Scholars
The Scholar Program is for medical students, residents, and fellows passionate about becoming leaders in the field of Addiction Medicine or Psychiatry. Over one year, Scholars receive guidance from both senior and Near Peer mentors, engage in hands-on training, and connect with a network of peers—building skills, confidence, and pathways to leadership.
Overview
REACH 2.0 Scholars are medical students, residents, or fellows who are passionate about advancing their expertise and leadership in Addiction Medicine (AM) or Addiction Psychiatry (AP). Each year, selected participants form a new cohort, creating a shared experience among peers navigating similar stages of career development.
As part of the REACH 2.0 program, Scholars are matched with two mentors:
- A traditional mentor, a senior leader in AM or AP with many years of experience in the field
- A Near Peer Mentor, a physician who previously participated in the REACH
- Program or a similar mentorship program, and is slightly further along in their academic or professional journey
This mentorship model offers Scholars comprehensive support—combining the wisdom of seasoned professionals with the relatable insight of someone who recently faced similar challenges. Scholars benefit from guidance, coaching, sponsorship, and encouragement from both mentors, forming a dynamic triad built on trust, collaboration, and shared learning.
The result is a highly supportive, inclusive environment where Scholars are empowered to grow as clinicians and leaders in addiction-focused healthcare.
Eligibility
All applicants interested in the REACH 2.0 Scholar Program must meet the following criteria:
- Individuals with innovative and unique perspectives, especially those who have faced historical challenges
- Be in training as of July 1, 2026, and enrolled through June 2027
- Hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency
- Willing to commit to the following program expectations:
- Attend and participate in monthly virtual events (trainings, panel discussions, and Health and Wellness Sessions) throughout the program year
- Attend the Welcome Intensive Workshop in July 2026 (travel stipends provided)
- Attend at least one addiction conference over the course of the year (funding provided via stipend)
- Commit to meeting with your assigned Near Peer and Mentor at least once per quarter each
- Participate in program evaluation activities (including pre- and post-training surveys, mid-year/exit surveys, and qualitative interviews)
- Complete a Scholarly Project (stipends are provided for approved activities)
Becoming a REACH 2.0 Program Scholar
Intensive Mentoring
from both a Near Peer and a senior career professional in Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry, including quarterly one-on-one mentoring sessions, career coaching, academic guidance, and support in navigating the field of addiction medicine or psychiatry.
Inspiration to the Up-and-Coming Workforce
for the next generation of addiction medicine and psychiatry practitioners through a supportive community of early-career leaders committed to fostering a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and improving care for individuals with substance use disorders.
Supportive 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 SAMHSA grant to eligible participants and may be used to support participation in required programming, conference attendance, and scholarly project activities.
Program Activities
As a REACH Scholar, you’ll engage in mentorship, webinars, and conferences while collaborating on a scholarly project—experiences designed to support your growth and leadership in the field of addiction..
Monthly Activities
Near Peer & Mentor meetings: Engage in regular one-on-one or small group meetings with your assigned Near Peer Mentor and traditional mentor to receive personalized guidance, career coaching, and support tailored to your professional goals.
Monthly Webinars: Participate in interactive virtual sessions including trainings, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and Health and Wellness Sessions that focus on addiction care and leadership development.
Events and Meetings
Addiction Conference Attendance: Attend at least one national or regional addiction medicine or psychiatry conference to expand your knowledge, build professional connections, and engage with leaders in the field (travel stipends are provided).
Welcome Intensive Workshop: Join a dynamic, in-person orientation and leadership workshop, designed to build cohort community, develop mentorship skills, and prepare you for a successful year in the program (travel stipends provided).
Scholarly Project
Collaborate with your mentors and cohort peers to design and implement a scholarly project addressing an area of addiction medicine or psychiatry that aligns with your interests and career goals. This project offers an opportunity to contribute original work that advances equity, clinical practice, education, or advocacy. Stipends are available for approved projects.
Optional Social Media Presence
Share your journey and insights by creating videos or content describing your experience in the Scholar program. Become a voice and influencer in addiction medicine by highlighting your growth and the importance of culturally responsive care.
2025-2026 REACH 2.0 Program Scholars
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Amarachi Abara
Fellow, Addiction Medicine
Montefiore-Einstein
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Amy Amuquandoh
Resident, Preventative Medicine, PGY3
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
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Chris Rufus Sweeney
Resident, Psychiatry, PGY3
University of Utah
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Daniel Arriola
Resident, Internal Medicine, PGY2
Loma Linda University Murrieta Medical Center
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Derrick Knox
Resident, Psychiatry, PGY4
Naval Medical Readiness Training Command- San Diego
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Edicer Ramírez-Rivera
Resident, Psychiatry, PGY-3
University of Puerto Rico
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India Bradley
Resident, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, PGY2
University of Cincinnati Medical Center
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Jamie Villalobos
Medical Student, M2
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
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Joan Chen
Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Highland Hospital Oakland
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Jocelyn Wu
Fellow, Adolescent Addiction Medicine
Boston Children’s Hospital
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José Domínguez
Fellow, Addiction Psychiatry, PGY5
Boston Medical Center
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Jyla Hicks
Resident, Internal Medicine, PGY3
Boston Medical Center
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Malia Omale
Resident, Internal Medicine, PGY2
Alameda Health System -Highland Hospital
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Mandy Perez
Resident, Internal Medicine, PGY2
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
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Marlene Torres
Resident, Psychiatry, PGY4
University of California, San Francisco
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Muna Telsem
Fellow,Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, PGY4
Medstar Georgetow Uinversity Hospital
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Ovianny Silverio Casilla
Fellow, Addiction Medicine
UCC
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Rabee Haq
Resident, Preventative Medicine, PGY3
Meharry Medical College
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Sam Hinkes
Resident, Ob/Gyn, PGY3
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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Vivian Kalu
Fellow, Addiction Medicine, PGY4
Massachusetts General Hospital
