Roles within Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine radiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing disease and injury through the use of medical imaging techniques such as gamma camera scans, computed tomography (CT)and positron emission (PET). The Radiologist's role includes interpreting the resulting medical images, and using test results to direct your care.
Correlating medical image findings with other examinations and tests.

Recommending further appropriate examinations or treatments when necessary and conferring with referring physicians.

Radiographers & Technologists in Nuclear medicine are specialised health care professionals who work as autonomous practitioners within the Leeds teaching trust Radiology Directorate. Their primary role is to make the patients visit to the department as pleasurable as possible.

Both Radiographers/Technologists are educated to Degree level and are also required to undertake a post graduate diploma in Nuclear Medicine. Radiographers and Technologists work alongside each other and have the same skill basis and carry out the same workload.

The radiographer/Technologists are overseen by the Team Leader and the Radiography Service Manager. Duties include the injection of Isotopes, scanning of patients and the general safety of all staff and patients/visitors.

Radiography assistants carry out a variety of tasks within the department, for example cannulation, ordering stock and assisting the Radiographer/technologist with patient ie moving and handling.

Working in rotation they also work in PET/CT and Nuclear Cardiology. Training is to level 2NVQ and is carried out in house by qualified trainers.