Curriculum standards

Knowledge guides

LG9: Scientific basis of nuclear medicine, including radiation safety

Epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical sciences

Trainees will have in-depth knowledge of the topics listed under each clinical sciences heading.

For the statistical and epidemiological concepts listed, trainees should be able to describe the underlying rationale, the indications for using one test or method over another, and the calculations required to generate descriptive statistics.

View

Investigations, procedures, and clinical assessment tools

Trainees will know the scientific foundation of each investigation and procedure, including relevant anatomy and physiology.

Trainees will be able to interpret the reported results of each investigation or procedure. Trainees will know how to explain the investigation or procedure to patients, families, and carers, and be able to explain procedural risk and obtain informed consent where applicable.

View

Important specific issues

Trainees will identify important specialty-specific issues and the impact of these on diagnosis, management and outcomes.

View

Anatomy and anatomical variants as relevant to nuclear medicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) and other automated computational systems in image reconstruction and interpretation
Bayesian analysis principles applied to diagnostic tests
Cross-sectional anatomy, including normal / abnormal patterns of CT contrast enhancement and common disease patterns
CT imaging, including the utility of iodinated contrast media
Imaging modalities essential to hybrid imaging in nuclear medicine, as well as imaging co-registration fusion technology
Measures of test diagnostic performance and cost-effectiveness
Medical management of adverse reactions to radioisotope, radiopharmaceutical, and irrelevant contrast agents
Medical management of radiation injuries, and radiation contamination management
Nuclear physics:
- atomic structure
- emission spectra
- half-lives
- nuclear properties
- radioactive decay principles and radiation properties
- radioactivity
- radioisotope production
- radionuclide types
Physics and imaging techniques:
- camera quality assurance
- image acquisition and optimisation
Physiologic and pathologic tracer uptake patterns in imaging and therapy, as well as radiopharmaceutical kinetics and dosimetry
Physiology, pathology, and pathophysiology
Radiation biology:
- benefits, hazards, and risk optimization
- biological implications of ionising radiation from unsealed sources
- tissue interactions
Radiation detection and imaging:
- cameras
- collimators
- detectors
- image reconstruction
Radiation protection and safety:
- dose limits
- exposure control
- handling radioactive materials
- protecting pregnant and breastfeeding individuals
Radionuclide instrumentation:
- calibrators
- contamination monitors
- quality assurance systems
Radionuclide instrumentation:
- calibrators
- contamination monitors
- quality assurance systems

PCH

Embryology of organ system development
Normal growth and development of specific organ systems
Normal growth and developmental physiology of children
Pathophysiology of common paediatric illnesses
Physiology of organ system development
Radiation biology and potential impact on the child

Clinical indications and nuclear medicine study findings
Clinical report and letter preparation with:
- accurate terminology matched to the referrer’s expected level of knowledge
- appropriate formats
- follow contemporary guidelines when applicable
- succinct and pertinent interpretation
Ethics and medicolegal insight of emerging technology and appropriate safety measures
Imaging, scanning, and radionuclide therapy techniques, including emerging molecular technologies
Nuclear medicine computer applications, including artificial intelligence
Study interpretation, using detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and use of artificial intelligence / deep learning tools as appropriate

PCH

Determine suitable studies and techniques for paediatric patients

AI technologies in image reconstruction and interpretation
International guidelines for performing nuclear medicine diagnostic studies and therapies
Nuclear physics and radiochemistry relevant to nuclear medicine
Radiation biology, dosimetry, safety, and protection
Regulatory requirements for administering unsealed radioisotopes

PCH

Administer sedation, when necessary, for adequate paediatric nuclear medicine procedures
Advise on appropriate radiopharmaceutical doses for children as per recommended dosage guidelines
Advise referring clinicians on the role of nuclear medicine studies in paediatric cases
Effectively communicate to patients, families, and/or caregivers the procedure details, associated risks, and precautions
Gain practical insights on the floor for patient preparation, scan acquisition and its nuances
Consult and/or refer complex or less frequently performed studies to recognised paediatric nuclear medicine centres
Importance of child and family-centred care and environment