completed an ACGME-accredited Psychiatry residency prior to entering the fellowship.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship program provides extensive exposure through its diverse training sites. Key rotations include:

• William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital: Offers experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, integrated care, group psychotherapy, and medication-assisted treatment.
• UnityPoint Health-Meriter: Involves both inpatient consultation and outpatient work in substance abuse programs.
• University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics: Features HIV care alongside inpatient and outpatient psychiatric consultations.
• ARC Community Services, Inc: Specializes in services aimed at women and children, providing an opportunity to work with diverse populations.

Each rotation is designed to equip fellows with a range of skills essential for addiction psychiatry, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration and a thorough understanding of addiction treatments including motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.3

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research that aligns with the program’s mission to improve access and safety in patient care. This includes completing a quality improvement project, with mentorship available from faculty to guide the research process.4

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship promotes a balance between clinical practice, education, and personal development, ensuring an inclusive environment that contributes to the fellows' growth. The program emphasizes communication and teamwork within multidisciplinary settings, fostering an understanding of the biopsychosocial model of addiction and related issues.5

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates (IMGs), specifically for J-1 and H-1B visa types. This makes the province accessible to a broader range of applicants, thereby enhancing the fellowship’s diversity.

Competitiveness for this fellowship can be categorized as highly competitive, particularly for positions open to graduates from both MD and DO programs as well as international medical graduates. Applicants are expected to demonstrate a solid background in addiction-related experiences and commitment to the field.2

Application Requirements

The application process involves submitting a completed application packet through ERAS, which must include:

• Standardized application forms
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the current Program Director
• A personal statement detailing motivation and relevant experiences
• A comprehensive CV explaining any gaps of one month or longer
• Medical School transcripts and USMLE/COMLEX scores
• ECFMG certificate if applicable
• A recent photo

Successful applications must demonstrate excellence in previous training and a vested interest in addiction psychiatry, with full application review conducted before interviews are offered.1

Fellows’ Experience

Past fellows have moved into academic roles or advanced positions within healthcare settings, emphasizing the program's capacity to prepare participants for various career paths within psychiatry.4