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WORK HOURS

Our Addiction Fellowship programs comply with the University of Utah GME Houseofficer Work Hours Policy. A typical work week is 40 to 50 hours. 

  • Fellows are on duty Monday through Friday for approximately 8-10 hours per day, from about 7:30-8:00am to about 5:00-6:00pm
  • Some rotations may require Saturday or Sunday rounds once or twice per month
  • Some afterhours experiences may be required in certain rotations

There is an 80-hour per week work hour limit outlined by the University’s policy. Fellows should never reach the 80-hour per week work limit when work hours are averaged over a four-week period.

Fellows will document their work hours (including any moonlighting hours) in the MedHub system daily. The Program Director and Program Manager will track work hours through the MedHub system.

ON-call schedule

There is no in-house call during the fellowship. Fellows may have some pager call responsibilities. 

At no time will duty hours exceed 80-hours per week.

Each hospital will have its own on-call system to cover the patients seen during the day. If there are any difficulties with getting appropriate supervision, fellows should notify the Program Director as soon as possible.

Moonlighting

Any fellows who moonlight must: 

  1. Follow the Department of Psychiatry and GME office moonlighting policies.
  2. Not exceed the 80-hour per week limit.

If there are any work hour violations, the Program Manager or MedHub system will flag the violation and notify the Program Director, who will discuss the violation with the fellow and develop a plan for avoiding future work hour violations. 

Salary and benefits

The following trainee salary stipend schedule is approved for the academic year beginning July 1, 2026:

PGY Level                     Stipend                    
PGY4 $83,912
PGY5 $86,920
PGY6 $91,863

Trainee benefits include the following: 

Paid Leave

  • Three weeks (15 working days) of paid annual vacation, and one week (5 working days) of paid annual personal/professional development time which must be scheduled with the approval of the Program Director. Both vacation and personal/professional development time is non‐accruing.
  • One week (5 working days) of non-accruing sick leave.

Insurance

  • Choice of health insurance plans, with global network coverage for the trainee and eligible family members - premium costs are shared between the Hospital (approximately 90%) and the trainee (approximately 10%).
  • Group dental insurance for trainee and family at a nominal charge per month.
  • Group term life insurance up to the stipend amount but not to exceed $25,000 at no charge. Additional life insurance may be purchased by the trainee.
  • Disability insurance for specialty‐specific occupation with benefit equal to approximately 66.6% of monthly earnings up to $3,000/month (less benefits from other sources) and built‐in cost‐of‐living rider. Basic policy paid by Hospital. Additional individual coverage may be purchased by the trainee.
  • Automatic enrollment in a 401(a) defined contribution retirement plan with immediate vesting funded by the University and Affiliated Hospitals. The contribution for FY27 (2026-2027) will be 3%. Not applicable to HRSA fellows. 
  • Malpractice insurance is provided by the hospital for in-state professional activities that are an approved part of the training program.
  • Other benefits, such as reduced tuition, bookstore discount, and others as offered to all University employees. 

Meal Allowance and On-Call Facilities

  • Meals will be provided to on-call trainees required to spend the night in any affiliated hospital and part of his/her training program.
  • Overnight accommodations are available in the hospitals for on-call trainees. 

Parking Stipend

  • All in-state trainees are eligible for a $25.00 per pay period parking stipend.

Professional Development Funds

  • All trainees are encouraged to participate in individual research projects and present at scientific meetings. A portion of the expenses incurred in association with scientific presentations by trainees are paid by the Department.
  • HRSA fellows also receive some additional benefits through the grant for professional development, travel, and additional rotation experiences. These benefits will be discussed separately with HRSA fellowship recipients. 

Other Benefits

  • Other benefits, such as reduced tuition, bookstore discount, athletic event discounts, use of recreation facilities and others as offered to all University employees. Click here for the general University of Utah benefits. 
  • Trainees qualify for reduced-cost season passes at some Utah ski areas.
  • All trainees have access to networked computers, a variety of online literature search options, and professional email. 
  • Recognizing that some trainees may experience depression, anxiety, substance use, or marital and family stress at some time during their training, the School of Medicine provides preventive, consultative and referral services through the Employee Assistance Program. Many trainees take advantage of the opportunity for their own individual psychotherapy.

Contact Us

Elizabeth F. Howell, MD, MS, DFAPA, DFASAM

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