About
The Addiction Medicine one-year fellowship is open to anyone holding primary certification from any American Board of Medical Specialty (ABMS). The program is part of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine.
During training the fellow will experience multiple sites in the community, both in outpatient and inpatient. The fellow will take care of a diverse ethnic population from various social economic classes. Committed faculty members provide regular supervision and didactics. The fellow is given the opportunity to co-chair the Annual Hawai’i Addiction Conference. There are also ample opportunities to pursue research, academia, teaching, and public policy making.
The program seeks to train fellows who are well-rounded in clinical work, scholarly research, community service, and teaching. We are looking for motivated and caring physicians who have the heart to take care of this vulnerable population
The fellowship received ACGME accreditation in July 2019. Addiction Medicine is an independent ABMS-certified specialty within the portfolio of the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM).
To lessen the stigma and discrimination and improve understanding and care of those using substances, at risk of developing substance use disorder, and with active substance use disorders, through service, education, and research. To provide optimal care to all patients with empathy and understanding.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic, complex disease affecting individuals physically, psychologically, and socially. We emphasize treating SUD as a medical condition, not a moral failing, encouraging trainees to use empathy and respect. We use a holistic approach considering the underlying causes and co-occurring conditions. By integrating evidence-based practices and collaborating with other healthcare professionals, community organizations, and support systems, we provide comprehensive, individualized care that supports long-term recovery and respects the dignity of each individual.
To graduate competent addiction medicine fellows who can:
- Effectively evaluate and manage patients with substance use disorder.
- Assume diverse contemporary roles, including clinical services, administration, consultation, teaching, advocacy, policy making and research.
- Expand the provision of care within Hawaii’s system of care.
Core Faculty
Our faculty are a diverse group of educators and clinicians who work collaboratively to:
- Educate fellows and other healthcare providers in resources, guidelines, and best practices in the areas of substance use and substance use disorder.
- Create and change local and national policies and laws to expand and improve the treatment and support of patients with substance use disorders.
- Increase awareness and understanding of substance use disorder as a medical condition to help reduce stigma and dispel myths and misconceptions.
Program Details
Curriculum
Our program is a member of the American College of Academic Addiction Medicine (ACAAM) and as such our fellows participate in the ACAAM National Addiction Medicine Didactic Curriculum. This is a weekly, Fellowship-Run didactic experience for fellows and faculty.
The live, 2-hour sessions are mapped to the American Board of Preventative Medicine (ABPM) addiction medicine blueprint as well as the ACGME medical competencies.
Conferences
Each year our program hosts the Annual Hawaii Addiction Conference (HAC). Fellows participate in the conference preparation by serving as co-chairs of the HAC planning committee and will also participate in the actual conference.
The program purchases
- Beat the Boards for Addiction Medicine for the fellows for board preparation.
- Various texts to provide fellows with the necessary reference tools to support their training.
Rotation Schedule
Application
How To Apply
Each year, the University of Hawai’i Addiction Medicine Training Program participates in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) to fill positions. We currently have one (1) PGY-5 position each year. Applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). All applications are reviewed by members of the selection committee only after all documents have been submitted via ERAS.
The following documents are needed to complete your ERAS application:
- ERAS Application Form
- Personal Statement (outlining the following)
- Who you are
- Reasons you are interested in addiction medicine
- Reasons you are interested in our program
- Your personal goals
- At least three (3) letters of recommendation, preferably Dean’s letter / Medical School Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
- Official Medical School Transcript
- Complete USMLE / COMLEX Transcripts (see below)
- ECFMG certification (if applicable)
All interviews are conducted virtually. Interviews are by invitation only through ERAS (Thalamus) and invites will be released between August and early September.
Additional Information
- All non-U.S. citizens applying to the University of Hawaii’s Addiction Medicine program must hold a J-1 visa.
- International Medical Graduates (IMGs), whether foreign-born or American-born, are required to hold the standard Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certification. See the ECFMG website for more information.
- Hawaii Residency Programs, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
Fellows
Our program is proud to have fellows from diverse backgrounds and with various residency training including internal medicine, OB/GYN, anesthesiology and family medicine.
AY 23024-2025 Fellow
Malvin Vien, M.D
Medical School – University of Colorado School of Medicine
Residency – Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program
Benefits & Salary
Contact
Addiction Medicine and Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Programs
University of Hawaii Psychiatry Residency Programs
1356 Lusitana Street, 4th Floor
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Sarah Burns – Administrative Assistant
PHONE: (808) 586-7425
FAX: (808) 586-2940
Email: sburns@hawaiiresidency.org