Addiction Medicine Fellowship - Project Abstract 1600 Medical Center Drive | Huntington, WV 25701 Project Director: Dr. James Becker becker1@marshall.edu 304-691-1700 Grant Request: $1,919,481 The Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (MUSOM) proposes an Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program to address the critical need for specialized training in addiction medicine. This program aims to equip family doctors with the expertise required to obtain board certification in addiction medicine through the American Board of Preventive Medicine. The program is designed to serve underserved rural and small-town communities in central Appalachia, particularly in West Virginia, which has been severely impacted by substance use disorders (SUD), especially opioid use disorder (OUD) and opioid overdose deaths. Needs to Address: West Virginia faces numerous challenges, including a declining population, low median household income, high poverty rates, and significant social issues exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The state has the highest overdose death rate in the nation, with significant gaps in access, supply, quality, and distribution of SUD services, particularly in rural areas. The program aims to address these challenges by increasing the number of trained addiction medicine specialists, enhancing community awareness, and promoting evidence-based practices. Proposed Services: The Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program will provide comprehensive training to fellows, including inpatient and outpatient experiences, community collaboration, and research opportunities. The program will focus on: • Increasing service capacity by training more addiction medicine specialists. • Enhancing community awareness about SUD and reducing stigma. • Developing expertise in addiction medicine, including medical, behavioral, and social aspects. • Promoting evidence-based practices in addiction treatment. • Supporting community collaboration with healthcare providers, social services, drug courts, and law enforcement. Population Groups to Serve: The program will primarily serve underserved rural and small-town communities in central Appalachia, focusing on West Virginia. These communities often lack the necessary infrastructure, resources, and workforce to address the SUD epidemic effectively. The program will also target populations with high rates of substance use and mental health issues, including those experiencing homelessness and individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Funding Priorities: 1. Team-Based Care: The program has and will continue implementing integrated, interprofessional, team-based care models focused on at-risk populations for OUD and other SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery services. 2. Health Information Technology: The program has and will continue to utilize telehealth services to extend the reach of addiction treatment and support to remote and rural communities, enhancing fellows' learning about working in a telehealth environment. 3. Rural and Underserved Communities: The program has and will continue collaborating with medically underserved community-based sites, including those in rural areas, to ensure adequate supervision and logistical support for fellowship rotations. Funding Preferences: The program requests funding preferences for serving in Medically Underserved Communities (MUC) and as a new training program. The program's commitment to addressing the critical need for addiction medicine specialists in rural and underserved areas aligns with HRSA's goals of improving healthcare access and outcomes for vulnerable populations. By addressing these needs and implementing these services, the Marshall University School of Medicine Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program aims to significantly increase the number of physicians working in Addiction Medicine, help reduce the stigma, and impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities affected by substance use disorders.
