Specialty overview

Nuclear medicine physicians use nuclear imaging and radiopharmaceuticals to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions, including cancers, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine and neurological disorders. Nuclear imaging provides unique information that often cannot be obtained using other imaging procedures, offering the potential to identify disease in its earliest stages.

Clinical practice

Nuclear medicine physicians practice in both public and private health facilities, working collaboratively with other medical specialists and health professionals to diagnose and treat patients of all ages.

Key statistics

Number of Queensland and Australian specialists

25

Number of QLD specialists

182

Number of Australian specialists

Number of Queensland and Australian new fellows

0

Number of QLD new fellows

2

Number of Australian new fellows

Number of Queensland trainees and average work hours

1

Number of QLD trainees

38.8

Average weekly hours

Information on specialists

  • 25

    Number of QLD specialists

  • 0

    Number of QLD new fellows

  • 38.8 hours

    Average weekly hours QLD

  • 52 years

    Average age QLD

  • Specialists over 60

    This donut chart shows that 16% of specialists are aged over 60 years.

  • Specialist intending to retire by 2032

    This donut chart shows that 58% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032.

  • Location in Queensland

    This donut chart shows the percentage of specialists by their location: 10.5% are located in regional Queensland, 89.5% are in major cities, and 0% are in remote areas. The chart highlights that a vast majority of specialists are based in major cities.

  • Proportion Female/Male - QLD

    94.7%
    male

    5.3%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 94.7%, Females are 5.3%.

  • Public vs Private

    47.4%
    private

    52.6%
    public

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of public and private specialists. Private is 47.4%, Public is 52.6%.

Information on trainees

  • 1

    Number of Queensland trainees

  • 1

    Number of new Queensland trainees

  • 16

    Number of Australian trainees

  • 8

    Number of new Australian trainees

  • Proportion female/male trainees in Queensland

    0%
    male

    100%
    female

    This doughnut chart shows the proportion of males and females. Males are 0%, Females are 100%.

Number of Queensland trainees 2015-2022

This line chart shows the trend of the number of Queensland trainees from 2015 to 2022. The data points are: 2015 - 3 trainees, 2016 - 2 trainees, 2017 - 3 trainees, 2018 - 0 trainees, 2019 - 0 trainees, 2020 - 0 trainees, 2021 - 1 trainees, 2022 - 1 trainees.

What our staff have to say

Testimonial icon

Dr Stanley Ngai

Radiologist and Nuclear Medicine Specialist
Princess Alexandra Hospital

I have enjoyed Nuclear Medicine as a specialty and have never had a day where I regret doing it. Nuclear Medicine examines the functional aspect of disease processes, and compliments the anatomical information provided by Radiological modalities. The emergence of PET imaging and hybrid imaging such as PET/CT and PET/MRI in the last decade has become an integral part of cancer management, and I appreciate the opportunities that allow me to help patients who are affected by this frightening diagnosis.

Training information

College

Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP)

Length of training

RACP trainees: 6 years full-time (3 years basic training, 3 years advanced training) OR RANZCR trainees: 6 years full-time (4 years accredited radiology training, 2 years core training in nuclear medicine)

Method of allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RACP.

Training program overview

Nuclear medicine advanced training may be undertaken following completion of requirements for basic training with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). The nuclear medicine training program incorporates work-based learning and assessment, with successful trainees attaining the qualification of FRACP with accreditation to practise as a Nuclear Medicine Physician in Australia or New Zealand. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologists (RANZCR) trainees complete nuclear medicine training through the RACP, with successful RANZCR trainees issued a letter confirming satisfactory completion of the Nuclear Medicine program, with accreditation to practice as a Specialist in Nuclear Medicine in Australia or New Zealand.

Eligibility

RACP prospective nuclear medicine trainees must hold current medical registration, have completed RACP Basic Training (including Written and Clinical Examinations) and been appointed to an appropriate advanced training position. RANZCR prospective nuclear medicine trainees must have completed the RANZCR Clinical Radiology Part 2 Examinations, hold current medical registration, have an appointment to an advanced training posiiton, a minimum of 4 years accredited radiology training and completed all system focused training and work-based assessment requirements including research.

Flexibility

RACP trainees: minimum 0.2 full-time equivalent commitment. Training program must be completed within 8 years. RANZCR trainees: minimum 0.5 full-time equivalent commitment.

Interrupted training

Allowed. Interruptions of more than 12 continuous months may require the development of a Return to Training Plan in collaboration with a supervisor and approval from the relevant training committee.

Training locations

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Last updated: September 2024