Overview

Overview 

The University of Iowa's Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training program (ISTP) aims to increase the number of addiction medicine specialty-trained nurse practitioners and physician assistants. This program will train two practitioners annually. Each position includes a stipend plus fringe benefits.

ISTP trainees will develop expertise in: 

  • Diagnosis and management of substance use disorders and withdrawal
  • Medication for addiction treatment (MAT)
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Management of co-occurring medical and psychiatric conditions
  • Harm reduction
  • Principles of counseling to strengthen recovery

Goals and Objectives

Upon completion of the Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training Program, APP trainees will be able to successfully:

  • Identify underserved communities that would most benefit from integrated mental health and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment.
  • Effectively screen for SUD in general and mental health populations presenting to inpatient and outpatient clinical settings.
  • Apply known pathophysiology and neurobiology of SUD to clinical care, education efforts, and advocacy across healthcare systems.
  • Create evidence-based treatment plans utilizing medications for addiction treatment (MAT) in the context of co-occurring medical and mental health conditions.
  • Apply evidence-based treatment practices to people with SUD in inpatient and outpatient settings, including those in acute withdrawal, acute intoxication, early recovery, and sustained recovery.
  • Integrate evidence-based SUD and mental health treatments into community-based settings, especially community mental health clinics and outpatient specialty medical clinics.
  • Deliver effective and integrated substance use and mental health treatment via telemedicine services, including telephone only and Televideo conferencing.
  • Incorporate harm reduction strategies into clinical practice, such as overdose education and prevention with naloxone prescriptions and education around safer sex and drug use practices.
  • Advocate for integrated substance use treatment to other APP clinicians and serve as a consultant to those seeking assistance with SUD populations.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of 13 consecutive 4-week blocks:

  • Four blocks of the Addiction Medicine Consult Service
  • One block on Consultation/Liaison Psychiatry
  • Six blocks in Outpatient Clinics & Community MH/SUD
  • Two blocks: Elective

Inpatient & Consult rotation locations include the University of Iowa Health Care System (UIHC).

Outpatient & Community Clinic locations include: UIHC MAT Clinic, UIHC MAT Walk-In Clinic, UI ARC MAT Mobile Clinic, Abbe Center for Community Mental Health, and Area Substance Abuse Council/Heart of Iowa.

How to Apply

To initiate your formal application process, please forward the following materials to our program coordinator, Amanda Eleazer via email at amanda-eleazer@uiowa.edu.  

  1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  2. Headshot
  3. Personal Statement
  4. Two Letters of Recommendations

Completed submissions will be reviewed within 4 weeks and invitations for interviews will be extended. We estimate applicants participating in 3-4 interviews, each lasting 20-30 minutes each, with a tour of the facilities.

Integrated Substance Use Disorder Training Program Flyer