Know my radiotracer: Nuclear medicine prototype flash cards for physicians - Part two

Learning Objectives Expand on the concept of nuclear medicine flash cards for physicians: 1. Present evidence based facts and images for each radiotracer in a syllabus format. 2. Serve as a study aid for in-training physicians. 3. Assist nuclear radiology physicians in everyday practice.

Normal physiological distribution of radiotracers is important for the interpretation of nuclear medicine (NM) studies. We previously introduced the concept of NM Flashcards as a study aid for physicians, using 5 x 7 inch laminated paper, demonstrating the unique normal distribution of each radiotracer (J Nucl Med. 2013; 54 (Supplement 2):1254). Since that time, these flashcards have been used for self-teaching by our in-training physicians and educational benefits were evaluated. Since each radiotracer may demonstrate a wide range of abnormal findings, we concluded that presenting clinical NM study images as an adjunct to color based illustrations for both normal and abnormal distributions would improve learning techniques. NM study images facilitate easier correlation to daily clinical practice, enhance self-directed learning and retention of information in a syllabus format. Flashcards Part-Two are comprised of two laminated cards for each radiotracer: The first card has color illustrations and NM study images of normal tracer distribution. The second card presents abnormal tracer distribution in the same manner, also utilizing color illustrations and NM study images. The front of the card includes the tracer name and color illustrations, which are graphically reproduced on an outline of the human body. The back of the card displays de-identified NM clinical study images but omits the tracer name in order to facilitate self-quizzing. At the end of this presentation, readers will be able to recognize abnormal tracer distribution of commonly used radiotracers. Knowledge gained from NM flashcards may be useful for daily practice and scholastic examinations. Samples of hard copy prototype flashcards will be presented for the purpose of this exhibit.