How long has nuclear medicine been a medical specialty?
Nuclear medicine was first used in patients more than 60 years ago. Children’s Hospital Boston has had a Nuclear Medicine Division since 1970. Nuclear medicine is now a well-established medical specialty, practiced every day in countries throughout the world. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) promotes research in nuclear medicine, and new advances occur continually. Patients for generations to come will benefit from the constant refinement of nuclear medicine equipment and procedures and the development of new radiopharmaceuticals and imaging devices.
