1) Briefly, what excites you about your work? What is your favourite aspect of your research?
I was attracted to the field of Nuclear Medicine early in my career for a number of reasons. Firstly, PET radiochemistry is a unique and exciting application of organic chemistry with immediate impact on patient care – I’m still amazed to see “same day” images from inside animals and patients obtained using our molecules, and truly humbled when witnessing first hand the impact such images have on the lives of our patients and there families. Secondly the translational aspect of the work is appealing (how many chemists ever witness clinical translation of a molecule they’ve invented?) and, lastly, I thoroughly enjoy the diverse and multidisciplinary nature of the work at the interface of the intersection of medicine, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering.
1) What is your vision of the future of radiochemistry/radiopharmacy/nuclear medicine?
It is an exciting and transformative time in the fields of Nuclear Medicine and the Radiopharmaceutical Sciences! New radiopharmaceuticals continue to be approved for clinical use, including new theranostics for cancer treatment, that are transforming the lives of the patients we diagnose and treat in our clinicals every day. Coupled with lobbying efforts by Professional Societies and others to inform coverage policy, significant efforts by industrial partners to develop the radiochemistry and PET imaging suites of the future, and the expected impact of the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence (AI) on our discipline, Nuclear Medicine has been invigorated and is transforming from a research technique to a powerful standard of care.