Melissa Cheng

Melissa Cheng, MD, MOH, is an Associate Professor in the Division of Occupational and Environmental Health at the University of Utah. She serves as the Medical Director of the UU occupational medicine clinics and has held a leadership role in the RMCOEH program for 10 years, shaping curriculum and clinical training.

• Key Roles: Course Director for MOH program classes, Medical Director of occupational medicine clinics

Her research and clinical focus centers on Addiction Medicine, particularly through the implementation of SBIRT (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) protocols for substance use disorders. She has pioneered statewide initiatives, including mandatory SBIRT training for healthcare providers and Medicaid reimbursement for SBIRT codes.

• Legislative Impact: Coordinated passage of Utah H.B. 175 (2017) mandating SBIRT training
• Leadership: Founded addiction medicine clinical rotation (2021), led Provider Training and Patient Education Committee

Scientific recognition includes the 2019 Utah Department of Health Innovation Award through her work with the Utah Coalition for Opioid Overdose and Prevention (UC-OOP).