Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What is CHAMP?
- The Collaborative Behavioral Health and Addiction Medicine in Primary Care program (CHAMP) is a HRSA-funded program providing enhanced training and professional development in addiction medicine, behavioral health, and provider wellness for Yale Primary Care (YPC) residents, physician associate students, and faculty.
- How do I apply to be a CHAMP trainee?
- YPC residents and PA students who are interested in becoming a CHAMP trainee are asked to complete a brief application and interview process at the start of their first year in training. Acceptance into CHAMP is dependent on fit with the program and scheduling constraints.
- What does CHAMP look for in a prospective trainee?
- While all applications are considered, we are particularly interested in candidates who demonstrate a vested interest in integrating addiction medicine into their primary care practice.
- I have a particular interest in X. Can I tailor my CHAMP clinical experience to reflect that interest?
- CHAMP faculty and staff are committed to providing a clinical experience that is at once comprehensive and suited to our trainees’ interests. Trainees expressing a special interest (e.g. in hospital-based addiction treatment, incarceration and addiction, pain management, etc) may work with the CHAMP team to tailor their rotation(s) and identify opportunities for faculty mentorship in their area(s) of interest.
- Who can I contact to learn more about the CHAMP program?
- Please direct all requests for information about the CHAMP program to Emma Biegacki.
For YPC Residents
- Is the CHAMP program a separate NRMP number in ERAS?
- No. There is no NRMP number associated with CHAMP. Applying to CHAMP comes after matching to YPC for your residency.
- How is CHAMP different from the HIV training track?
- The main differences between CHAMP and the HIV Training track are the application process and core rotations. CHAMP residents apply to the CHAMP training track after matching into the Yale Primary Care Program (YPC). CHAMP residents have continuity clinic and core educational activities within the YPC Adult Primary Care Center, alongside their YPC colleagues not in the HIV training track. CHAMP residents can expect ~50% of patients in their continuity clinic to be living with substance use disorder. The HIV Training Track (HIVTT) is part of YPC but residents apply through a separate NRMP number. Once matriculated, HIVTT residents have their continuity clinic at the Nathan Smith Clinic in addition to a whole HIV curriculum and extracurricular activities that complement their training in primary care. At the end of the 3year residency, the HIVTT residents are eligible for the ABIM and the HIV Medicine certification exam.
- How will clinical time with CHAMP integrate with my YPC schedule?
- In your first year, you will spend some but not all of your ambulatory time with CHAMP. This time will be split between your continuity clinic with YPC, outpatient care at the APT Foundation and Addiction Recovery Clinic, and inpatient care with the Yale Addiction Medicine Consult Service. As you progress in your residency, you will gain more flexibility in your clinical schedule and more opportunities to spend time at CHAMP rotation sites.
- Are there opportunities to gain experience in teaching and training others?
- Yes. CHAMP residents have the opportunity to assist with teaching and training activities for health sciences students, medical residents and faculty. CHAMP trainees also receive specialized training (e.g. methadone treatment for opioid use disorder) that will allow them to be resources to their peers and faculty over the course of their residency.
- Will I be able to take the Addiction Medicine Boards after completing the CHAMP training track?
- Probably not. The practice pathway to become board-certified in addiction medicine is set to be phased out in 2025. Those interested in becoming board-certified in addiction medicine will need to complete a one-year clinical fellowship. CHAMP faculty and staff will fully support interested residents in completing the fellowship application process.