Gaiser Center Hires Addiction Medicine Specialist as Full-time Medical Director

BUTLER, Pa. - Sept. 1, 2021 - PRLog -- The Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Center appointed C. Thomas Brophy, DO, one of the region's few board-certified Addiction Medicine physicians, as its full-time medical director, effective today.

Dr. Brophy's appointment enables the Gaiser Center to offer around-the-clock medical care for inpatients and positions the center for future growth as it further integrates Medication Assisted Treatment options into its care plans.

Medication Assisted Treatment is the use of prescription medications to help treat issues related to substance use disorders. MAT can be extraordinarily beneficial to individuals in recovery undergoing counseling from certified addiction therapists.

"Medication Assisted Treatment is a necessary complement to the educational and clinical services we provide and Gaiser is proud to be at the forefront of this rapidly advancing realm of patient care," said Joseph Mahoney, Gaiser Center executive director. "Dr. Brophy's addiction medicine expertise coupled with his empathy for the struggles of addiction make him an invaluable asset to our program."

Part of the Gaiser team since 2019, Dr. Brophy previously provided care at the center on a part-time basis. In addition to Addiction Medicine, he is board certified in Emergency Medicine and has treated the acute aspects of addiction such as overdose and withdrawal in local emergency departments. In the outpatient setting, Dr. Brophy employs evidence-based medicine and MAT therapies on the leading edge of substance use disorder treatment to bring hope and stability to individuals combatting addiction.

Dr. Brophy studied Neuroscience at the University of Pittsburgh before attending the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and completing medical residency at Allegheny General Hospital. Placing a premium on addiction prevention and awareness, he has implemented educational programs in schools across western Pennsylvania and launched the non-profit Opiate Reform Initiative in 2016 to educate the public and reduce the stigma associated with addiction.

"Since experiencing the impact of addiction in my own family, I've been committed to expanding the understanding of the neuroscience behind addiction," Dr. Brophy said. "I'm thrilled to strengthen my relationship with the Gaiser team and expand upon the high-quality care, education and support they provide for individuals and families living with addiction."

About the Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Center

From its inception in 1971 as a grassroots response to a community need, the Gaiser Center has been known as one of the region's most reputable treatment programs for alcohol and substance use disorders. The center has grown from a men's drop-in program to a comprehensive resource offering long-term treatment for both men and women. Named for long-time Executive Director Ellen O'Brien Gaiser, the Gaiser Center incorporates evidence-based, gender-specific treatment modalities with education and support for the families we serve. For more information, visit www.gaisercenter.com.