CHSU-COM’s Overdose Prevention Task Force Continues its Effort to Increase MAT Accessibility in the Central Valley

On Saturday, July 13^th, 2024, the California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Overdose Prevention Task Force (OPTF) collaborated with the Fresno Madera Medical Society to host their second annual Addiction Medicine Updates continuing medical education (CME) event. The event was attended by over 100 Central Valley providers, virtually and in-person. Additional support for the event was provided by the Central Valley Opioid Safety Coalition and the California Department of Health Care Services.

Attendees received CME credits that can be applied to the new DEA requirement which mandates practitioners renewing or newly applying for their DEA license to complete eight hours of training related to the management of opioid and other substance use disorders. Section 1262 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 removed the federal requirement which required practitioners to apply for a special waiver to prescribe buprenorphine for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Now, in the same way a patient with diabetes can go to their primary care physician for insulin, a patient with OUD can go to that same doctor to receive buprenorphine.

In comparison to methadone (full mu-receptor agonist), buprenorphine is a partial mu-receptor agonist which demonstrates a ceiling effect; threshold beyond which increasing the dose does not produce an increased pharmacological response. Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefits of buprenorphine, including a lower propensity to cause respiratory depression and euphoria. Due to its favorable safety profile, providers can prescribe buprenorphine for patients to take home, unlike methadone, which typically requires closer monitoring.

In this year’s event, led by Drs. Rais Vohra and M. Shoaib Khan, attendees were trained on the prevention and treatment of substance use disorders through didactic lectures and Q&A. The first half of the morning involved an in-depth discussion of how to initiate buprenorphine in the inpatient and outpatient settings. During the second half of the event Dr. Vohra reviewed how to manage patients with alcohol and stimulant use disorders, as these diseases often co-exist with OUD. Dr. Khan closed out the event with a discussion on the prevalence of substance use disorders in the pediatric population and approaches to managing this vulnerable population.

Dr. Khan emphasized how four adverse childhood events in conjunction with a family history of substance use disorder can increase their risk of developing a substance use disorder. Adverse childhood events include both emotional and physical forms of abuse and neglect, as well as household challenges such as the incarceration of a loved one. By proactively identifying and addressing these factors, providers can significantly reduce rates of substance use disorders in our pediatric populations and promote healthier outcomes.  

Attendee and OPTF Chair Brett Hughes (Class 2027) said attending the event was “a fantastic and fun way to get up-to-date information on substance use disorders from leading professionals in the Central Valley. I enjoyed the opportunity to hear from the experience and expertise of Drs. Rais Vohra and Dr. M. Shoaib Khan. Their candid and witty presentations will stick with me as I continue my medical journey. Great event!”

In-person attendees had the opportunity to network with eight organizations local to the Central Valley, including California Bridge Substance Use Navigators, CRMC Bridge, MedMark Treatment Center, New Perceptions North, San Joaquin Valley Free Medical Clinic and Needle Exchange, Sierra Meadows, CHSU-Overdose Prevention Task Force and the Zachary Horton Foundation. Each exhibitor shared how their services are treating substance use disorders in our community, from harm reduction initiatives, including needle exchange programs and naloxone distribution, to workshops addressing stigma within medical institutions.  

Join us next year for a new edition of Addiction Medicine Updates, where our team will continue to cover advancements in the management of substance use disorders and empower Central Valley physicians to provide the optimal level of care.

Article written by Aicha Naouai, Class of 2027