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Dual Certifications

Dual Certification Training in Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear Medicine Program at the University of Ottawa is offering a two-year nuclear medicine training program which is designed for physicians who have just completed their training in radiology from a Royal College accredited program. After completing our two-year training program, the trainee will be eligible and is expected to sit for the RCPSC examination in nuclear medicine, thereby achieving full dual-certification.

General structure

The two-year training in nuclear medicine provides extensive training in the full spectrum of nuclear medicine, including physics, radiopharmacy, radionuclide therapy, SPECT/CT, PET/CT and nuclear cardiology (at the renowned University of Ottawa Heart Institute).

Trainees are expected to attend and contribute to: weekly didactic lectures, weekly interesting case conference, monthly City Wide Nuclear Medicine Grand Rounds, quarterly Journal Club meetings, Research Rounds, and Morbidity and Mortality Rounds. The trainees are also expected to participate and present at the multidisciplinary cancer conferences, twice weekly

Trainees are encouraged to pursue at least one research project during their training.

There are no weekday calls, however, trainees are scheduled for 2 weekend calls per block as initial contact person, staff physician is available for backup. Call stipend will be given as per PARO agreement. The trainees will not be scheduled for any calls two months preceding their Royal College examination.

Upon completion of the training program the trainee will be thoroughly proficient in all aspects of clinical Nuclear Medicine and will be able to function independently as a Nuclear Medicine consultant. After completion of the two-year training, the trainee will be eligible to sit for the RCPSC examination in Nuclear Medicine.

Prerequisites for prior training

Applicants to our two-year funded program must be certified by the RCPSC in diagnostic radiology following completion of a Canadian residency program.

The Program will entertain one trainee per year.

Application process

Trainees who are currently in their PGY5 training in a Royal College accredited radiology program and are planning on completing their training program, are eligible to apply for a position which will begin post graduation in radiology.

For July start, interested applicants are requested to submit their applications for consideration directly to the program. Application submission is open until end of June. Given the late announcement the program can be started July-December. Interviews of the selected candidates will be scheduled within a month after receiving application.

Upon successful acceptance, the trainee will be funded in accordance with the level of PGY-6-7.

Application must be submitted via email. Following documents are required to be sent by email to the Program Administrator (see contact info below):

  • Personal statement
  • Updated resume
  • Copies of medical and speciality degrees
  • Transcripts
  • 3 letters of recommendation, including 1 from the program director
  • Letter of good standing from the university

Contact information

Executive Program Administrator: Bilquis Hyder Ali,

Program Director: Dr. Farzad Abbaspour MD, FRCPC, CNBC, IBNM