UAB/SNMMI Nuclear Medicine Therapy Intensive: Advancing Competence and Innovation in Radiopharmaceutical Therapy.

Area of Science:

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• Radiopharmaceutical Therapy Education

Background:

• Radiopharmaceutical therapy is rapidly expanding, necessitating advanced training beyond foundational nuclear medicine.
• New radiopharmaceuticals and theranostic approaches create a demand for specialized professional education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Nuclear Medicine Therapy Intensive program, designed to meet the advanced training needs of nuclear medicine professionals.
• To evaluate the program's effectiveness in enhancing knowledge and confidence in radiopharmaceutical therapy.

Main Methods:

• A weeklong intensive program integrating didactic learning, simulation, interprofessional collaboration, and capstone projects.
• Preassessment and postassessment of knowledge and confidence in participants from 2024 and 2025 cohorts.
• Focus on radiation safety, dosimetry, patient eligibility, communication, and clinical trial literacy.

Main Results:

• Participants showed significant gains in knowledge and confidence post-program.
• Most graduates were able to directly apply their learning to theranostics services at their institutions.
• The program effectively prepared professionals for safe and effective radiopharmaceutical therapy delivery.

Conclusions:

• The Nuclear Medicine Therapy Intensive serves as a successful model for advanced professional training in radiopharmaceutical therapy.
• The program addresses the urgent need for skilled professionals in the growing field of theranostics.
• Graduates are well-prepared to offer patient-centered radiopharmaceutical therapy with excellence.