Scholar Applications
The Scholar Program is for medical students, residents, and fellows passionate about becoming leaders in the field of Addiction Medicine or Addiction Psychiatry.
Applications for the 2027–2028 Scholar Program are now open and are due November 13, 2026, by 5:00 PM CDT.
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 Senior 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
AlAll applicants interested in the REACH 2.0 Program must have the following criteria:
- Individuals committed to improving care access and retention for populations facing the greatest barriers to treatment.
- In training medical student or fellow as of July 1, 2027 and enrolled through June 2028
- A U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Willing to commit to:
- Attend and actively participate in 2 virtual webinars per month.
- Attend the 4-day in-person Welcome Intensive Workshop in July 2027 (travel stipend provided).
- Attend at least one professional conference related to substance use disorder (SUD) during the program year (funding provided via stipend).
- Commit to meeting with your assigned Near Peer and Senior Mentor at least once every 3 months (4 times a year each).
- Submit quarterly reports on program/project activities.
- Participate in program evaluation activities (including pre- and post-training surveys, mid-year/exit surveys, and qualitative interviews). All responses are confidential and only used for program improvement and dissemination. For reporting purposes responses are provided in aggregate.
- Complete a Scholarly Project and present on the project.
Criteria and requirement details can be found in the application guidelines.
Scholars Receive the Following Benefits:
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 Senior Mentor to receive personalized guidance, career coaching, and support tailored to your professional goals. When applicable, consistent communication with a Local Advocate is expected.
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 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 with patient-centered care.
2025-2026 REACH 2.0 Program Scholars
Meet the 20 Scholars of the REACH 2.0 Program—emerging leaders dedicated to advancing addiction medicine and addiction psychiatry.
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Amanda Perez, MD
Resident, Internal Medicine, PGY2
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
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Amarachi Abara, MD
Fellow, Addiction Medicine
Montefiore-Einstein
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Amy Amuquandoh, MD, MPH
Resident, Preventative Medicine, PGY3
University of North Carolina School of Medicine
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Chris Rufus Sweeney, MD
Resident, Psychiatry, PGY3
University of Utah
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Daniel Arriola, MD
Resident, Internal Medicine, PGY2
Loma Linda University Murrieta Medical Center
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Derrick Knox, MD, LT, MC, USN
Resident, Psychiatry, PGY4
Naval Medical Readiness Training Command- San Diego
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Edicer Ramírez-Rivera, MD
Resident, Psychiatry, PGY-3
University of Puerto Rico
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India Bradley, MD
Resident, Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, PGY2
University of Cincinnati Medical Center
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Jamie Villalobos, Medical Student
Medical Student, M2
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
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Joan Chen, MD
Fellow, Emergency Medicine
Highland Hospital Oakland
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Jocelyn Wu, MD
Fellow, Adolescent Addiction Medicine
Boston Children’s Hospital
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José Domínguez, MD
Fellow, Addiction Psychiatry, PGY5
Boston Medical Center
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Jyla Hicks, MD
Resident, Internal Medicine, PGY3
Boston Medical Center
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Malia Omale, MD, MPH
Resident, Internal Medicine, PGY2
Alameda Health System -Highland Hospital
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Marlene Torres, MD, MPH
Resident, Psychiatry, PGY4
University of California, San Francisco
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Muna Telsem, MD
Fellow,Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, PGY4
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
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Ovianny Silverio Casilla, MD
Fellow, Addiction Medicine
UCC
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Rabee Haq, MD
Resident, Preventative Medicine, PGY3
Meharry Medical College
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Sam Hinkes, MD, MPH
Resident, Ob/Gyn, PGY3
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
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Vivian Kalu, MD
Fellow, Addiction Medicine, PGY4
Massachusetts General Hospital
