Advancing Careers in Addiction Medicine: Training, Certification, and Professional Development

About the Subspecialty

An addiction medicine physician is specifically trained and certified to provide comprehensive care for individuals with addiction and substance-related disorders, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This subspecialty offers a wide array of opportunities for both recent graduates and experienced physicians interested in expanding or refocusing their careers. Medical students and residents are encouraged to consider addiction medicine as a rewarding pathway, with insights available through the ACAAM Career Stories YouTube Playlist. Additional information about the field, fellowship training, and career prospects can be found by viewing the ACAAM Addiction Medicine Specialty Showcase.

Clinical Training

Clinical fellowships in addiction medicine are open to physicians who have completed residency training in one of the 24 primary specialties. Information about fellowship training and guidance on finding and applying to these programs is readily available.

Certification

Specialization in addiction medicine is achieved through subspecialty board certification, which is accessible to both allopathic and osteopathic physicians. Certification is offered by the American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).

Research Career Development Opportunities

Addiction medicine fellows have access to a variety of career development opportunities designed to enhance their training and expand research expertise.

Career Development Educational Offerings

ACAAM members benefit from a suite of on-demand professional development sessions. Sessions cover topics such as understanding the ACGME requirements for running a fellowship, advancing careers in academic medicine, negotiating contracts and salaries, driving change within the field, and applying The ASAM Criteria. Additional expert guidance includes starting an inpatient consult service, submitting research for publication and presentation, creating community-based rotations, and providing care for unstably housed patients.

Jobs

ACAAM’s Career Center enables members to confidentially post their CVs, making them accessible to institutions and organizations across the industry. Members can search for positions that best fit their skills and interests.

Celebrating Fellows

Each June, ACAAM hosts an Addiction Medicine Fellow Virtual Graduation. This inspiring annual event celebrates the achievements of graduating fellows as they begin their professional journeys in addiction medicine. Past graduation videos and presentations showcase the variety of roles and organizations where graduates are making a difference.