Michigan State University
Woman of the Year

Dr. Cara Anne Poland, MD, MEd, is a recognized expert in addiction medicine with an interest in educating healthcare providers and providers-in-training to improve care for patients with substance use disorders, particularly during pregnancy and early parenting. Dr. Poland’s clinical work supports creating inclusive, safe, nurturing, and empowering addiction treatment for pregnant people and their families experiencing the effects of substance use. She provides technical assistance to implement addiction care in pregnant and parenting individuals across the Midwest. Her GREAT MOMs program materials are nationally recognized as a model program.

Dr. Poland’s flagship education program is MICARES, which focuses on strengthening our country’s Addiction Medicine workforce. The program currently provides training to physicians, nurse practitioners, and social workers across the educational spectrum. She has supported over 700 physicians in 48 states in becoming addiction specialists.

Dr. Poland says, “I have a rare disease that was misdiagnosed for 12 years—with the symptoms and trajectory, I wasn’t supposed to live to be 20 years old. In the fall of 2023, I will reach 40—double my life expectancy. As a result, I’ve been reflecting over the last few months on my accomplishments and dreams. I’ve been thinking about who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do to improve myself … I like to think we all lift each other in different ways and on different days. While this might be my turn to shine, it’s because I have a strong circle of women who mutually support each other.”