Nnemdi Elias, MD, MPH, FASAM
Dr. Elias holds two board certifications: Addiction Medicine through the American Board of Preventive Medicine and Internal Medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.
Her clinical work focuses on opioid use disorder, opioid dependence, buprenorphine treatment, and dependence involving kratom, concentrated 7-OH products, and other emerging opioid-active substances. Other substance use may also be addressed when appropriate.
Dr. Elias practices evidence-based, individualized medicine.
There is no single treatment path that every patient is expected to follow. Decisions about medication, dose, duration of treatment, and changes in treatment are made jointly with each patient based on their medical needs, circumstances, and goals.
That partnership depends on trust. Patients should feel able to speak openly about their lives and their treatment, including the things they may find difficult to say.
“Everyone deserves care that doesn’t judge them for being human.”
Education and Training
Hospital Affiliations
Professional Background
Dr. Elias brings almost two decades of experience across clinical medicine, addiction treatment, public health, and medical leadership, including extensive experience in outpatient, telehealth, and opioid treatment program settings.
She has served as medical director of several addiction treatment programs and as a medical advisor to addiction treatment and mental health organizations.
Dr. Elias serves as Secretary of the Maryland–DC Society of Addiction Medicine. She was appointed to the District of Columbia Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, where she chaired the Treatment and Recovery Subcommittee.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Elias worked on PEPFAR, the United States government’s international HIV/AIDS initiative, including as a technical advisor at the U.S. Department of State and later as chief of care and treatment for a CDC PEPFAR program.
She also held a leadership role with the European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership in the Netherlands.
Her broader career has included faculty service at the University of California, San Francisco, selection as a Robert Wood Johnson Clinical Scholar, and service as a Chief Medical Officer at DC Health.
Patient review excerpt
“Our appointments were never rushed. She took the time to listen, explain things thoroughly, and make sure I felt comfortable with the treatment plan.”
Reviews reflect patients’ experiences with Dr. Elias and may describe care provided through other clinical practices.