Shawn Kelly, MD
Candidate for Regional Director
Region IX - Canada/International
Shawn Hamilton Kelly, MD is a dedicated general pediatrician and specialist in adolescent addiction medicine based in Ottawa, Canada, where he has practiced outpatient clinical medicine for over a decade. His expertise extends to providing addiction medicine consultations at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario. Dr. Kelly's academic journey includes an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from McGill University and a medical degree from Queen's University, followed by residency in Pediatrics at the Children's Hospital of Western Ontario and fellowship training in adolescent addiction medicine at Boston Children's Hospital (2020-2021).
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Kelly plays a pivotal role in community-based addiction treatment initiatives as Chair of the Board at Serenity House, a charitable treatment center and housing program, in Ottawa. He is actively involved with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), contributing as an adolescent addiction expert. Additionally, Dr. Kelly serves on the American Academy of Pediatrics National Committee on Substance Use and Prevention and the Policy Committee of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine, advocating for policy initiatives in two nations. A dedicated family man and passionate coach in various youth sports, Dr. Kelly embodies a commitment to comprehensive care and community service in both professional and personal endeavors.
Candidate Questionnaire Responses
1. What have been your greatest contributions to ASAM or to the field of addiction medicine over the last 10 years?
My journey with ASAM began with their invaluable educational resources during my early days as a general pediatrician in a small community in Canada seeking ways to meet the needs of young people with substance use disorders. These offerings not only introduced me to addiction medicine fundamentals but also provided a glimpse into its future and connected me with mentors like Dr. Sharon Levy, MD, FASAM. These first experiences with the American Society of Addiction Medicine demonstrated the global reach and the career changing power of the organization.
ASAM's educational foundation enabled me to identify gaps in evidence-based care for adolescents in my community, motivating me to pursue fellowship training at Boston Children's Hospital. During and after my fellowship, I eagerly engaged with ASAM's mission. I initially served on the Terms and Definitions Subcommittee, where we addressed language nuances crucial for combating stigma in addiction medicine. This experience not only sharpened my understanding of committee procedures but also deepened my commitment to improving clinical practices.
Subsequently, I contributed by developing clinical vignettes for testing a novel clinical tool and continue to participating in a working group on the concurrent disorders section of the adolescent volume of the ASAM- Criteria.
Beyond ASAM, my involvement in the National Policy Committee of the Canadian Society of Addiction Medicine since 2022 has been instrumental. I've focused on advocating for policy changes, notably concerning the increased risks to adolescents due to the liberalization of sports gambling rules in Ontario. This advocacy involves engaging with government officials, media, and families to address adolescent susceptibility to gambling-related issues.
Recently appointed to the National Committee on Substance Use and Prevention of the American Academy of Pediatrics, representing 67,000 pediatricians across the US and Canada, I continue to expand my impact. Through this role, I have contributed to creating reports and policy statements that bridge patient-centered care with broader population-focused initiatives, aiming to support millions beyond my clinical practice.
My contributions to ASAM and the field of addiction medicine reflect a journey of personal growth, professional development, and a steadfast commitment to improving care and advocating for vulnerable populations.
2. How would your election to the ASAM Board of Directors benefit ASAM and the field of addiction medicine?
If elected to the Board of Directors of ASAM as the Region IX Director, I offer a unique perspective and valuable experience to the organization. As a provider specializing in adolescent and young adult care, I bring a focused consideration of how ASAM’s work impacts our youngest patients struggling with substance use and behavioral disorders. The roots of problematic substance use and addiction often begin in adolescence. By advocating for adolescent-focused viewpoints, I aim to amplify ASAM’s efforts in prevention and early intervention for addictive disorders.
Furthermore, my dual experience as a community-based provider outside of academic hospital settings and within a tertiary care hospital has highlighted the need for robust policies and frameworks that are practical and effective across all addiction treatment settings. If elected, I can serve as a crucial bridge between providers outside the organization and the strategic thinkers within it.
My training and work experience both in the US and internationally have equipped me to understand the nuances of translating addiction treatment practices across different healthcare systems. I am committed to leveraging this knowledge to ensure ASAM provides exceptional representation for all its members globally.
In summary, my election to the ASAM board would enrich the organization with a perspective focused on adolescent care, community-based healthcare needs, and international considerations, thereby enhancing ASAM's impact in addiction medicine on a broader scale.