Michelle Lofwall

Dr. Michelle Lofwall serves as Professor and Bell Alcohol and Addictions Endowed Chair at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine with joint appointments in Behavioral Science and Psychiatry. She directs the Robert Straus and First Bridge Clinics providing comprehensive opioid use disorder treatment and oversees the Bell Addiction Medicine Scholar Program. Her leadership extends to the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry and SAMHSA's Treatment Improvement Protocol panels.

Her research focuses on novel treatments for opioid use disorder, particularly buprenorphine formulations (implants, depot injections), patient retention strategies, and integrated care models for complex cases involving injection-related infections. Current work examines peripartum treatment, emergency department interventions, and policy impacts on medication access through the HEALing Communities Study.

Analysis of her 150+ publications reveals strong emphasis on

• Real-world implementation of medications for OUD
• Pharmacokinetic studies of extended-release formulations
• Health services research examining policy barriers
• Integrated care for co-occurring infections
• Perinatal addiction treatment optimization

Award highlights include:

• Distinguished Fellow of American Psychiatric Association and ASAM
• Dole/Nyswander Award (2022)
• Multiple teaching awards including Resident's Outstanding Didactics Award
• Leadership recognition as Future Leader in Psychiatry (2006)

Dr. Lofwall actively mentors through the Bell Addiction Medicine Scholar Program and leads 110+ research projects including NIH-funded trials like MOMs2 (medication treatment for opioid-dependent expecting mothers) and the Ohio Valley Node of the Clinical Trials Network. Her work bridges clinical care, policy advocacy, and implementation science to address the opioid crisis.

She directs the B-OPAT (Buprenorphine Plus Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy) study integrating addiction treatment with infectious disease management, and contributes to the Kentucky Viral Hepatitis Treatment Project eliminating HCV in rural Appalachia through the KEY TREAT trial.