Kristina Awan, MD
Sports medicine fellow Cullan Donnelly, MD, is receiving top-notch training at the Jacobs School to learn more about maintaining the health, safety and well-being of athletes.
What inspired you to choose addiction medicine for your training?
My residency training in emergency medicine allowed me to see the gaps in care that exist for patients with substance use disorder. During residency, I had the opportunity to visit with patients in an outpatient setting as they shared their personal stories that led to sobriety and the hurdles and stigma that they continue to face.
I felt deeply connected to their journeys and recognized that this group of people carries incredible strength and tenacity.
What are some of the best qualities about training at the Jacobs School?
The University at Buffalo’s legacy in the field of addiction medicine is tremendous. The addiction medicine fellowship at UB offers a comprehensive curriculum with inpatient and outpatient opportunities, including unique clinical rotations at the hepatitis clinic and involving criminal justice care.
This program also emphasizes the importance of community outreach as well as cross-specialty collaboration. I am appreciative of the opportunity to learn from educators who were instrumental in the development of the field of addiction medicine and who continuously demonstrate patient-centered care.