51С�Ƴ�

Eight medical students in the University of 51С�Ƴ� College of Osteopathic Medicine (51С�Ƴ�COM) have been selected for the highly competitive Hazelden Betty Ford Summer Institute for Medical Students (SIMS) fellowship program. 

Students selected from a nationwide application pool include Class of ’27 students Alison Guzzetti, Sanjay Pai, and Luu Pham and Class of ’28 students Amber Uptergrove, Andrea Meza, Arielle Sedman, Samantha Ansart, and Zheng (Jason) Zhou. Each student will attend an immersive substance use disorder (SUD) training program in Palm Springs, California, this summer. 

The SIMS program equips future physicians with the skills to prevent, identify, and comprehensively treat addiction. Fellows attend lectures, interactive seminars, and clinical experiences focused on developing expertise in SUD screening, intervention, treatment, and recovery.  

This is the second year that UNE’s medical school, Maine’s premier educator of physicians and primary care providers, was selected as a flagship medical school for students to participate in the Betty Ford SIMS application process.   

“We are incredibly proud to have been selected as a flagship medical school once again,” said Marilyn R. Gugliucci, M.A., Ph.D., professor and director of Geriatrics Education and Research at 51С�Ƴ�COM. “This group of osteopathic medical students are quite deserving for this immersive and valuable educational opportunity.” 

According to the 2022 Maine Community Health Needs Assessment — the most recent report available — substance and alcohol use was identified as a top priority among all counties across the state. The report stated that, in 2020, The lack of preventative services, including trained professionals, were a factor.  

“This fellowship has the potential for long-term impact for each student as they continue their training to become physicians,” Gugliucci said. “Our students’ commitment to this important area of medicine will undoubtedly make a positive impact on countless lives.”