Ms Heather Patterson
Staff Profile
Role at ANSTO
Heather develops and manages professional development programs, particularly in nuclear medicine.
Background
With over 35 years of experience within the nuclear medicine profession and delivering international training, Heather joined ANSTO LifeSciences in 2011 following several years at the University of Sydney International portfolio.
She continues her affiliation with the University through the National Imaging Facility, Camperdown.
Research interests and areas of expertise
Heather is the co-developer and co-ordinating manager of the Distance Assisted Training (DAT) programme for Nuclear Medicine Professionals under the auspices of the International Atomic Energy Agency, (IAEA) Vienna, since 1994. In 2008, she developed (and continues to manage) the annual ‘Foundations of PET-CT’ program. This program provides continuing education opportunities for nuclear medicine professionals, particularly from developing countries, updating their knowledge and skills related to safety, technical and clinical practice. Heather continues to develop new courses for special interest groups.
With an on-going collaboration with the IAEA on several projects relating to education and training in nuclear medicine, Heather also collaborates with the Australia New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine (ANZSNM) on national and international training needs, and is a member of the ANZSNM International Relations Committee.
Qualifications & Achievements
Using her initial qualification in Therapy Radiography in Northern Ireland and later, as an accredited medical radiation scientist in nuclear medicine, Heather has worked in the clinical setting at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Westmead Hospital, Sydney. Having spent several years as a Nuclear Applications Specialist for General Electric Medical Systems in Asia, the need for education and training in developing countries was realized.
The Distance Assisted Training program for Nuclear Medicine Professionals was introduced during the '90s and continues to evolve on-line at www.datnmt.org. The 900hr program has involved over 600 participants in 35 countries and includes full translation to Spanish for Latin America and partial translations to Chinese and Korean.
As a member of the Australian New Zealand Society of Nuclear Medicine, Heather serves on several committees promoting education and training, delivering programs and providing training opportunities for NM professionals in the region. She has also acted in an advisory capacity on scientific committees for the World Federation of Nuclear Medicine and Biology and is a Member of the Asian Board of Nuclear Medicine.