Dr. Vania Rudolf, an addiction physician at Providence Swedish, president of the Washington Society of Addiction Medicine and chair of Women and Addiction Group of the International Society of Addiction medicine, is the 2025 recipient of the American Society of Addiction Medicine’s Public Policy Award.
The ASAM’s Public Policy Award honors an individual who has effectively advanced public policies that promote the health of Americans, especially persons with addictions; addiction medicine physicians; the education of physicians and medical trainees regarding substance use and addiction; or recognition of the practice of addiction medicine.
Dr. Rudolf was an integral figure in two key advocacy efforts in Washington state at the intersection of pregnant/postpartum care and substance use disorder (SUD).
The first was advocating to ensure Medicaid coverage for COMPASSION 5-day postpartum model birthing people and families impacted by opioid use disorder (OUD) in all 54 birthing hospitals in Washington (SB5580). The second was elevating evidence of MOUD and Methadone treatment, more effective methadone dosing and working with SAMHSA, ASAM and WA legislature to standardize offering the choice of split Methadone dose for pregnant and postpartum patients with OUD.
“We live in times where it is essential to continue working together, united in our commitment to advance the field of addiction treatment to bring hope and save lives,” said Rudolf. “I envision a future where ‘no door’ addiction treatment is accessible, compassionate, and evidence-based, where individuals are satisfied with their health and empowered to live fulfilling lives in recovery.”
