Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Amer Shammas, Division Lead, Nuclear Medicine
As we approach the end of the academic year for the Department of Medical Imaging’s residents, many trainees in this year’s graduating class may be looking ahead to further education in radiology. That may include further specialty training through one of MI’s Fellowships or beginning another sought-after MI residency in Nuclear Medicine, a constantly evolving subspecialty with exceptional radiologists and leaders like Dr. Amer Shammas, Division Lead, Nuclear Medicine.
Dr. Shammas, who received his MD from Damascus University in Syria in 1996, has been pursuing radiology ever since, completing his Radiology Residency in Damascus before undertaking residencies and fellowships in nuclear medicine in Illinois and Pennsylvania in the United States of America. After coming to Canada, Dr. Shammas continued his medical education, completing a Pediatric Fellowship in Diagnostic Imaging through UofT. Since then, Dr. Shammas has held numerous positions within the Department, including Associate Professor and Division Head, Nuclear Medicine, Medical Imaging with UofT and Division Head & Former Program Director Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Imaging with the Hospital for Sick Children.
When deciding which subspecialty of radiology to pursue, Dr. Shammas said he was drawn to nuclear medicine in part for the significant role the specialty plays in diagnosis, disease management and treatment for diverse and wide-ranging illnesses, as well as therapy using radionuclide therapy. Since he began working in Nuclear Medicine, Dr. Shammas also notes how nuclear medicine has and continues to be at the forefront of technological advancements, making the ever-changing division an enticing option for radiologists interested in new technology.
Beyond diagnostics, nuclear medicine radiologists are also involved in therapeutic procedures called theranostics, which pair Nuclear Imaging with specific targeted radionuclide therapy, such as Ga68 DOTA DATE PET/CT and Lu177 DOTA TATE for neuroendocrine tumors.
“Nuclear medicine is a fascinating specialty,” Dr. Shammas says. “While radiology provides mainly anatomical imaging, nuclear medicine can provide functional imaging, combining anatomy and physiology with advanced imaging techniques, including dynamic SPECT, SPECT/CT, PET/CT as well as emerging PET/MR techniques. It’s a rapidly growing industry and has been very rewarding for me.”
Dr. Shammas also explains the integral role nuclear medicine radiologists play in the healthcare system, as they often combine advanced diagnostic imaging and therapy into their practice and cases, which span from cancer detection and treatment to disease management. “Nuclear medicine plays an important role for early disease detection, early response and therapy plan.” he says. “Nuclear Medicine specialists help to create better health outcomes for patients while alleviating some of the burden on the healthcare system.”
When it comes to MI’s nuclear medicine training, Dr. Shammas stresses a few key aspects that make the residency stand out against others, including ample research opportunities, diverse Clinical Exposure, and Comprehensive Training, as only one to two trainees are admitted to the two-year residency each year.
“Nuclear medicine is a rapidly growing but small specialty, as it requires highly skilled and trained physicians to be able to handle radioactive substances and use new technology with precision,” Dr. Shammas explains. “Because of this and the length required for training, residents of this program receive comprehensive training, which is hugely beneficial, especially for such a complicated specialty.” The large number and variety of procedures performed in each hospital allow the residents broad exposure to nuclear medicine specialty.
MI’s Nuclear Medicine residency is also certified by the Royal College of Canada, offering certification to residents who complete training. After residents complete both their Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine residencies, they become dual certified radiologists and Nuclear Medicine physicians. “When residents graduate the program, they’ll be able to work with all types of functional imaging and hybrid imaging like PET/CT, SPECT/CT and new imaging techniques and radiotracers that continue to develop, as well as ability to provide Radionuclide therapies” Dr. Shammas says.
The program also incorporates the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada’s new training initiative, Competence by Design (CBD), which includes resources developed by UofT’s Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME). The program’s curriculum also boasts ample learning opportunities through structured teaching rounds including clinical and basic science, as well as UofT’s Visiting Professor Program.
MI is currently recruiting to fill one vacancy in the Nuclear Medicine Residency and have extended the application deadline to June 21, 2024. Find more information on eligibility and how to apply on MI’s Nuclear Medicine Residency Program page.