Matthew Perry Foundation Launches Addiction Fellowship at MGH

Rich & Famous February 13, 2025

The impact of addiction on individuals and families is profound, and the need for specialized medical care in this field has never been more urgent. To address this, a new fellowship program has been launched in honor of Matthew Perry, a well-known advocate for addiction recovery.

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) in Boston, in collaboration with the Matthew Perry Foundation, has established the Matthew Perry Foundation Fellowship in Addiction Medicine. This initiative aims to train physicians to provide effective addiction care and reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorders.

A Step Toward Improved Addiction Care

Instagram | massgeneral | Doctors can specialize in addiction medicine at MGH through a new fellowship.

The newly established fellowship offers residency-trained physicians an opportunity to specialize in addiction medicine through MGH’s existing program. It is designed to enhance medical training in addiction treatment and integrate this expertise into broader healthcare practices. Dr. Sarah “SK” Kler, currently the Chief Medical Resident in Internal Medicine at MGH, has been selected as the first fellow for the 2025-2026 academic year and will begin her training in June.

The program, supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration, includes three fellows who will rotate across different departments within Mass General Brigham, the healthcare system to which MGH belongs. This hands-on experience will allow physicians to work in various settings, gaining practical knowledge in treating addiction.

A Vision Rooted in Advocacy

Matthew Perry was vocal about his struggles with addiction and dedicated much of his life to helping others on the path to recovery. The foundation created in his name continues his mission by working to eliminate misconceptions surrounding addiction and expand access to care. “Matthew believed that changing the way addiction is perceived was just as important as improving treatment,” shared foundation representatives.

By aligning with MGH, the foundation is taking another step toward achieving that goal. The fellowship aims to bridge the gap between traditional medical care and addiction treatment, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive and compassionate support.

Breaking the Stigma in Medical Practice

Instagram | mattylangfordperry | A partnership between MGH and the Matthew Perry Foundation brings hope to those with substance use disorders.

Substance use disorder is often treated separately from other medical conditions, leading to gaps in care and increased stigma. Dr. Sarah Wakeman, director of the fellowship program, emphasized the importance of integrating addiction treatment into general medical practice. “If addiction continues to be seen as separate from mainstream healthcare, it will only deepen stigma and worsen disparities,” she stated. “Training physicians in effective, compassionate addiction care will help reshape how this issue is addressed in medical settings.”

With this initiative, future doctors will be equipped to approach addiction treatment as an essential part of healthcare rather than an isolated issue. This shift in perspective is key to improving outcomes and fostering a more supportive environment for individuals seeking recovery.

A Lasting Impact

Massachusetts General Hospital and the Matthew Perry Foundation are committed to making a tangible difference in addiction medicine. Their collaboration extends beyond training physicians—it represents a broader effort to raise awareness, educate communities, and offer hope to those struggling with substance use disorders.

By investing in specialized medical education, this fellowship carries forward Matthew Perry’s legacy, ensuring that those facing addiction receive the care and respect they deserve.