INSPIRE by EANM

Europe is experiencing a healthcare workforce crisis, jeopardising the future of patient care. High-quality cancer care, emphasised in Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, relies on a robust workforce. However, most healthcare occupations are currently in short supply, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the case of nuclear medicine, 21% of the nuclear medicine workforce is expected to reach retirement within 5 years. Addressing this shortage is crucial to ensure patients have access to life-prolonging treatments. To make this happen, the EANM strongly believes in investing in our future: the upcoming generation of nuclear medicine professionals.

To tackle this challenge and as part of its long-term strategy to safeguard the future of nuclear medicine, the EANM has developed a comprehensive approach through the ‘Initiatives in Nuclear Medicine to Support Professional Interest and Recruitment in Europe (INSPIRE)’.

Launched in 2024, INSPIRE by EANM is a comprehensive multi-tier programme designed to secure qualified future nuclear medicine workforce. INSPIRE by EANM aims to create an integrated framework of activities targeted at students, schools, universities, and other stakeholders to attract talent to nuclear medicine across Europe, thus securing the future of patient care.

Main objectives

• Improving recruitment by raising awareness
• Providing experiences and incentives
• Supporting innovation to enhance career appeal

INSPIRE by EANM focuses on 3 pillars to boost workforce recruitment in nuclear medicine. Each stage will be implemented sequentially to maximise outreach.

1) Engagement & Outreach

The first pillar aims to increase awareness to spark interest in careers in nuclear medicine and quickly engage Generation Z, who are entering the workforce. Social media and collaboration with student associations and patient organisations will showcase careers in nuclear medicine and promote the INSPIRE by EANM programme.

2) Education & Experience

The second stage involves addressing the gaps preventing a career in nuclear medicine. It includes in-person initiatives to provide hands-on experience in nuclear medicine at the (under)graduate level, offering real-world insights and practical exposure to the field.

3) Innovation & Sustainability

The final stage focuses on driving progress through transformation and knowledge creation and advanced, long-term objectives to enhance the appeal of nuclear medicine.

Fundraising is ongoing to secure the resources to:

• Develop the INSPIRE by EANM programme and strategy
• Support outreach activities
• Finance grant schemes for the EANM National Member Societies to implement local actions
• Organise dedicated events for students
• Subcontract any part of the planned activities that cannot be delivered by the EANM

The funding received for this project will be used to:

• Support experts involved in the programme
• Facilitate contacts with EANM National Member Societies for effective student outreach
• Finance grant schemes for EANM National Societies to support outlined activities
• Organise events for students and the programme’s target audience for networking
• Subcontract parts of the planned activities that the EANM cannot manage directly

The INSPIRE by EANM Exhibit debuted at our recent EANM’24 congress, thanks to the support of our industry partners Lilly, Novartis, Nusano, and Siemens Healthineers, along with contributions from leading experts.

• Immersive experience: Visitors explored the latest innovations in nuclear medicine through engaging exhibits.
• Guided insights: Knowledgeable professionals led attendees on a journey showcasing cutting-edge research and advancements.
• Inspiring impact: Positive feedback highlighted the exhibit’s role in bringing the potential of nuclear medicine to life.

As part of the INSPIRE by EANM programme, EANM Science Day introduced high-school and undergraduate students to the world of Nuclear Medicine, thanks to support from Lilly, Novartis, Nusano, and Siemens Healthineers.

• Inspiring welcome: Opening remarks by EANM President-Elect Paola Anna Erba set the stage for an exciting day.
• Guided exploration: Attendees enjoyed engaging sessions, exhibit tours, and a warm welcome from German Society of Nuclear Medicine President Michael Schäfers.
• Dedicated ambassadors: EANM ambassadors Ann-Christin Eder, Conrad-Amadeus Voltin, and Uwe Kampen guided and supported the attendees throughout the event.