Determining our own future: the nuclear medicine science profession

Introduction: Nuclear medicine has always been an innovative profession due to the regular introduction of new radiopharmaceuticals and the continual evolution of its technology. However current and future advances in hybrid imaging combined with a range of other factors such as; an aging workforce, a shift in the type of medical specialist involved in nuclear medicine, increased demand for services and the introduction of national registration provides the opportunity for nuclear medicine scientists to broaden their areas of expertise and responsibility. At the same time there is a real danger that the alignment of these factors could result in the profession being subsumed by medical imaging or other professions. The aim of this paper was to identify available options and to propose possible solutions to ensure the future of the nuclear medicine profession. Methods: A mixed method approach was undertaken involving (a) an analysis of available literature in workforce planning, changes in technology with a focus on hybrid imaging and the move to targeted radionuclide therapy as well as trends in higher education and (b) a survey of current students, recent graduates and practitioners and (c) an industry focus group. Results: The results of the study found widespread evidence that hybrid technology SPECT/CT, PET/CT and PET/MRI was driving change in the profession. Workforce studies linked with population data showed an aging Australian population including the nuclear medicine profession with predictions of a doubling of demand for nuclear medicine services by 2020. The results also found an increase in the number of dual qualifi ed practitioners particularly in the private sector with a commensurate increase in income. The survey found a mixed reaction between students and early career practitioners and some late career practitioners with regard for the need for more innovative approaches to education. Specifi cally their attitudes to graduate entry programs and degrees that lead to multiple qualifications. The focus group were largely in agreement about the impending problem of staff shortages and technology driven change. However there was variation in findings about how to approach national registration. Conclusions: The study set out to identify available options and to propose possible solutions. All were agreement that technology driven change is a reality that can not be ignored. We will need to be innovative, strategic and articulate in our choice of options if our common goal is ensure the future of our profession.