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Nuclear medicine helps to diagnose diseases and evaluate anatomical and physiological conditions, which may involve a range of medical disorders, including gastrointestinal, genitourinary, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and musculoskeletal disorders. It uses radiopharmaceuticals (radioisotopes), which are administered to patients in low doses and can be injected, inhaled or swallowed. This makes the body become slightly radioactive so it can be visualised using specialised scanning equipment, a gamma camera and computer. Images and measurements are generated to help understand organ, tissue, and blood function and structure. Nuclear Medicine also involves therapeutic procedures which help to cure, mitigate or control diseases, including cancers, tumours, hyperthyroidism or bone metastases. This field is studied together with Clinical Radiology.

Nuclear medicine Jobs

Nuclear Medicine Physicians are doctors who help to diagnose, evaluate and treat medical conditions using radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear medicine technology. They consult with patients, administer radiopharmaceuticals, operate specialised nuclear radiology equipment, take scans and medical images, analyse, interpret and report findings, and collaborate with other medical specialists in providing patient care. Nuclear Medicine Specialists provide diagnostic, interventional and treatment services for a range of medical conditions. They lead clinical services, contribute to research and evidence-based practice, monitor regulatory compliance, train registrars and junior medical staff, and manage multi-disciplinary teams of radiographers, radiation scientists, nurses and technologists. They work alongside radiologists. To work as a Nuclear Medicine Physician, doctors complete foundation and core training in IM, paediatrics or surgery; followed by specialty training in Nuclear Medicine and Clinical Radiology, an indicative 6-year programme which leads to a dual CCT and specialty registration with the GMC.

Registrars who work in Nuclear Medicine posts are undertaking specialised advanced training in Nuclear Medicine and its clinical practice. They work under Nuclear Medicine specialists and develop technical and procedural skills, clinical expertise, and valuable work experience in the practice of Nuclear Medicine and radiology.