On this episode, hosts Scott Larrivee and Sarah Scouten sit down with Dr. Suzanne Lapi, Professor of Radiology and Chemistry and Cyclotron Facility Director at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
The conversation dives into Dr. Lapi’s multifaceted role in radiopharmaceutical research, isotope production, and academic training. She shares how her team at UAB develops and ships radioisotopes globally, advances novel radiopharmaceuticals through clinical trials, and trains the next generation of radiochemists—from undergrads to postdocs. Dr. Lapi also discusses the critical workforce shortage in the field, emphasizing the need for new training models and stronger partnerships between academia and industry.
Dr. Lapi highlights the importance of early outreach, the evolving academic mindset around careers in industry, and how radiopharmaceuticals are redefining cancer care through theranostics. The episode wraps up with a forward-looking discussion on what the future could hold for the field, the importance of sustained federal research funding, and why she believes we’re just scratching the surface of what radiopharmaceuticals can achieve.
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Time Stamps:
*(01:53) Suzanne Lapi’s Role at UAB
*(03:28) The Growing Field of Radiopharmaceuticals
*(04:45) Workforce Challenges in Radiopharmaceuticals
*(07:52) Industry and Academia Collaboration
*(10:08) Training the Next Generation
*(27:33) Exciting Developments in Radiotherapeutics
*(29:38) Future of Radiopharmaceuticals
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‘Talk Radioisotopes: Going Nuclear on Cancer’ is brought to you by Nusano, a physics company whose breakthrough technologies are poised to help supply the fight against cancer and enable innovation across multiple industries. Find out more at Nusano.com.
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Links:
Follow Suzanne on LinkedIn
Visit UAB’s Department of Radiology
