‘Carpe Diem’: ‘Seize the day’. Embrace the moment. Recognise opportunity even in challenge

February was another “flying” month. Although shorter, it was full: events, deadlines, clinical work, and the constant ‘rhythm of Nuclear Medicine’. One thing is certain, life in our field is never boring. I am finalising this blog on the train back to Brighton from London after an excellent BNMS Molecular Therapy Consortium meeting in London, finally with a moment to pause and reflect.

Molecular Radiotherapy Consortium

The MRT Consortium meeting in London was one of the highlights of the month. It brought together our multiprofessional community, NIHR, RCR, cancer charities including Prostate Cancer UK and Neuroendocrine Cancer UK, patient advocates, and industry partners, all working tirelessly to advance molecular radiotherapy in the UK. What struck me most was the shared determination to push boundaries while keeping patients at the heart of every decision. 

Over the past year, we have seen a remarkable shift in national focus. The publication of the Cancer Plan, the results of the system wide NIHR review, and the renewed emphasis on clinical research delivery all point to the same conclusion: molecular imaging and therapy must be strengthened, expanded, and properly supported. This is not a niche ambition; it is a national priority.

A System Ready for Change

The Cancer Plan sets out a vision for earlier diagnosis, equitable access, and a research active NHS. The NIHR review reinforces this direction, highlighting the need for stronger translational pathways, faster study set up times, and sustained investment in workforce and infrastructure. These themes align directly with the work of this Consortium, and they signal that the system is ready for meaningful change. This is our moment to lead with clarity and ambition.

We heard about progress in preclinical research, radiobiology, the development of novel radiopharmaceuticals and emphasis on dosimetry. These scientific advances are essential, but they must be supported by a home grown supply chain that is resilient and future proof. The fragility of current provision is well recognised, and we cannot build a world class therapy service on a foundation that remains vulnerable to disruption.

That is why BNMS continues to advocate with regulators and government for strengthened UK radiopharmaceutical production capacity, improved logistics, streamlined regulation, and a coherent national strategy that supports both diagnostics and therapy. This is not optional; it is fundamental to the future of our field.

This month we celebrated the remarkable women who have shaped our specialty. Our webinar with past female BNMS Presidents was truly special. We even witnessed the dawn in Sydney through Gill’s window, who joined us from Australia - clearly, dedication to Nuclear Medicine keeps its own clock!  

We had fantastic attendance and lively interaction with our fabulous four:
• Dr Sue Clarke: Sue was a trailblazer in every sense. As the first female President of the BNMS, she opened doors that others could walk through. Her leadership helped define the professional standards and collaborative spirit that still underpin our specialty today. 

• Dr Mary Prescott: Mary strengthened the very foundations of Nuclear Medicine in the UK. She championed training, education, and the professional identity of our specialty. Her work on curricula and workforce development shaped generations of clinicians. Her legacy is one of generosity and transformative influence.

• Dr Gillian (Gill) Vivian: Gill guided the Society through some of its most challenging years. Her presidency coincided with financial pressures and organisational uncertainty, yet she steered the BNMS with calm resolve. Her role in securing the Society’s charitable incorporation was pivotal, safeguarding its future.

• Ms Jilly Croasdale: Jilly made history as the first female scientist to lead the BNMS. Her presidency was marked by decisive action during the molybdenum 99 shortage, when she brought the community together to protect patient access. Her energy, clarity, and commitment to collaboration strengthened our multiprofessional Society at a critical moment. 

Jilly’s talk on overcoming radiopharmaceutical production challenges highlighted the power of collaboration and resilience across our community.
Their stories, reflections, and humour created a genuine time machine moment, reminding us how far we have come and how much we owe to their leadership.

In Memory of Dr Muriel Buxton Thomas

No celebration of women in BNMS leadership would be complete without honouring the late Dr Muriel Buxton Thomas. Muriel was a pioneer of exceptional calibre, a clinician of rare insight, a friend, a mentor of immense generosity, and a leader whose influence shaped the trajectory of Nuclear Medicine in the UK. We remember her with deep respect, affection, and gratitude.

A Reflection on “Carpe Diem”

When I asked Gill what advice she would give to future generations, she smiled and offered two simple words: “Carpe diem.” There was something profoundly grounding about the way she said it, not as a cliché, but as a lived truth, an invitation: ‘Seize the day’ while it is here, while it is full, while it is yours to shape.

In Nuclear Medicine, where the landscape is constantly shifting, her message felt like a reminder to be courageous and present. To act with intention. To savour moments of progress, connection, and discovery. And to remember that the future of our specialty is built one decisive, purposeful day at a time.

On the International Stage 

EANM Member Societies Council (MSC)
I attended my first online meeting as a member of MSC, led by Professor Andor Glaudemans (The Netherlands), together with European colleagues Dr Donia Piciu, Dr Ziv Bar-Sever, Agata Pietrzak, Annalee Sekulic , and Isabela Estrada. Our discussions centred on planning for the National Assembly programme as requested by EANM Board, and shaping our priorities for the year ahead. I will be delivering a talk on our fifth pillar, Collaboration, at the upcoming EANM National Assembly in Vienna on 28 March 2026. In this first year, our aim for this pillar is to analyse and strengthen links between National Delegates and National Societies. I will share further updates at our AGM in Manchester following the National Assembly meeting.

SNMMI: Continued Education Sessions
A major focus this month has been planning our educational programme for SNMMI in Los Angeles. BNMS will be organising three sessions, and I look forward to sharing more details once they receive final approval from the SNMMI Scientific Committee.

A personal highlight this month was meeting Prof Ralph McCready at the Prince Alfred Pub, the birthplace of the BNMS. We are preparing a special surprise for you all: a celebratory video that will feature in our Opening Session at 60th BNMS Anniversary in Manchester and Opening Ceremony at SNMMI in LA, along with an accompanying article for the BNMS that reflects on our past, celebrates our present, and looks ahead to the future.