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The primary purpose of the Board, and therefore its most essential function, is the advancement of the health of the public through the establishment and maintenance of standards of training and education, and the qualification of physicians rendering nuclear medicine services to the people of the United States.
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Significance of Certification
A physician certified by the American Board of Nuclear Medicine has:
- successfully completed the required preparatory post-doctoral clinical training;
- been judged to be competent in the practice of clinical nuclear medicine by the director of his or her nuclear medicine residency training program;
- passed a secure computer based exam encompassing the medical uses of tracers, most often radiopharmaceuticals, and related physical sciences, thereby demonstrating mastery of the knowledge required for excellence in the practice of nuclear medicine;
- demonstrated professional standing by obtaining a license to practice medicine.
A diplomate of this Board is capable of:
- serving as consultant to other physicians, advising them of the clinical indications and limitations as well as benefits versus risks of diagnostic and therapeutic applications of molecular imaging and molecular medicine;
- conducting or supervising the performance of clinical or therapeutic procedures involving the use of molecular imaging and molecular medicine;
- rendering a valid verbal and written interpretation of the results of such procedures;
- assisting in the medical management of persons exposed to ionizing radiation;
- safely managing and disposing of radioactive and hazardous substances;
- supervising a radiation safety program;
- assuming clinical responsibility for patients under his or her care.
The certificate does not confer on any person legal qualifications, privileges, or license to practice medicine or the specialty of nuclear medicine. The Board does not purport to interfere with or limit the professional activities of any licensed physician.