Nuclear Medicine Physicians

Employers

Nuclear medicine physicians work in hospitals, clinics, health care centers, and research laboratories. Some are self-employed in their own or group practices. Jobs for nuclear medicine physicians are available around the world, although licensing requirements may vary. There is great demand for medical professionals of all types in developing countries. Conditions, supplies, and equipment may be poor and pay is minimal, but there are great rewards in terms of experience. Many doctors fulfill part or all of their residency requirements by practicing in other countries.

Physicians interested in teaching may find employment at medical schools or university hospitals. Government agencies, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration, also employ nuclear medicine physicians. Pharmaceutical companies and chemical companies hire physicians to research and develop new drugs, instruments, and procedures.

Starting Out

All nuclear medicine physicians have an M.D. or D.O. degree, have passed a licensing examination, completed a one- or two-year internship, and a period of residency that may extend as long as five years (and seven or eight years if they are pursuing board certification in a specialty). This may take up to 15 years. Nuclear medicine physicians are then ready to enter practice. Many take a salaried job with a hospital or managed-care facility. Others may enter a group practice or a partnership practice. Salaried positions are also available with federal and state agencies, the military, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, and private companies. Teaching and research jobs are usually obtained after other experience is acquired.