The Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program is a one-year clinical training program for psychiatrists interested in obtaining practical expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of substance use disorders. The program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and successful completion of the 1-year clinical track qualifies psychiatrists to apply for subspecialty certification in addiction psychiatry from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, once they have obtained their certification in general psychiatry.
Most (at least 50% of) patients in a general psychiatry practice will have co-occurring substance use disorders. Yet, only 1 month of addiction training is required as part of general psychiatry residency programs. Thus, you and your patients will likely benefit from enhancing your knowledge, skills, and confidence in this area.
Second, the work is rewarding because treatment is effective. Moreover, with the advent of novel medications, such as buprenorphine, the role of the physician in treatment has increased.
Third, you will learn specialized skills in motivational interviewing and motivational enhancement therapy, techniques that were designed and developed for patients with substance use disorders, but have broader applicability for motivating patients with any diagnosis to make positive changes in their lives.
Fourth, the patient population is under-served, so you will be doing your part to help.
Finally, the program lasts for only 1 year, after which you will be more marketable when looking for jobs or establishing a private practice.
