Nuclear Medicine Education Program
LLO katalysator
The diagnosis of many diseases and the treatment of cancer are nowadays unthinkable without nuclear medicine. Behind the production of a nuclear scan or the use of radionuclide therapy lies an entire ecosystem in which hospitals and industry work closely together — from the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals to their eventual application in the clinic.
Background and rationale
Mission & goals
The diagnosis of many diseases and the treatment of cancer are nowadays unthinkable without nuclear medicine. Behind the production of a nuclear scan or the use of radionuclide therapy lies an entire ecosystem in which hospitals and industry work closely together — from the production of radioisotopes and radiopharmaceuticals to their eventual application in the clinic.
The Netherlands is a global leader in nuclear medicine, thanks to its production of medical radioisotopes, high level of expertise, and a broad sector of companies active in the nuclear domain. The field is currently developing rapidly, particularly through new therapeutic applications.
The recently published report “Analysis of the Dutch Nuclear Medicine Ecosystem” identifies human capital as one of the key challenges for further growth. However, much of the education in this field is fragmented, while emerging developments make continuous professional education and training increasingly necessary.
Objectives
Strengthen professionalization
Our goal is to safeguard and strengthen professionalization within nuclear medicine through the establishment of the Nuclear Medicine Education Program — encompassing both the technical and physical aspects (TU Delft) and the biological and clinical perspectives (Radboudumc). We aim to develop a Lifelong Learning (LLO) program, led by academic institutions but spanning the entire societal and industrial spectrum of the field. To achieve this, we are working within the national consortium DECISIVE, which brings together academic partners, societal organizations, and industry to address the challenges facing nuclear medicine.
Establishing a field committee
Establishing a field committee with representatives from academia, societal partners, and industry to ensure sustainable progress based on the identified priorities.
Development learning platform
Coordinating and centralizing education, training, and professional development within nuclear medicine, and promoting communication, exchange, and collaboration through the creation of a dedicated platform.
Gap analysis
Mapping current and anticipated knowledge and skills gaps through a gap analysis to develop a field-driven LLO program.
Building a community
Building a stakeholder community across the full breadth of the nuclear medicine field.
