Near Peers

The Near Peer program is for early-career physicians eager to guide the next generation while honing their own leadership and mentorship skills.

Applications for the 2026-2027 Near Peer Program are now open and will close on January 5, 2026. Learn more about eligibility, program benefits, program activities, Near Peer FAQs, and meet the 2025-2026 Program Near Peers.

Near Peers – Apply Now!
THE PROGRAM

Overview

The Near Peer Model is a unique and innovative component of the REACH 2.0 program. Near Peer Mentors are physicians who have previously participated in the REACH Program, or a similar initiative, and are just a few steps ahead in their academic or professional journey. They bring recent, relevant experience that bridges the gap between Scholars and traditional mentors.

Working closely with Scholars and senior mentors, Near Peers provide relatable guidance, foster collaboration, and help create an inclusive, supportive academic community.

Unlike traditional mentors who offer long-term career insight, Near Peers provide a relatable perspective, having recently faced many of the same decisions, challenges, and milestones as current Scholars. This fosters honest conversations, shared learning, and an accessible form of mentorship that feels immediate and personal.

This model has been particularly effective in creating accessible, tailored mentorship connections while promoting inclusivity and the growth of diverse talent pathways. By combining the guidance of traditional mentors with the support of Near Peers, REACH 2.0 creates a mentorship structure that is both comprehensive and inclusive.

Applicant Criteria

Eligibility

All applicants interested in the REACH 2.0 Near Peer program must meet the following criteria:

  • Hold a medical degree (MD or DO)
  • Be practicing or in subspecialty training in Addiction Medicine, Addiction Psychiatry, or working primarily with populations affected by substance use disorders (SUD)
  • Alumni of the REACH Program or similar experience with mentorship within the last 5 years
  • Willing to commit to the following program expectations:
    • Provide virtual mentoring to an assigned Scholar at least once per quarter
    • Participate in monthly virtual cohort webinar meetings
Program Benefits

Near Peers Receive the Following Benefits:

Leadership and Mentorship Experience

through guiding a Scholar in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry in their career journey, including quarterly one-on-one mentoring sessions that strengthen coaching, communication, and professional development skills while contributing to the growth of the next generation of addiction medicine leaders.

Leadership Development

through monthly training sessions including best practices of mentorship, case studies, and mentorship styles and approaches

Inspiration

to the up-and-coming workforce of addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry practitioners, by serving as a Near Peer role model and helping to build a supportive pathway of practitioners committed to excellence in addiction care.

Network With Practitioners

from around the U.S. caring for individuals with SUD while driving change within healthcare systems

Annual Stipend

and travel reimbursement for approved travel. Stipends are provided through a SAMSHA grant to eligible participants and support participation in required program activities and professional development.

What to Expect

Program Activities

Actively engage with your assigned Scholar through regular one-on-one virtual mentoring sessions (at least once per quarter), providing guidance, support, and career coaching tailored to their professional development needs.

Participate in monthly webinars and cohort meetings featuring expert-led trainings, networking opportunities, panel discussions, and topics focused on addiction care and leadership skills.

Attend the mandatory Near Peer Training: This in-person event includes orientation, mentorship skill-building workshops, and opportunities to connect with other Near Peers and program leaders (travel stipends provided).

Optional Social Media Presence

Share your journey and insights by creating videos or content describing your experience in the Near Peer program. Amplify your voice within the addiction medicine community through storytelling and digital engagement.

Submit Your Application by January 5, 2026
Leading the Way

2025-2026 REACH 2.0 Program Near Peers

Meet the 20 Near Peers of the REACH 2.0 Program—experienced professionals guiding the next generation of leaders in addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry.

  • H-Gevorgian-headshot

    Hrant Gevorgian, MD, MPH

    Emergency Medicine Physician/Addiction Medicine

    Loma Linda University/ UC Riverside University of California

  • Sonya-Bakshi-headshot

    Sonya Bakshi, MD

    Addiction Psychiatry

    Washington Interventional Psychiatry

  • SharfeMcLeish-headshot

    Sharde McLeish, MD

    Addiction Medicine Physician

    Englewood Health

  • S-Nkemjika-headshot

    Stanley Nkemjika, MD, MPH, PhD

    Chief of Addiction Medicine/ Inpatient Psychiatry Attending

    Hartgrove Hospital Chicago IL

  • MixaelZirioMustafa-headshot

    Mixael Zirio Mustafa, MD

    Addiction Psychiatrist

    Bruce W. Carter Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

  • Lucia-Tome-headshot

    Lucia Tome, MD

    Urgent Care, Addiction Medicine

    Vybe

  • KevinSimon-headshot

    Kevin Simon, MD, MPH

    Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Chief Behavioral Health Officer

    Boston Children’s Hospital/ Harvard Medical School; Boston Public Health Commission

  • Jasser-Khairallah-headshot

    Jasser Khairallah, DO

    Addiction Medicine/Dual- Diagnosis

    Eskenazi Medical/Indiana University School of Medicine

  • Jasmine-Douglas-headshot

    Jasmine Douglas, MD

    Fellow, Addiction Medicine

    University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

  • HazelBrogdon-headshot

    Hazel Brogdon, MD

    Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist, Medical Director

    Volunteers of America Alaska

  • A-Agard-headshot

    Anthony Wells-Agard, MD

    Assistant Professor, Addiction Medicine

    Montefiore Medical Center

  • FabiolaAndreaArbeloCruz-headshot

    Fabiola Arbelo Cruz, MD

    Assistant Professor of Psychiatry/ Addiction Psychiatry

    Yale University

  • Dymon-Morgan-headshot

    Dymon Morgan, MD

    Addiction Medicine Physician and Family Medicine

    Cooper University Health Care

  • Claudin-Gomez-headshot

    Claudin Gomez, MD

    Addiction Psychiatrist

    Department of Behavioral Health at Substance Use Disorder Clinic

  • cicely-moreno-headshot

    Cicely Moreno, MD, FASAM

    Addiction Medicine Physician/ Medical Director

    Substance Use Treatment & Education Center, Corewell Health South

  • Chioma-Enyi-headshot

    Chioma Enyi, MD, MPH

    Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Addiction and Reproductive Psychiatry

    Indiana University School of Medicine

  • Chance-najera-headshot

    Chance Najera, MD

    Addiction Medicine Physician and Family Medicine Physician

    Presbyterian Espanola Hospital

  • CaldwellEbony-headshot

    Ebony Caldwell, MD, MPH

    Clinical Assistant Professor, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

    Howard University Hospital

  • Andre-Rosario-headshot

    Andre Rosario, MD

    Psychiatrist, Addiction Psychiatry

    Michael E DeBakey Veterans Affairs Hospital/ Baylor College of Medicine

  • Adrienne-Hicks-headshot

    Adrienne Hicks, MD, PhD

    Addiction Psychiatrist

    Yale School of Medicine, VA CT Healthcare