OTEP
Opioid Dependence Treatment Education Program (OTEP) Is a free training and education initiative for health professionals in NSW, to improve practitioners’ competency and confidence in prescribing opioid agonist treatments
This program is funded by the NSW Ministry of Health, Centre for Alcohol and Other Drugs, and delivered by the University of Sydney, Specialty of Addiction Medicine since 2018.
Our mission
Our mission is to strengthen the NSW Opioid Treatment Program by equipping health professionals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide safe and effective opioid dependence treatment.
Our objectives
- Expand the number of medical and nurse practitioners accredited to prescribe opioid pharmacotherapies
- Enhance prescribers’ competency and confidence in delivering evidence-based care for opioid dependence
- Improve understanding among prescribers, pharmacists, and other health professionals of the benefits, safety, and practical administration of opioid treatment, fostering consistent, high-quality care across NSW
Through accessible, evidence-based education and ongoing professional support, OTEP works to improve treatment outcomes, reduce harm, and strengthen the quality of opioid dependence care statewide.
Our activities
- Providing hybrid Opioid Treatment Accreditation (OTEP) courses for prescribers across NSW
- Developing evidence-based online courses and educational materials on opioid treatment and harm minimisation
- Delivering monthly case-based webinars on the clinical aspects of opioid dependence
- Facilitating clinical placements in drug and alcohol services across NSW
- Supporting the OTP accreditation process for GPs and nurse practitioners
- Offering scholarships for prescribers interested in becoming accredited and provide opioid agonist treatment (OAT)
Our audiences
OTEP is designed for all health professionals across NSW involved in the care of individuals with opioid dependence across public and private clinical settings, particularly general practitioners, nurse practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals.
Program Lead
Professor Paul Haber
Professor Paul Haber is Conjoint Professor of Medicine at the University of Sydney and Director of Research at Sydney Local Health District. He is also a Senior Staff Specialist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
As a specialist in addiction medicine, hepatology, and gastroenterology, Professor Haber has held prominent leadership roles including President of the RACP Chapter of Addiction Medicine. He has more than 20 years clinical experience in Opioid Treatment Program (OTP) and training clinicians in this area. more
Our Team
Project Coordinator
Dr Jaleh Gholami
An International Medical Graduate with an MPH and PhD in Epidemiology, with 10 years of experience in drug and alcohol research and education. more
Project Coordinator
Jessica Chow
Jessica completed a Master of Public Health at the University of Sydney. She is a research assistant with Sydney Local Health District and project coordinator for the OTEP at the University of Sydney.
Administrative Support
Abbie McDonnell
The Executive Assistant to the Clinical Director for Drug Health Services, SLHD and provides administration support to the OTEP Team.
Medical Advisor and Steering Committee Member
Dr Sharon Reid
A General Practitioner and Career Medical Officer at RPAH, SLHD Drug Health Services, with extensive experience in clinical practice in the field of drug and alcohol medicine. more
Medical Advisor and Steering Committee Member
Dr Joshua Watt
A GP and Addiction Medicine specialist and the clinical lead for the OTP at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He is a Staff Specialist with SLHD Drug Health Services. more
Steering Committee Member
Professor Nicholas Lintzeris
A Conjoint Professor and Addiction Medicine specialist with over three decades of experience in clinical service delivery, research, professional education, and policy in the Alcohol and Other Drugs field. more
Steering Committee Member
Professor Apo Demirkol
A Public Health and Addiction Specialist, Director of the Langton Centre (SESLHD Drug and Alcohol Services), with over 20 years of experience in clinical practice and postgraduate teaching.
Steering Committee Member
Dr Hester Wilson
A GP and Addiction Specialist, Chair of the RACGP Addiction Specific Interest Group, Clinical Director for MLHD Drug and Alcohol, and Chief Addiction Specialist for NSW Health, with extensive experience in clinical practice and teaching. more
Steering Committee Member
Professor Adrian Dunlop
Addiction specialist and Director of Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services at HNELHD, with 30 years’ experience in opioid agonist treatment, research, and clinical work in drug and alcohol and custodial settings. more
Steering Committee Member
Laila Matar
A Policy and Project Officer at the Centre for Alcohol & Other Drugs, NSW Ministry of Health with more than 13 years of experience in analysis, evaluation and monitoring of drug and alcohol policies and programs in NSW. more