UPMC Medical Education (Harrisburg) Program

The UPMC Medical Education Harrisburg Addiction Medicine Fellowship is a comprehensive 12-month ACGME-accredited program designed to prepare fellows for a career dedicated to treating substance use disorders. This fellowship operates in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and focuses on a multidisciplinary approach, providing an enriching academic and clinical environment.

During the fellowship, fellows are expected to become proficient in serving the diverse needs of patients within both inpatient and outpatient settings. The curriculum emphasizes teamwork, enabling fellows to collaborate effectively with various healthcare professionals. This collaborative model is crucial, as fellows will gain insights into handling the immediate and unique challenges presented by patients with substance use disorders. Upon successful completion, fellows are eligible to sit for certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), which is a testament to the program's quality and rigor.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To apply for the Addiction Medicine Fellowship, candidates must satisfy several essential eligibility criteria:

• Eligibility for Pennsylvania medical licensure.
• Eligibility for Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) licensure.
• Current certification in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Basic Life Support (BLS).
• Board-certified or board-eligible in a primary medical specialty recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The fellowship does not sponsor visas, which may limit its accessibility for some international medical graduates. The selection process is highly competitive, with one available fellowship position offered annually.

Training Opportunities and Rotations

Fellows will gain diverse clinical experiences by training at various respected institutions within Central Pennsylvania. Key training sites include:

• UPMC Harrisburg
• UPMC West Shore
• UPMC Community Osteopathic
• Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center
• Pinnacle Health Center for Addiction Recovery and Mobile Unit
• Elective opportunities at Tadiso Inc. and the STRENGTH Program at UPMC Addiction Recovery Services
• Arkview Recovery Center

This variety of training sites enriches the fellows’ learning experiences, exposing them to a wide range of patient populations and treatment modalities.

Faculty and Program Leadership

The fellowship is guided by experienced faculty committed to the education and professional development of the fellows. The Program Director is a physician specializing in emergency medicine and addiction medicine. The faculty is involved in various aspects of fellowship education, mentorship, and clinical practice.

Competitive Nature of the Program

Given the growing importance of addiction medicine and the increasing number of applications, the UPMC Medical Education Addiction Medicine Fellowship is notably competitive. It seeks candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing substance use disorders and possessing a solid background in a medical specialty.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows in the program receive a competitive salary, along with various benefits that support their residency experience. These typically include health insurance, wellness programs, and paid time off. Detailed information about the specific benefits can usually be found through the fellowship's administrative resources.