SNMMI/ABNM joint position statement on optimizing training in nuclear medicine in the era of hybrid imaging

In the future, nuclear medicine training will expand to include more training in anatomic and molecular imaging, including nonradioactive imaging modalities using the tracer principle. The SNMMI and ABNM believe that. . . 1. A single expanded nuclear medicine RRC, including representatives of nuclear medicine and radiology organizations, should have oversight of nuclear medicine training under local nuclear medicine program directors. 2. Physicians practicing nuclear medicine will benefit from combined training in diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine, with subsequent improvements to patient care and advancement of the field. 3. Four-year and 5-y combined diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine pathways should be supported. 4. Existing training pathways in nuclear medicine will be needed in the future to train physicians practicing in a broad variety of clinical and academic settings. 5. Stratified levels of training and competency in nuclear medicine should be adopted to promote quality and safety. 6. Participation in maintenance of certification is critical to maintain competence with rapidly evolving technologies.