Center for Substance Use Research & Intervention (SURI) Fall Research Forum

Milwaukee, WI US
October 27, 2025
The 2025 Center for Substance Use Research & Intervention (SURI) Fall Forum, titled "Bridging the Gap: Engaging Researchers and Providers to Understand and Reduce Substance Use Harms," Is a continuing education (CE) event designed to address critical gaps in addiction science and clinical practice. Scheduled for October 27, 2025, at Bolger Auditorium, this forum will convene researchers, students, clinicians, and community stakeholders to explore innovative strategies for reducing substance use harms. 
This CE activity is structured to enhance practitioner competence in evaluating pharmacological and behavior interventions for addictions, improve understanding of systemic and patient-level barriers to care, and raise awareness of emerging public health risks related to drug supply contamination.
Key topics include:
  • Integration of data science into addiction treatment.
  • Systems-level implementation of Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD).
  • Engagement of patient and community perspectives in research and clinical design.
  • Clinical implementations of changes in the illicit drug supply, including contamination risks. 
The forum will offer 3 hours and 45 minutes of opioid-related content and is eligible for CME accreditation. A registration fee of $20 applies, with an additional $25 for CME credits. Support for this activity has been received from Advancing a Healthier Wisconsin (AHW).
The planning team includes professionals from medicine, research, and community engagement, ensuring alignment with accreditation standards. Learning objectives are tied to Institute of Medicine (IOM) quality dimensions and ACGME/ABMS competencies, focusing on effectiveness, patient-centeredness, equity, and systems-based practice. 
Participants will be assessed through post-activity evaluations measuring perceived knowledge gains and readiness to apply new insights in clinical settings. 

Target Audience

Physicians, allied health professionals 

Learning Objectives

Participants who engage in this educational intervention will be able to: 
  1. Describe advances in pharmacological and behavioral interventions in addiction science, in order to improve relevant medical decision-making for patient care.
    • Assessment method: Post-attendance questions embedded in the evaluation survey
    • Quality dimensions: Effectiveness, Patient Centeredness
    • Competencies: Patient Care and Procedural Skills, Medical Knowledge, Practice-based Learning & Improvement
  2. List potential provider- and/or systems-level barriers to incorporation of pharmacological and behavioral interventions in addiction management.
    • Assessment method: post-attendance questions evaluating perceived knowledge gains
    • Quality dimensions: Equity, Effectiveness
    • Competencies: Communication/Interpersonal Skills, Patient Care and Procedural Skills, Medical Knowledge, Systems-based Practice
  3. Explain dangers and challenges of contaminated drug supply for people consuming illegal drugs, to enhance awareness of public health risks and clinical readiness to address adverse health consequences.
    • Assessment method: Post-attendance questions evaluating perceived knowledge gains.
    • Quality dimensions: Safety/Reduction of Harm, Patient Centeredness
    • Competencies: Patient Care and Procedural Skills, Medical Knowledge, Systems-based Practice

These objectives are designed to improve knowledge, competence, and performance among attendees, with a focus on enhancing clinical practice and public health awareness in the context of substance use and addiction. 

Additional information

Contact

Name: 
Hannah Kovacevich
Phone Number: 
+1 (414) 955-6450
Email: 
[email protected]
Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
    AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
  • 3.75 Hours of Participation
    Hours of Participation credit.
Course opens: 
10/13/2025
Course expires: 
12/11/2025
Event starts: 
10/27/2025 - 9:00am CDT
Event ends: 
10/27/2025 - 4:00pm CDT
Cost:
$0.00
Add to calendar: 

9:00am Coffee, networking & time to visit posters

9:30am Co-Director Welcome

9:45am AHW Introduction

9:50am Introduction by Dr. Ian Martin

10:00am-11:00am Presentation Block 1: Treatment, service, delivery systems, epidemiology & prevention Dr. Elizabeth Salisbury-Afshar

*15 minute break

11:15am-12:15am Presentation Block 2: Addiction Data Science and Future Pathways for Substance Use Research Dr. Naranjan Karnik

12:15-2:00pm Lunch and Poster Session

2:00-3:00pm Presentation Block 3: Harm Reduction - drug checking, etc. Dr. Traci Green

*15 minute break 

3:15-4:00pm SURI Leadership Panel - Drs. Julia Dickson-Gomez, Jenny Hernandez-Meier, John Mantsch, Connie Kostelac, Michael Fendrich

Bolger Auditorium
8701 W Watertown Plank Rd
Milwaukee, WI 53226
United States
Activity Director:
Dr. Michael Fendrich PhD
 
 
Planning Committee: 
John Mantsch, PhD
Julia Dickson-Gomez, MA, PhD
Jennifer Hernandez-Meier, MSW, PhD
Constance Kostelac, MS, PhD

 

In accordance with the ACCME® Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Education, Standard 3, all persons in control of content must disclose any relevant financial relationships. It is the policy of the Medical College of Wisconsin to identify, mitigate and disclose the absence or presence of all relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies held by the speakers/presenters, authors, planners, and other persons who may influence content of this accredited continuing education. The following in control of content had no relevant financial relationships to disclose. 

  • Michael Fendrich PhD
  • Julia Dickson-Gomez, MA, PhD
  • Jennifer Hernandez-Meier, MSW, PhD
  • Constance Kostelac, MS, PhD

 

Name:
Company:
Role:
John Mantsch, PhD
Promentis Pharmaceuticals
Stock (not exercised)
 
 
 

    ACCME Accreditation Statement:
    The Medical College of Wisconsin is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

    AMA Credit Designation Statement:
    The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this live activity for a maximum of 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) ™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

    Hours of Participation for Allied Health Care Professionals
    The Medical College of Wisconsin designates this activity for up to 3.75 hours of participation for continuing education for allied health professionals.

    Available Credit

    • 3.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
      AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
    • 3.75 Hours of Participation
      Hours of Participation credit.

    Price

    Cost:
    $0.00
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