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Cara Poland, MD, MEd, FACP, DFASAM is a recognized expert in addiction medicine. She is a
faculty member at Michigan State University. She earned her medical degree from Wayne State
University and was trained in internal medicine at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor,
Michigan and in addiction medicine at Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. She
received her master’s degree in education from Boston University. She has an interest in
educating healthcare providers and providers-in-training to improve care for patients with
substance use disorders particularly during pregnancy and early parenting.

In 2018, she identified the need to strengthen our country’s Addiction Medicine workforce. By utilizing State Opioid Response funds and creating collaboration among Michigan’s seven medical schools, MI CARES was born. Led by Dr. Poland, MI CARES not only trains physician-level addiction specialists in Michigan but across the country. Over 1,000 physicians in across the United States and its territories are currently on the pathway to becoming board-certified in Addiction Medicine. The program also teaches physicians-in-training, resident physicians, social work students, social work practitioners, APRN’s and PA students. Her didactic program involves purposeful education with the goal of training prescribers to treat persons with SUDs in a kind, compassionate, destigmatized way. Dr. Poland also leads a special interest program, GREAT MOMS, which treats pregnant people and their families living with a substance use disorder. Her nationally recognized program materials are available for other treatment programs. She provides technical assistance to implement addiction care through the GREAT MOMs program and in general primary care.

A passionate and highly sought-after public speaker and educator, Dr. Poland regularly appears in the media and at community events advocating for those she serves. She has directly influenced policies and procedures around the treatment of people with SUDs. Her persistent advocacy has helped to advance more evidence-based treatment opportunities. Dr. Poland is a Governor’s appointee as a member of the Board of Medicine. Her expertise helps ensure public safety while also making sure physicians are treated compassionately and fairly. Dr. Poland is also a legislative appointee in her role as the chair of the Michigan Opioid Advisory Commission, established as the designated state entity to advise Michigan legislature on the use of opioid settlement funds.

Dr. Poland dedicates her professional work in memory of her brother who died of suicide complicated by an alcohol use disorder.