Addiction Medicine Experience

Experience Cutting-Edge Addiction Medicine Training at Cooper University’s EM Residency

Located in the heart of downtown Camden, Cooper University’s Emergency Department is at the forefront of addressing the challenges posed by substance use. As one of the first in the nation to encounter emerging drug trends, our program offers unparalleled hands-on experience in treating substance use and alcohol use disorders. As Cooper EM residents, you will play a critical role in advancing patient care in this field, working alongside EM-trained Addiction Medicine physicians and fellows and contributing to groundbreaking research.

Learn from Leading Experts in Addiction Medicine

Our program offers the unique opportunity to train under Emergency Medicine pioneers who are also experts in Addiction Medicine. Esteemed faculty members including: Dr. Rachel Haroz, Dr. Matthew Salzman, Dr. Joe D'Orazio, Dr. Alyssa Lombardi and Dr. Caroline Blatcher and the Addiction Medicine fellows, not only deliver top-tier addiction care but also mentor residents, providers, and staff in compassionate, evidence-based approaches to treatment. Their guidance ensures that you will be well-equipped to care for our most vulnerable patients with empathy and expertise.

Make an Immediate Impact in Patient Care

As an EM resident, you will often be the first point of contact for patients struggling with addiction. Beyond traditional roles in resuscitating overdose patients, you will gain advanced skills in buprenorphine micro-induction, Narcan administration, and methadone provision upon discharge. This comprehensive training positions the Cooper ED as an ideal environment for pioneering Addiction Medicine research. Notably, our department has contributed influential studies, including “Alcohol Use and Alcohol Use Disorder Health Communication for Patients” and “Methadone Initiation in the Emergency Department for Opioid Use Disorder.” Additionally, Cooper EMS stands out as one of the few, if not the only, EMS systems nationwide to provide Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) following Naloxone rescue in the prehospital setting.

Collaborative Care with Addiction Navigators

Our collaboration with Addiction Navigators ensures that patients receive holistic, continuous care. Available seven days a week, our Addiction Navigators connect patients to rehabilitation centers and other critical resources, providing a support system that extends beyond the hospital. This partnership significantly boosts the chances of successful recovery and highlights our commitment to treating addiction as a multifaceted issue requiring comprehensive care.

Innovative Education and Community Outreach

At Cooper, we emphasize the importance of understanding substance and alcohol use disorders as the foundation for effective treatment. Our residents regularly participate in conference lectures that explore both the medical and behavioral aspects of these conditions. We are also leaders in adopting sensitive, patient-centered language that enhances our care delivery. Starting in their first year, residents rotate in our Addiction Medicine clinic, gaining direct experience in this specialized field. Furthermore, our program offers unique volunteering opportunities, such as Street Medicine, where residents collaborate with medical students to provide addiction and medical care to the unhoused population in Camden, NJ.

Why Choose Cooper EM for Your Residency?

As a Level 1 trauma center serving a largely underserved area, Cooper University’s Emergency Department is committed to delivering high-quality, compassionate care to every patient. Our comprehensive approach to addiction care—rooted in cutting-edge research, expert training, and collaborative practices—ensures that our residents receive the best possible education in this crucial field. By choosing Cooper EM, you are not just advancing your medical career; you are joining a program that is shaping the future of Addiction Medicine.