Carolyn Thangawng

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Recovery Centers of America (Capital Region and Bracebridge Hall)

Carolyn Thangawng, M.D., MPH, FASAM, Maryland state medical director at Recovery Centers of America, has built her career on transforming addiction treatment through evidence-based approaches and reducing stigma.

With extensive credentials including a medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine, a Master of Public Health in epidemiology from the University of Maryland and specialized training in addiction medicine, Thangawng oversees comprehensive substance use disorder services at RCA’s Maryland facilities.

Her impact extends beyond clinical care. While serving as medical director of opioid treatment programs at Baltimore Pretrial Complex, she implemented life-saving innovations. In 2022, her team treated the first patient in Baltimore Central Booking and Intake Center’s history with buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. She also established funding for Sublocade treatments and registered the facility as an Overdose Response Program to provide Narcan to release detainees.

“I recognize the devastating cycle of addiction and recidivism, and I worked persistently to help implement mandated expanded medications for Opioid Use Disorder access in local correctional facilities,” Thangawng stated.

Her professional experience includes roles at Johns Hopkins University as a part-time instructor, YesCare as medical director, Pennsylvania Adult & Teen Challenge as medical director and positions within the University of Maryland Medical System.

Thangawng’s approach emphasizes understanding the social determinants affecting addiction. “I aim to help patients see that they have not failed as human beings; rather that they have a chronic medical condition that affects decision-making and processing reward,” she explained.

Her accomplishments include mentoring medical trainees, collaborating with correctional facilities to expand treatment access and advocating for policy changes. She belongs to the American Society of Addiction Medicine and the American College of Preventive Medicine.

Thangawng views addiction treatment as transformational, drawing from her personal experience of overcoming depression. This perspective enhances her ability to connect with patients, providing them hope while working toward systemic change in how addiction is understood and treated.

Honoree profiles were written using an artificial intelligence program and supported by honoree nominations, applications and letters of recommendation. Each profile was reviewed, fact-checked and edited for accuracy by The Daily Record’s editorial staff.