In this latest episode of the Treat Addiction Save Lives Podcast, Dr. Kristin Martin shares her journey into the field of addiction medicine. She discusses how her experience as an ER physician and medical director influenced that journey and her quest for better options for and consistency in care for her patients. Dr. Martin talks about how learning from her patients about their recovery journeys broadened her understanding of addiction, and she shares how the COVID crisis affected how she cared for patients with addiction and approached addiction treatment. She explains her view that addiction affects the whole person and so should be treated holistically via integrated care – addressing primary care, mental health, and addiction needs all together in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Dr. Martin shares her own experience with stigma as an addiction medicine provider, how that experience has changed over time, and the ways we can transform stigmatizing attitudes toward both providers and patients. Dr. Martin shares a patient’s story from several years ago that continues to inspire her today and offers some thoughts for the next generation of addiction medicine providers.

Dr. Kristin Martin is an accomplished osteopathic physician with extensive experience in emergency medicine, family medicine, and addiction medicine. She graduated from Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and completed her family medicine residency through the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She founded River Valley Medical Wellness and serves as a board member for the AFMC (Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care) and the Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association. Additionally, Dr. Martin has adjunct faculty appointments at the Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine and the DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University. Noted for her dedication to medical education and patient care, Dr. Martin was presented the George Bean, D.O. Memorial Outstanding Physician Award by the Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association in August of 2022.

Links:

River Valley Medical Wellness

Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences | Oklahoma State University (okstate.edu)

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

AFMC (Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care)

Arkansas Osteopathic Medical Association (arosteopathic.org)

Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine (achehealth.edu)

DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine (lmunet.edu)

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.