Scientific support for nuclear medicine

Abstract

This report was prepared on behalf of the British Nuclear Medicine Society (BNMS). Information included builds upon a previous BNMS report and also brings together information from a variety of sources to reflect current good scientific practice in this BNMS guidance. Training and career pathways are defined. Roles and functions provided by physicists are described, and the risks associated with inadequate scientific staffing are explored. Published staffing guidance has been reviewed and a recent publication on provision of Medical Physics Expert (MPE) support has been endorsed. The service models used in that publication have been populated with general physics support so that requirements for MPE and overall scientific provision may be assessed. In summary, this report is intended as a resource for those in a variety of roles including scientists considering a career in nuclear medicine and clinical scientists already practicing. It is also likely that some aspects of the document will be of interest to other clinical and medical professionals and to those involved in commissioning and managing nuclear medicine services.