Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The program at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center offers a comprehensive Addiction Medicine Fellowship designed to prepare physician fellows to assume leadership roles in clinical addiction services and addiction research. This two-year, multi-site, multi-disciplinary program provides a diverse and rigorous educational experience, integrating clinical and research components aimed at addressing the pressing issues related to substance use disorders.

The fellowship offers two distinct tracks: a one-year standard clinical track and a two-year clinical/research track. The two-year track allows fellows to engage in the Academic Learning Health Scholars Program, funded by a NIH TL1 grant, which includes dedicated mentorship and the opportunity to earn a Master’s degree or a certificate. This structure is tailored to prepare fellows from a variety of medical backgrounds such as family medicine, internal medicine, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, psychiatry, and infectious disease for impactful roles in addiction medicine.

At the core of the program is a commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as the emphasis on building interdisciplinary health teams. Fellows will gain significant exposure to residential, outpatient, and hospital settings where they can implement and lead evidence-based treatment strategies tailored to individuals suffering from substance use disorders.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at Wake Forest is intentionally designed to meet accreditation objectives while catering to the specific interests of each fellow, ensuring a balanced curriculum that facilitates leadership in addiction medicine. Training consists of both inpatient and outpatient experiences, facilitating expertise in managing substance use disorders.

Fellows will participate in clinical rotations which include:

• Inpatient Pain Consultation Service
• Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral Treatment (SBIRT)
• Infectious Disease
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
• Toxicology and Pathology
• Veteran’s Administration Residential Program
• Insight High Point Inpatient Treatment Unit
• Pain Clinic Rotation

This fellowship structure ensures that upon completion, fellows will have attained proficiency in assessing and treating patients with substance use disorders, as well as knowledge in relevant pharmacology, prevention strategies, and behavioral addiction management.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research as a critical component of addiction medicine. Faculty and current fellows are engaged in diverse research initiatives, including studies that explore treatment options for individuals with dual diagnoses of infectious diseases and substance use disorders. For instance, ongoing projects investigate the integration of infection treatment and addiction services, developing novel approaches for care delivery within these intersecting disciplines.

Benefits and Support

As part of the fellowship, fellows receive numerous benefits, including:

• Generous CME budget
• Competitive salary appropriate to residency PGY level
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Employee assistance programs
• Resources for on-call duties

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the Addiction Medicine Fellowship, applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program and be board eligible or certified in their discipline. The application process requires submission via ERAS and must include the following:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Personal statement detailing career goals
• Three letters of recommendation

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates. It is recognized as being highly competitive regarding admission, yet it remains friendly towards DO and IMG applicants. Specific criteria may include limits on the number of failed STEP exams and recency of medical education.