Continuing the Pipeline of Addiction Education

The Ruth Fox scholarship program encourages emerging physicians-in-training to pursue the addiction medicine field. For ASAM to thrive as an organization, it is vital to train medical students with the necessary knowledge to identify and treat patients with addiction.

The scholarship includes travel, hotel and registration to the Annual ASAM Conference, as well as to the Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine course. Throughout the conference, Ruth Fox scholars have the opportunity to meet and network with their colleagues as well as with veteran addiction specialists.

Unlike many other specialties, more experienced ASAM members take pride in forging connections with younger physicians to create a lasting mentor relationship. Many Ruth Fox scholars have worked their way to leadership positions in ASAM, with one past scholar currently serving on the Board of Directors.

Over the years, ASAM has afforded more than 70 scholars with the opportunity to travel to the annual conference. Elizabeth Bulat, MD, received her scholarship in 2013 to attend the conference in Chicago, Illinois. When asked about her experience, Dr. Bulat noted that she enjoyed the exposure to the national ASAM meeting and becoming a member. She completed her residency in internal medicine at St. Mary Mercy Hospital in Livonia, Michigan.

Having recently finished her addiction fellowship, Dr. Bulat has just started her first job in an inpatient/outpatient resident clinic. “The Ruth Fox Scholarship played a very significant role in my early career decision to pursue addiction medicine,” she added.

“As a resident, we aren’t heavily exposed to this specialty in medical school, so my scholarship led me to my decision to do an addiction fellowship.” The American Board of Addiction Medicine now has more than 23 accredited addiction medicine programs across the country.

Chinyere Ogbonna, MD, MPH, traveled to Atlanta, Georgia for her scholarship in 2012. “Being a Ruth Fox Scholar was a wonderful opportunity for me to get more involved in ASAM nationally, and to meet other physicians within my current city and state,” Dr. Ogbonna noted.

The 2015 application process is now open and ASAM encourages residents to apply. More information can be found at: http://www.asam.org/membership/awards-program/ruth-fox-scholarship