The Redesigned American Board of Radiology 16-month Pathway in Nuclear Radiology: Initial Outcomes (2017-2022)

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Nuclear Medicine
• Medical Education

Background:

• The American Board of Radiology (ABR) established a 16-month pathway in Nuclear Radiology to address the increasing demand for subspecialists.
• This pathway aims to enhance the supply of nuclear radiology experts in academic and community settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the ABR 16-month Nuclear Radiology pathway on graduates' careers.
• To assess the pathway's contribution to the nuclear radiology workforce.

Main Methods:

• A survey was distributed to 125 graduates of the ABR 16-month pathway certified by March 1, 2024.
• The survey, conducted between March and May 2024, achieved a 55% response rate (69/125).
• Data collected focused on career paths, practice settings, and the extent of nuclear radiology practice.

Main Results:

• Of the 125 graduates, nearly 60% obtained advanced certification in nuclear radiology/medicine.
• 86% of respondents pursued additional fellowships, becoming multi-subspecialized.
• The majority (62%) work in academic settings, and 80% practice nuclear radiology, with 40% dedicating at least half their workload to it.
• PET/CT is the predominant modality (59%), while 11% engage in radiotheranostics and 80% practice nuclear cardiology.

Conclusions:

• The ABR 16-month pathway is thriving and effectively producing subspecialists.
• Graduates are significantly contributing to nuclear radiology practice, research, and patient care.
• The pathway is successfully meeting the demand for nuclear radiology expertise in a growing field.