American Board of Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear Medicine
A specialist in Nuclear Medicine uses molecular tracers (usually labeled with radioactive atoms) for diagnosis and therapy. These labeled tracers are most often used to produce images that provide information about organ function, as well as cellular function on a molecular level (molecular imaging). Molecular imaging can be combined with anatomical imaging by using specialized cameras. The most common diagnostic applications of Nuclear Medicine include the early detection of coronary artery disease, cancer diagnosis and staging and the evaluation of the effect of cancer treatment. The fusion of molecular and anatomical information increases diagnostic accuracy and changes medical management. Radioactive materials are also used to treat a variety of health problems, including thyroid disorders and cancer.
Training required prior to initial board certification
Four (4) years
Board eligible period (+practice requirement)
Seven (7) years
Lifelong learning requirements
- Complete a minimum of 25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ CME credits annually, which includes a minimum of 17.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ relevant to Nuclear Medicine
- Eight self-assessment credits must be part of the 17.5 CME credits related to Nuclear Medicine. Self-Assessment credits are awarded for both self-assessment modules (SAMs) and Self-Assessment CME Activities.