Matt Felgus, MD
WISAM President

The impact of substance use disorders is in the news every day -- there is no escaping the effects this has on patient care whether you are a physician, nurse, pharmacist or therapist. However, not all of our colleagues are comfortable with this unavoidable reality, which is why it is so important for all of us to stay informed and to serve as points of contact along the way.

I've heard some of you, especially newer WISAM members, say that you don't feel you know enough about addiction to be able to serve as a point of contact for your colleagues. But the fact that you've joined WISAM and are reading this now makes a huge difference in moving our respective fields forward in this critical subject. Keep connected and keep learning! 

As one who started in the field as a drug counselor and finished addiction psychiatry training in the late 90s at the crest of the 'patients can't get addicted to opioids if they are using them only for pain' era, I can say from experience that your involvement matters more than you think. And for this I thank you and honor your willingness to join with us.

And for those of you who have been on the front lines of addiction treatment for years, deep gratitude to you as well. WISAM is an amazing organization with tireless, committed officers, committee chairs, administrative staff and members. It's been an honor to represent and work alongside of you all. Let's keep moving things forward!

Have a wonderful holiday season. And Best Wishes for 2019!

Matt Felgus, President