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University of Lynchburg

/ Graduate Academics / Doctor of Medical Science (DMSc) / Addiction Medicine Concentration

Addiction Medicine Concentration

The University of Lynchburg Doctor of Medical Science addiction medicine concentration is specifically tailored for PAs engaged in addiction medicine as well as those operating in other medical fields. This comprehensive program entails 37 credit hours, inclusive of crucial courses such as evidence-based medicine and the doctoral project, allowing full-time students to complete the degree within four terms or 12 months.Our curriculum places a strong emphasis on key areas related to addiction and mental health disorders. It delves into understanding the contributing factors to these disorders and explores the future trajectory of addiction medicine. As part of this program, students will hone critical thinking and clinical skills.

Tailored to accommodate both professionals already engaged in the addiction field and those venturing from other specialties, the concentration offers personalized levels of study. This approach is designed to challenge and enrich the knowledge of students, ensuring a well-rounded preparation in addiction medicine.

Graduates from this concentration are well-prepared to work in addiction medicine, both in executive and clinical roles, and to serve as advocates for addiction issues and policy. The program aims to equip PAs with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a meaningful impact in the dynamic and evolving field of addiction medicine.

Headshot of James Kilgore“I am excited to be able to participate in the initiation of two new concentrations within the DMSc program at the University of Lynchburg. The Behavioral Medicine and Addiction Medicine concentrations are being implemented to help address the shortage of healthcare providers within those specialties. Mental health related services have been identified as one of the areas of greatest need currently and over the next decade. Our concentrations will prepare graduates who are working in psychiatry or addiction medicine and those who are not currently working in those areas to increase their knowledge of mental health and addiction disorders.”
– James R. Kilgore, DMSc, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA

Student Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program, graduates will be able to:

  1. Apply advanced and specialized knowledge in Addiction Medicine beyond general practice by focusing on the following competencies:
    1. Medical knowledge
    2. Patient care
    3. Interpersonal and communication skills
    4. Systems-based practice
    5. Practice-based learning and improvement
    6. Professionalism and leadership in the addiction medicine field
  2. Design, develop, and execute clinical care that improves outcomes for patients seeking care for addiction and related disorders
  3. Develop professional medical writing skills to advance the PA profession.

Addiction Medicine Curriculum

PA 951 Overview of Addiction (3 credits)
The student will define the American Society of Addiction Medicine and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition: text revision DSM-5-TR criteria for substance use disorders and common co-occurring mental health disorders. The student will explore the etiology, neurobiology, neurochemistry, pathophysiology, transgenerational susceptibility and inheritance of addiction, and environmental factors that contribute to addiction. Also examined will be neuroplasticity, brain circuitry, neuroimaging, genomics, epigenetics, and the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in addiction. Individual substance use topics will be investigated, including comorbid interactions and synergistic effects of multiple drug use. Topics will expand clinically to the physical exam focused on tolerance, dependence, and addiction, drug use findings, the acute and long-term effects and comorbidities of chemical and behavioral abuse, and SUD interventions in the emergency department.
PA 952 Advanced Pharmacology and Emerging Treatments in SUD (3 credits)
The student will examine the pharmacologic evaluation, management, and treatment of SUDs, the mechanisms of action of medications to treat SUDs and psychotropic medications for common comorbid mental health disorders, as well as essential prescribing information. Neuromodulation, emerging immunotherapies, psychogenomics, psycho-neuroendocrine treatments, and neuroimaging for SUDs will be explored. The student will differentiate between validated screens used for SUDs and comorbid mental health conditions, and levels of integrated care and its importance in treating this population. Finally, the student will investigate the use of psychedelics and cannabinoids as treatments. Coordination to obtain an X-waiver will be required.
PA 953 Therapies in Addiction (3 credits)
The student will study current evidence-based, non-pharmacological individual and group interventions, therapies, and levels of care to treat addiction and trauma, incorporating patient-centered, trauma-informed, clinical environments. Concepts in functional and integrative medicine will also be explored.
PA 954 Special Topics in Behavioral Medicine (3 credits)
The student will discover the multifaceted, societal ramifications of addiction and mental health disorders. Topics include overview of neuroanatomy and neurobiology, adverse childhood experiences, the neurobiology and neurochemistry of trauma, trauma models, individual and group trauma therapies, LGBQTIA+, culture and diversity in vulnerable populations, intimate partner violence, homicide, and guns, the criminal justice system, forensic psychiatry, technology in treatment, SUD in the workplace, maladaptive coping, and provider burnout. In addition, the student will investigate legal issues and regulations involved in mental health and substance use treatment. Stigma, bias, and ethical principles, including bioethics, will be addressed in delivering diversity and inclusion in treatment services. The student will be trained in Motivational Interviewing techniques.
PA 955 Leadership Trends in Addiction (3 credits)
The student will explore historical, current, emerging, and controversial issues in addiction prevention, treatment, and policy. The student will examine leadership styles and how they create an organizational climate and influence staff. Utilizing information learned in the courses, the student will use critical thinking skills to develop solutions to current issues in the delivery of addiction services and design and evaluate an addiction program that meets community needs.
PA 960 Evidence-based Medicine (3 credits)
This course will cover key principles of scientific research and performance improvement in PA practice. Research design, ethics, and critical appraisal of medical publications will be reviewed. This course will emphasize the application of principles of evidence-based research to achieve patient-centered clinical outcomes. Students will develop a proposal for their project.
PA 966 Doctoral Project (3 credits)
Students will advance and execute the doctoral project proposal suitable for publication and/or presentation in medical journals or conferences. Students will synthesize findings, draw conclusions, and receive an evaluation of their final project. Students will be encouraged to submit for publication and/or present their work at conferences.
PA 971 Practicum I (4 credits)
This course will provide intensive clinical exposure in a chosen clinical specialty to further the student’s clinical practice. Students will apply advanced and specialized medical knowledge beyond general practice. Students will begin training within clinical competencies.
PA 972 PA Practicum II (4 credits)
This course is the second session of the PA practicum. This course will continue to provide intensive clinical exposure in a chosen clinical specialty to further the student’s clinical practice. Students will apply advanced and specialized medical knowledge beyond general practice by training within clinical competencies.
PA 973 PA Practicum III (4 credits)
This course is the third session of the PA practicum. This course will continue to provide intensive clinical exposure in a chosen clinical specialty to further the student’s clinical practice. Students will apply advanced and specialized medical knowledge beyond general practice.
PA 974 PA Practicum IV (4 credits)
This course is the fourth session of the PA practicum. This course will continue to provide intensive clinical exposure in a chosen clinical specialty to further the student’s clinical practice. Students will apply advanced and specialized medical knowledge beyond general practice. At the end of this course, students will have completed 100% of clinical competencies.