Melissa R. Stein

Melissa R. Stein, M.D. is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, with clinical practice at Montefiore Medical Center. Her research and clinical work focuses on substance abuse treatment, particularly opioid use disorder and hepatitis C treatment among people who inject drugs. She has established herself as a prominent researcher in randomized controlled trials examining innovative approaches to pain management and addiction treatment.

Dr. Stein's research interests center on the intersection of substance use disorders, chronic pain management, and infectious diseases. Her work explores the efficacy of alternative therapies like yoga for chronic pain in opioid treatment programs, optimal hepatitis C treatment adherence patterns among people who inject drugs, and clinical management of opioid withdrawal. She investigates the complex relationships between substance use (including cannabis, cocaine, and opioids) and health outcomes in vulnerable populations, particularly those living with HIV. Her research combines clinical practice insights with rigorous scientific methodology to address critical gaps in addiction medicine and improve patient care for individuals with substance use disorders.

Analysis of Dr. Stein's publication history reveals a consistent research trajectory focused on substance use disorders, with particular emphasis on opioid use disorder treatment, hepatitis C management in high-risk populations, and the intersection of substance use with HIV. Her work demonstrates a strong commitment to evidence-based approaches to addiction medicine, with numerous randomized controlled trials examining innovative treatment modalities. Recent publications highlight her focus on integrated care models that address both pain management and substance use disorders, reflecting evolving standards in addiction medicine.

Dr. Stein has been actively involved in significant research collaborations, including the HERO study examining hepatitis C treatment among people who inject drugs. Her work frequently appears in high-impact journals in addiction medicine, internal medicine, and infectious diseases. She collaborates extensively with other leading researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, particularly in areas where substance use disorders intersect with HIV care and hepatitis C treatment.