Addiction Medicine Fellowship - The OhioHealth Addiction Medicine Fellowship Program aims to address the growing need for trained professionals in Addiction Medicine, particularly in underserved rural communities. The program has expanded its services from an initial inpatient consult service at Grant Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio, to four additional hospitals, including two in rural areas. The fellowship program, supported by HRSA funding, trains physicians to provide comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) in various settings, including emergency departments, inpatient units, and outpatient clinics. Despite the high demand for Addiction Medicine specialists, recruitment remains challenging due to factors such as student loan burdens and competitive salaries. The program emphasizes the importance of addressing social determinants of health (SDoH) and reducing stigma associated with addiction. Fellows receive training in culturally and linguistically appropriate services, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, and interprofessional collaboration. The program also includes rotations in community-based settings and rural hospitals, providing fellows with hands-on experience in diverse environments. Telehealth and Project ECHO are utilized to extend care to underserved areas and enhance local expertise. Telehealth also provides patients an additional option to access care. The fellowship program's goals include increasing the number of board-certified Addiction Medicine specialists, expanding SUD services, and improving patient outcomes. The program employs a comprehensive approach to training, including didactics, bedside teaching, scholarly activities, and participation in national conferences. Continuous quality improvement and feedback mechanisms are integral to the program's success, ensuring that fellows are well-equipped to provide high-quality evidence-based care to individuals with SUD. The program has successfully secured multiple federal and state grants to support its initiatives, including HRSA, SAMHSA, and Ohio Department of Health grants. These funds have enabled the expansion of Addiction Medicine services and the development of new clinical rotation sites in rural areas. The program's sustainability plan includes integrating Addiction Medicine into the overall healthcare system, engaging leadership, and securing future funding sources to continue its mission of improving addiction care in the State of Ohio and beyond.
