Khaled Draghmeh, MD, a postdoctoral associate at Yale School of Medicine and researcher in the Yale Department of Psychiatry, has been selected to receive the John Renner Travel Award from the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP).
The award was presented at the AAAP’s 36th Annual Meeting and Scientific Symposium, held in San Francisco, California.
The John Renner Travel Award recognizes medical trainees who demonstrate exceptional promise in the fields of substance use disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. Recipients are chosen by a committee of senior addiction psychiatrists who identify emerging leaders poised to make meaningful contributions to the field.
As an awardee, Draghmeh will participate in meeting activities, engage with AAAP committees and special interest groups, and contribute to scientific and professional development initiatives throughout the conference.
In addition to receiving the award, Draghmeh was selected to present his paper examining trends in urine toxicology among patients in the VA Connecticut Psychiatric Emergency Services, highlighting shifts in fentanyl and cocaine detection within the evolving “fourth wave” of the opioid epidemic.
At the Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids, Draghmeh is involved in two ongoing research studies: one investigating how abstinence affects hippocampal synaptic density, and another exploring the effects of THC exposure on aging. His broader academic interests focus on how early-life and chronic stress shape vulnerability to addiction and relapse, particularly through dysregulation of stress-response systems such as the HPA axis. His work aims to inform more targeted, equitable prevention and treatment strategies for underserved and high-risk populations.
Draghmeh shared his gratitude for the mentorship and collaborative environment he has found at the Center, noting how the experience has shaped his scientific development and strengthened his commitment to addiction psychiatry. His long-term goal is to pursue a psychiatry residency followed by a fellowship in addiction psychiatry.