A physician for 25 years, Dr. Kathleen Whaley treats patients who face drug addiction in New York State. To augment her work as an MD, Dr. Kathleen Whaley maintains membership in the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM).ASAM will celebrate its 50th anniversary at its annual conference, focusing on innovations in addiction medicine and science. Some 2,300 members are expected to gather April 4-7, 2019, at the Hilton Orlando.The meeting is designed for counselors, doctors, researchers, students, policymakers, and retired professionals. Participants can learn more about new research and clinical practices, discover new treatment methods, and examine the implications of recent changes in public policy. Members will also have a chance to expand their professional network and earn continuing medical education credits.The schedule includes social events, such as the Saturday night Fun, Fab, and Fifty Shindig, and conferees can also set aside time to visit Orlando’s famous theme parks. The conference is held in partnership with the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
The recipient of an MD from Indiana University, Dr. Kathleen Whaley has drawn on her education and her board certification in addiction medicine to care for patients at several medical facilities. Active in her field, Dr. Kathleen Whaley holds membership with the American Society of Addiction Medicine.In December 2018, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) issued a press release praising a recently announced public health advisory. The advisory, which was issued by Surgeon General Jerome M. Adams, declares that e-cigarettes have become so prevalent among US youth that their use is now considered an epidemic.With the advisory’s release, parents, educators, and health workers will have access to information explaining the new types of e-cigarette products on the market. In addition, the advisory describes the ways in which these products harm the health of young people.The advisory follows an April 2018 policy statement from ASAM in which the society expressed the same concerns about e-cigarette use as Surgeon General Adams. To read the ASAM’s policy statement, and to learn more about this rare move from the Surgeon General, visit www.asam.org.
Dr. Kathleen Whaley is an MD with years of experience as an emergency care and urgent care physician. Now strongly focusing on addiction medicine, Dr. Kathleen Whaley is a member of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). ASAM was established in 1954 as a professional society that represents medical professionals in the field of addiction medicine. The organization is committed to continuously improving the quality of addiction treatment through the education of physicians. In October 2018, ASAM launched the Fundamentals of Addiction Medicine CME Program, a 40-hour program that provides physicians and primary care professionals with the knowledge they need to recognize addiction as a disease and improves patient access to evidence-based treatments. Addiction places a tremendous burden on America’s health system. As many as 20.5 million Americans struggle with addiction. However, only 10 percent of these people receive specialized treatment. Part of the problem is that medical care professionals, who often receive patients with addictions, receive little education on addiction during medical training. ASAM’s CME program seeks to correct that. The online program was developed by leading addiction physician specialists to arm physicians, nurses, and other care providers with knowledge about addiction and its treatment. It also covers pain management, opioids, and treatment of opioid use disorder while providing a networking platform for physicians to discuss treatment issues. Physicians who complete the program receive 40 CME credits and a certificate.
The recipient of an MD from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Dr. Kathleen Whaley has served as an addiction medicine physician at several health care facilities. Accomplished in her field, Dr. Kathleen Whaley maintains board certification from the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM).ABAM board certification signals to the public that an addiction medicine physician has demonstrated superior professional competence. The highest standard in the field of addiction medicine, ABAM board certification is achieved through a rigorous evaluation process.This process begins with ABAM determining that a physician holds the required educational and clinical credentials. Those who meet the organization’s requirements then take a six-hour examination. Designed by an expert panel in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners, the examination tests whether a candidate has the skills, knowledge, judgment, and professionalism to provide exceptional care to patients dealing with addiction.Candidates who pass the examination earn ABAM board certification. To maintain this credential, physicians must complete ongoing continuing education courses and pass a periodic maintenance of certification examination. Doing so ensures that those who hold ABAM board certification continuously have the tools to furnish the highest level of care.
