Matthew Perry Foundation’s Groundbreaking Addiction Medicine Fellowship

MotivationFebruary 12, 2025

The Matthew Perry Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital are making waves in the fight against addiction. Their latest initiative, the Matthew Perry Foundation Fellowship in Addiction Medicine, is setting the stage for a new era of treatment.

This program selects highly trained physicians to study addiction medicine, equipping them with the skills needed to provide life-saving care. The first recipient, Dr. Sarah “SK” Kler, is already making history, proving that this fellowship is groundbreaking.

It Is a Fellowship With a Purpose

Addiction medicine has long been overshadowed by stigma and misinformation. Many still view substance use disorder as a personal failing rather than a medical condition. That Is exactly what this fellowship aims to change.

Matt / IG / By integrating addiction treatment into mainstream healthcare, it ensures that future physicians have the tools to address the crisis effectively.

Dr. Kler, the first fellow, will train under leading experts at MGH, gaining hands-on experience with real patients, real challenges, and real solutions.

Why This Fellowship Matters More Than Ever

The opioid epidemic is raging, and addiction care often lags behind other fields of medicine. Traditional medical training touches on addiction, but it is rarely a primary focus. That is why this fellowship is so critical. It takes skilled physicians and immerses them in cutting-edge addiction treatment, making them leaders in the field.

By embedding addiction medicine within Mass General Brigham’s healthcare network, these doctors are poised to make a real impact.

Matthew Perry’s Mission Lives On

Matthew Perry was not just a beloved actor. He was an outspoken advocate for addiction recovery. He used his fame to push for better treatment options and fought tirelessly to end the stigma. His foundation continues that mission, ensuring that those battling addiction receive proper care, not judgment.

This fellowship is not just about training doctors. It is about continuing Perry’s fight. Every physician trained through this program carries his legacy forward, treating addiction as the medical condition it is.

Dr. Sarah “SK” Kler – The First Fellow

Dr. Kler is not just any doctor. She is a leader. Currently serving as Chief Medical Resident in Internal Medicine at MGH, she has spent years mastering her craft. Now, she is stepping into a new role, one that will define her career and impact countless lives.

Matt / IG / Through this fellowship, Sarah Kler will gain expertise in treating substance use disorders across different settings, from hospitals to community outreach programs.

Her work will set the standard for future fellows, proving that addiction medicine is essential, not optional.

What Is Next for the Fellowship?

Dr. Kler is just the beginning. The fellowship program includes three total participants, each rotating through different departments within Mass General Brigham. Over time, these specialists will bring addiction expertise into emergency rooms, clinics, and hospitals across the country.

The ultimate goal? A future where every medical professional understands addiction and knows how to treat it. With continued support from the Matthew Perry Foundation and MGH, this fellowship is on track to reshape addiction medicine for generations to come.

Honoring Matthew Perry’s Legacy

Matthew Perry wanted to make a difference, and this fellowship is doing exactly that. Focusing on real solutions ensures that his legacy is not just remembered but also lived out in the work of dedicated physicians. Addiction is a disease, and with the right training, doctors can change lives.

Thanks to this fellowship, the next generation of physicians will be better equipped than ever to fight the battle to which Perry dedicated his life.