Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Program

The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell offers a comprehensive one-year ACGME-accredited training program based at Zucker Hillside Hospital. The program aims to equip trainees with the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment required to deliver quality clinical care, along with a deep understanding of the etiology and progression of addictive diseases.

The curriculum is diverse and includes training across various settings. Fellowships are conducted in acute inpatient medical units at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, a consultation liaison service, an outpatient opioid treatment program (methadone), and other outpatient drug-free and dual-diagnosis environments. Fellows attain a profound comprehension of the epidemiology, biology, neuroscience, and psychology of addictions, including pharmacology related to commonly abused substances and evidence-based psychopharmacological and psychosocial interventions 1.

Clinical Training and Supervision

The fellowship emphasizes a robust clinical training environment, characterized by extensive one-on-one supervision. Clinical supervision is provided by on-site attending physicians, alongside weekly meetings with the program director. In addition to formal supervision, fellows engage in clinical team meetings and ad hoc supervision sessions tailored to their individual developmental needs, including leadership and career advancement 1.

Research and Academic Activities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in academic pursuits, including participation in weekly didactics, journal clubs, and elective research projects tailored to their specific interests and career aspirations. Moreover, they have opportunities to attend and present at local and national addiction conferences, fostering professional networking and exposure to diverse perspectives within the field. As fellows progress through the program, they are expected to take on leadership roles, contributing to the educational development of junior residents and medical students

Location and Facilities

Zucker Hillside Hospital is a 236-bed behavioral health facility located in Glen Oaks, NY, part of the Long Island Jewish Medical Center's 48-acre campus. The facility has earned recognition from U.S. News & World Report for excellence in the diagnosis, treatment, and research of mental illnesses. Notably, the National Institutes of Health has established a Clinical Research Center for the Study of Schizophrenia at this location—a testament to the hospital's commitment to research and education in mental health 1.

Rotations and Training Experiences

The fellowship comprises essential rotations, including an Opioid Treatment Program that primarily focuses on methadone maintenance, servicing approximately 400 patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder. This rotation encompasses medication administration, individual and group therapy, as well as vocational services, while also educating patients and their families about overdose prevention 1.

Consultation Services

Fellows provide addiction psychiatry consultation services in inpatient psychiatric units, gaining crucial experience in addressing complex and resistant cases. This exposure supports fellows in developing strong interpersonal and communication skills while collaborating with multidisciplinary treatment teams 1.

Additional Training Sites

Other training sites include Project Outreach, which focuses on comprehensive outpatient treatment for substance use disorders, and the Garden City Treatment Center, which offers specialized services catering to adolescents and seniors dealing with substance abuse 1.

Application Process

Two positions are available each academic year, and applications are due by September 30th for an anticipated start date of July 1st. Candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited general psychiatry residency or be a PGY-4 resident at the time of application. It is required to submit all documentation via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and participation in the National Residency Matching Program is mandatory. The application must include a CV, USMLE transcripts, letters of recommendation (including one from the current residency program director), and a personal statement. The program accepts H1B and J-1 visas to facilitate international trainee participation 1.

Competitiveness and Eligibility

The program is regarded as highly competitive, emphasizing the importance of meeting specific application requirements. Applicants may be subject to criteria such as a maximum number of failed STEP exams and guidelines on the year of graduation to strengthen their application profile 1.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance coverage, malpractice insurance, and generous paid time off, which totals 20 days annually plus eight paid holidays 1. Additional wellness and cultural holiday days are allocated to promote work-life balance.

The program encourages moonlighting opportunities as long as they do not interfere with training responsibilities and comply with regulatory requirements 1.