WUHAN, May 13 – Professor Marek Chawarski from Yale University delivered a lecture on "Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder in the United States" at Tongji Medical College of HUST, sharing the insights gained from his extensive research in addiction medicine. The event, moderated by Prof. Song Ranran, drew significant interest from faculty members and students engaging in public health and clinical medicine.

Prof. Chawarski opened his lecture with an analysis of the U.S. opioid epidemic, where overdose deaths have been on the rise despite intervention efforts. Drawing on his cross-continental research spanning North America and Asia, he outlined the unique clinical challenges of Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and their mounting impact on healthcare systems worldwide.

A focal point of the presentation was the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) model pioneered by Prof. Chawarski's team. "Emergency departments serve as crucial first-contact points," he explained, detailing how this protocol has increased treatment accessibility while reducing stigma. The Yale researcher proposed expanding SBIRT's reach into pre-hospital care systems to enable earlier detection and intervention.

The lecture sparked vibrant dialogue during its interactive session, where Prof. Chawarski emphasized patient-centered communication techniques. "Rather than direct questioning about addiction," he advised, "clinicians should explore substance use through discussions of daily behaviors and lifestyle." This approach, he demonstrated through case studies, builds trust and yields more accurate clinical assessments.

Participants praised the session for its blend of rigorous research and practical clinical wisdom. "Prof. Chawarski's insights on cross-cultural adaptation of evidence-based practices were particularly valuable," noted one attending faculty member, reflecting on the discussion's relevance to China's own public health challenges.

The event reinforced Tongji Medical College's commitment to global knowledge exchange, providing students and researchers direct access to international expertise in addiction medicine—a field of growing importance across the globe.