What is the deadline for applying? When is interview season?
We accept applications through ERAS. The next application process opens in July 2022 and you may start applying on July 25th, 2022.
How many fellows are there in the program?
There will be 1 fellow for the 2022-2023 academic year.
What about clinic?
Fellows will have a continuity clinic throughout the year where they will establish and manage their own panel of patients. During outpatient rotations, clinics are held 3-5 half-days/week depending on the local schedule.
What research opportunities are available to me?
All fellows must be involved with research. One of the perks of being at Kaiser is access to one of the largest and most comprehensive electronic medical record systems, providing great opportunity for population-based research. A second year of training within the Department of Research can be arranged.
Will I get good training?
Yes! Kaiser Permanente Medicine provides comprehensive treatment of addiction to a diverse population across Northern California. The fellowship is modeled on a multidisciplinary team approach in the inpatient and outpatient setting and includes consultation/liaison training opportunities. We are in the process of being ACGME accredited with retroactive application to any fellow in our program. The majority of teaching will occur within clinical setting with 1:1 mentoring by board certified addiction physicians. The curriculum is offered through didactics, Journal Club, daily case discussions in team meetings. Faculty led discussion of cases is encouraged early in the year and shifts to fellow led discussions. Fellows will be prepared to take the American Board of Preventive Medicine, Addiction Sub-specialty Board Examination.
Can I afford to live in the Bay Area on a fellow’s salary?
As a highly desirable place to live and work, the Bay Area has always had a relatively high cost of living. We receive a housing stipend up to $3500 to help offset housing costs. The graduate medical education program also pays fellows’ parking fees, medical licensing fees, provides a $1,500 educational stipend each year of fellowship.
Who can I contact to learn more?
Contact our Program Administrator, Carolyn Vincent at carolyn.d.vincent@kp.org or 510-675-6719.
Do fellowship applicants need to be Board-certified or Board-eligible?
It is not expected that all applicants (especially those still in residency) will have passed their Board exams. Prior to the first date of work as a fellow, it is expected that fellows will have completed residency training at an ACGME-certified residency and will have a California Medical License. Fellows will work with the Program Director to arrange time to take their board exam during fellowship (at the fellow’s expense).
What changes are foreseen in the fellowship?
While we are constantly striving to improve our program, we do not anticipate any major changes to the fellowship.
I’m going to be so busy. How can I still thrive and stay fit?
Our program values healthy work/life balance. We have very supportive faculty and peers. There are ample outdoor activities in the Bay Area. There is a free Kaiser Permanente employee fitness center and the Graduate Medical Education department provides an annual stipend for gym membership.
How is Kaiser Permanente different from other addiction medicine fellowships?
Kaiser Permanente offers integrated, comprehensive, multidisciplinary treatment led by highly qualified addiction physician specialists working within multidisciplinary teams across all severities of Substance Use Disorders. Patients are assessed and offered what they need, rather than what they “can afford”. Patients treatment happens within our system and includes intensive case management by non-physicians. The Addiction Medicine Fellow will learn to assess and treat SUD within physician led teams in inpatient and outpatient settings. The large patient base of Kaiser Permanente allows for exposure to a diverse population from urban and suburban communities. Fellows are highly encouraged and fully supported to follow their interests and further their careers. We work in a collegial environment and have regular social outings for fellows and attendings together.
Will I be able to get a job?
Yes! The amazing thing about Kaiser Permanente is that after you train with us you will probably want to stay within the system.
