Episode 6: Midwestern University medical students Mike Krupp & Matt Moon talk about the importance of compassionate care

In this episode of the Treat Addiction Save Lives Podcast, Midwestern University medical students Mike Krupp & Matt Moon discuss what led them to study addiction medicine and how they became involved with the organization, Care for Friends, which is based in Chicago and provides support and services to the unhoused population there. Together, Mike & Matt started an addiction medicine club at Midwestern which, with support from the school, provides students with the opportunity to volunteer their services with Care for Friends. They are currently participating by screening patients for substance use disorders and referring to treatment; along with conducting a clothing drive and harm reduction clinics.

Mike & Matt share their experience at ASAM’s Annual Conference 2023, where they were excited to meet with others interested in the field of addiction medicine and learn about the latest research and best practices in the field. They also share how their experiences working with CFF has influenced their perspectives on addiction and individuals who are dealing with addiction. Matt & Mike stress the importance of establishing relationships with patients and fighting stigma associated with addiction by practicing compassionate care in a judgement-free environment. They also discuss the need for more education and training about addiction, stigma related to certain types of addiction but not others, and separating addiction from the individual.

Michael Krupp is a 4th year medical student at Midwestern University currently pursuing a degree in Osteopathic Medicine. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Michael attended Clemson University for undergraduate studies and to play rugby. While there, he received a degree in biology before returning back to the Midwest to complete medical school. While Michael has always been involved in a variety of volunteering activities, his work with Care For Friends has really helped him to gain exposure and experience to a population base that he plans on working closely with during his career in Addiction Psychiatry. He loves working with people and is always doing his best to improve upon pre-existing programs as well as to help found new programs to address issues faced by the undomiciled population of Chicago. Outside of work and volunteering, Michael loves to hang out with his family and friends, travel, go to concerts, and do movie marathons with his girlfriend Katrina. He is excited for this opportunity to give back to the community and is looking forward to what the future holds.

 

Matthew Moon grew up in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota and is currently a fourth-year medical student at Midwestern University, Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is currently pursuing a residency in Psychiatry and has several interests within Psychiatry which includes treating substance use disorders. Along with his colleague, he started a new Addiction Medicine club at Midwestern University and hopes that this will serve as a way for other medical students to learn more about the field of Addiction Medicine/Psychiatry.

 

Links:

Care for Friends

Midwestern University

Midwestern University Addiction Medicine Club

 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, you are not alone. Treatment is available and recovery is possible. Visit ASAM’s Patient Resources page for more information.