NUCLEAR CARDIOLOGY IN NEW ZEALAND

When I was practicing Cardiology in the United States I had my own Nuclear Cardiology practice in my office and was Co-Director of Nuclear Cardiology at St. Lukes a Mayo Clinic Hospital.  With the support of Nurses, Nuclear Techs and Cardiology Techs they injected the patients, stressed the patients and carried out the protocols that I designed. In New Zealand the home of DIY I am a one  man band. I get the Sestamibi doses from the hot lab mix the chemical stress agent adenosine, record the dose, inject the radioisotope and remove the IV, bandage the arm and call for transport. Then I read and report the study call the referring physician and arrange follow up with the patient if it's a abnormal scan. It has been a new learning experience that has taken me out of my comfort zone and made me appreciate what is involved in obtaining a quality cardiac imaging study.