WSU Boonshoft School of Medicine student studies addiction

Megan Smith, student of the Boonshoft School of Medicine, shadowed a patient in a weeklong experience at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation to study more in depth the struggles of an addict.

Smith is pursuing her M.B.A and M.P.H., a dual degree through the medical school. She spent the week at the clinic during her time as a Master of Public Health student.

During Smith’s work at the Foundation, there were lectures and shadowing of a resident patient at a drug rehabilitation center.

“Addiction doesn’t respect societal boundaries, and I think that’s important to recognize as a healthcare provider,” said Smith in a press release.

In her time studying at the foundation, Smith learned of the principles of 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, along with pathophysiology of addiction and the benefits of multidisciplinary care for substance use disorders.

“I learned that recovery from addiction is anything but a linear improvement, and that the human spirit can recover from the darkest of places,” Smith said. “I would encourage everyone to seek out a deeper understanding of addiction so that we can continue to diminish the stigma and improve the well-being of our communities.”