The delivery of nuclear medicine services relies on the availability of well-trained staff, capable of operating complex imaging devices, understanding test results and interpreting images. Equally important, however, is the role played by managers and leaders, able to synchronize and integrate the resources needed for nuclear imaging—staff development, finances, infrastructure, hospital administration and community support.
From 21 to 25 March, the IAEA held a training course to imbue participants with the soft skills and core competencies, management techniques and leadership qualities needed to enhance the quality of nuclear medicine services.
“Leadership skills can help in ensuring that services are of the highest quality, and they can help to facilitate the expansion of services,” said Khalid Makhdomi, a Nuclear Medicine Physician at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Kenya, whose capital city has two nuclear medicine facilities. “This training has helped me to develop skills related to effective communication, team-player capabilities, planning and conflict resolution, amongst others.”
Benefitting from the guidance and experience of IAEA experts and four international facilitators from Algeria, South Africa and the United States, the week-long training course began with lectures, establishing basic leadership principles in clinical settings. Through expert presentations and interactive discussions, the 21 attending nuclear medicine professionals explored the newest approaches to problem identification, decision-making, team building, communication and staff development.
