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Early Career Development Resources for Medical Students, Residents and Early-Career Psychiatrists
The Addiction Psychiatry Subspecialty Psychiatrists who are trained in addiction are in a unique position to identify concurrent psychiatric and substance use problems in individuals seeking treatment for either condition. Given the reciprocal impact of psychiatric and substance use disorders upon one another, there is a critical need for specialists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of both conditions. Knowledge With the recent explosion in scientific knowledge in the area of substance abuse, growing sophistication in our understanding of the factors that contribute to substance use disorders has led to therapeutic strategies tailored to specific subgroups of substance abusers. Novel pharmacological strategies have been developed and are being implemented to target individuals for whom affective, attentional or anxiety symptoms pose a particular vulnerability to the development of substance abuse or dependence. Opportunity There are ample job opportunities in Addiction Psychiatry. There is a shortage of specialists in this field in many clinical settings, and psychiatrists trained in the treatment of substance abuse will have a range of attractive choices for a practice setting. The patient population is underserved, and an increase in mandates for addiction treatment from federal and local governments and third party payers has led to a demand for credentialed addiction treaters. So, multiple opportunities exist in both the public and private sectors. Addiction psychiatry provides career opportunities in all fields. Particularly promising are child psychiatry, consultation/liaison psychiatry and forensic psychiatry. Research For psychiatrists interested in research, the substance abuse field offers a wealth of unexplored areas. Early-career psychiatrists entering the field of substance abuse will have a wealth of opportunities for pursuing research funding. Clinical research in the field of Addiction Psychiatry has enjoyed generous federal funding in the past several years. This trend shows every promise of continuing, and research psychiatrists working in the field of Addiction Psychiatry are in a position to reap the benefits of this enhanced support. Rewarding Similar to the treatment of other psychiatric disorders, clinical interventions for the substance use disorders are effective. This work offers clinicians the opportunity to help patients lead productive, happier lives. Such clinical service is tremendously gratifying and brings many rewards. Overwhelming data show that treatment for addiction promotes less substance use, better psychological and physical health, and improved social functioning. Cost-offset analyses show clear (long-term) economic benefits to providing addiction treatment. Certification The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. offers certification in the subspecialty of addiction psychiatry to those psychiatrists who meet its criteria for experience and knowledge. All applicants for certification are required to submit documentation of successful completion of one year of ACGME-approved residency training in addiction psychiatry beginning no sooner than the PGY-V level. Specific information and application procedures can be obtained from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology by calling 847-945-7900 or visiting the ABPN Web site, www.abpn.com. Information about various PGY-V addiction psychiatry residency programs can be obtained on the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry Web site, www.aaap.org/acgme/programs.html. Certification Comparison The Subspecialty Certification in Addiction Psychiatry, given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Inc. is officially recognized by organized medicine and is offered by nationally known and well established institutions in medical certification. Only board-certified psychiatrists who have completed one year of ACGME-approved residency training in addiction psychiatry beginning no sooner than the PGY-V level can sit for the Subspecialty Exam in Addiction Psychiatry. The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) offers a certification test which is available to all physicians who work in the addiction field. The ASAM Certification is well-known, having been offered since 1986. However, it is not tied to completion of accredited addiction training and is not recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. For More Information Contact the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, 1010 Vermont Avenue, Suite 710, Washington, DC. Phone: (202) 393-4484. Fax: (202) 393-4419. You may also contact us using our online form.
Special thanks to AAAP members Dr. Frances Levin and Dr. Laurence Westreich, the AAAP PGY-V Committee, the AAAP Undergraduate Medical Education Committee and the AAAP Early Career Development Work Group.
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