Internship Highlights

Minimum Duration: 2-weeks
Maximum Duration: 12-weeks
Availability: All year round except for August and the two weeks around New Year’s Day
Fees: Starting from $1,950
Language: The internship is conducted in English
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8am – 4pm
Location: Thessaloniki, Greece
Eligibility requirement: Must be 18 years old or over and preferably with least one year of undergraduate study completed, with a relevant scientific major such as biology, chemistry, neuroscience, behavioral sciences, physics etc. Interns must have a genuine interest in medicine and commitment to observation of both surgical and non surgical procedures.
University Credit: Cerca Abroad in cooperation with Webster University (Athens Campus) is able to offer a transferable US university credit option for this internship program. Learn more here.

Nuclear Medicine & Radiology Internship

This is an in-country shadowing program with provided shared housing and local team support.

Obtain valuable exposure to specialized fields of Nuclear Medicine and Radiology by interning in a dynamic medical environment equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic technologies. This program offers students the opportunity to observe and learn alongside experts in cutting-edge imaging techniques, radioisotope therapies, and advanced radiological procedures.

Program Overview

This internship provides a comprehensive introduction to two critical medical specialties: Nuclear Medicine and Radiology. Interns will observe procedures that utilize radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosing and treating complex diseases, as well as advanced radiological imaging techniques.

In Nuclear Medicine, interns will learn how radiopharmaceuticals are used to obtain scintigraphic images and perform microanalytical blood tests such as radioimmunoassays (RIA) and immunoradiometric assays (IRMA). Common diagnostic procedures include:

• Cardiac Scintigraphy: For assessing myocardial perfusion and viability after a heart attack.
• Bone Scintigraphy: Used to detect bone metastases, primary tumors, and orthopedic issues.
• Brain Perfusion Scintigraphy: To investigate conditions such as dementia, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Thyroid and Lung Scintigraphy: Essential for evaluating thyroid function and pulmonary embolism, respectively.
• Whole-body Scintigraphy with Iodine-131: To detect recurrences or metastases in thyroid cancer patients.

Interns will observe how medical professionals choose appropriate radiopharmaceuticals and protocols to target specific pathophysiological disorders, gaining insight into the clinical decision-making process.

In Radiology, interns will shadow experienced radiologists performing a range of preventive, diagnostic, and interventional procedures. They will be exposed to:

• Diagnostic Imaging: CT, MRI, ultrasound, and digital radiography.
• Breast Imaging: Mammography, tomosynthesis, and breast ultrasound.
• Interventional Radiology: Techniques including percutaneous angioplasty, embolization, thermocautery (RF Ablation), biliary drainage, and nephrostomies.
• Advanced Procedures: Interns will observe cutting-edge procedures like diagnostic venography, chemoembolization of liver tumors, and angiography.

Key Learning Experiences

• Comprehensive Diagnostic Imaging: Develop an understanding of various imaging modalities, including their applications and limitations.
• Radioisotope Applications in Medicine: Learn about the preparation and clinical use of radiopharmaceuticals in diagnostics and therapy.
• Interventional Techniques: Gain insight into minimally invasive procedures guided by imaging technologies.
• Clinical Observations: Interns will have the opportunity to observe patient interactions, protocol implementation, and clinical teamwork.

Why Choose This Internship?

• Exposure to Specialized Fields: Ideal for students interested in Nuclear Medicine, Radiology, or related disciplines.
• Advanced Learning Environment: Work in modern facilities equipped with MRI, CT, gamma cameras, and cutting-edge interventional tools.
• Multidisciplinary Interaction: Collaborate with professionals across various medical specialties, enhancing your clinical knowledge.
• Career Development: Build a strong foundation for future careers in diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiological sciences.

Who Should Apply?

This program is suitable for:

• Pre-medical, medical, and radiology students seeking hands-on observational experience.
• Biology, bioengineering, and healthcare technology students interested in imaging technologies and radioisotope research.
• Graduates planning to specialize in radiology, nuclear medicine, or diagnostic imaging.

Program Benefits

• Real-world Experience: Observe the practical application of advanced imaging techniques and therapies.
• Professional Networking: Connect with seasoned healthcare professionals and researchers.
• Enhanced Knowledge Base: Gain insight into innovative diagnostic tools and interventional radiology techniques.

Associated career paths:

Nuclear Medicine Technologist, Radiologist, Radiology Technologist, Interventional Radiologist, Medical Physicist, Oncologist (Radiation Oncology), Cardiovascular Technologist, Clinical Research Associate, Biomedical Scientist, Healthcare Consultant (Imaging Technologies), MRI Technologist, CT Technologist, Radiopharmacist, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Medical Laboratory Scientist