Despite the advancements, the field faces challenges, notably in the supply of medical isotopes to answer the explosive demand, the shortage of qualified nuclear medicine professionals, and the need for substantial investment in infrastructure to develop domestic production capabilities to mitigate reliance on foreign sources and ensure a stable isotope supply.

Still, the excitement is well justified. Nuclear medicine is experiencing significant growth and innovation, positioning it as a transformative force in modern healthcare. The convergence of advanced imaging technologies, targeted therapies, and AI integration is not only enhancing diagnostic precision and treatment efficacy—it’s ushering in a true new era of personalized and precision medicine.


HCB News: Are there any key initiatives you will be spearheading as president?
JLU: During my term as President of the SNMMI, I would like to focus on three major areas.

First, the emergence of new nuclear-targeted theranostics agents, combined with advancements in mobile and virtual technologies, represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to deliver cost-effective, life-saving nuclear medicine diagnostic and therapeutic services to more than 100 million people living in underserved rural and remote communities across the United States. In collaboration with other specialties, industry partners, and key stakeholders, we have already initiated several efforts to achieve the ultimate goal of ensuring access to nuclear medicine services for the entire U.S. population.

My second priority will be to address the challenges arising from the explosive growth of the nuclear theranostics field, particularly the critical shortage of nuclear medicine professionals. I also intend to focus on the development of both mobile and fixed infrastructure to expand patient access to diagnostic and therapeutic services, as well as the integration of artificial intelligence into nuclear medicine to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the workforce.

Finally, I aim to concentrate on assessing and responding to the internal challenges facing SNMMI as we adapt to the seismic increase in demand for diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine services. This will include efforts to optimize the Society’s services to its members, ultimately benefiting the patients we serve.

HCB News: What are some of the challenges facing nuclear medicine and molecular imaging?

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