Program Information
The Addiction Medicine Fellowship is designed to equip primary care physicians to become academic and clinical leaders by obtaining board certification in the subspecialty of Addiction Medicine. The Fellowship was accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) in 2023, effective date July 1, 2024. The fellowship program is located at the Physicians Plaza Community Health Clinic—a Federally Qualified Health Center in Kern County, California.
Program Highlights
Through a combination of clinical rotations and hands-on experiences, fellows will gain exposure to a diverse range of addiction cases, including substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Our program provides a well-rounded clinical experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings and fellows will have a robust education in Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT), including utilization of long-acting injectable Buprenorphine. Additionally, fellows will have the opportunity learn to apply these clinical and behavioral skills in the chronically unsheltered patients serviced by Clinica Sierra Vista’s street medicine teams.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Collaboration is key in addiction medicine. Fellows will have the opportunity to work closely with specialists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
- Education and Research
Our fellowship places a strong emphasis on education and research. Fellows will engage in educational activities, including lectures, workshops, and case discussions. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to participate in ongoing research projects focused on advancing addiction medicine knowledge and practices.
- Community Engagement
Recognizing the impact of addiction on communities, our program encourages fellows to engage with community organizations and resources. This involvement aims to enhance community-based interventions and support systems for individuals affected by addiction.
- Patient Advocacy
Fellows will be equipped with advocacy skills to champion for the needs of patients with addiction issues. This includes promoting policies that support harm reduction, access to treatment, and reducing stigma associated with addiction.
